Chapter 2191 Edwin watched their figures slowly vanish, staying silent, not calling out- He rationalized his presence, telling himself he just wanted to see her one last time.

Back in his car, Edwin received a call from Tina. Without hesitation, he instructed, “Cancel all my appointments for today.” Tina, surprised by his uncharacteristic disconnection from work, complied.

“Okay, Mr. Evans!” Just as Edwin was about to end the call, Tina added, “Oh, Mr. Evans, Miss Smith called. She said she couldn't reach you all night!" Edwin's brow furrowed.

Vanessa? He had nearly forgotten about her amidst everything.

After the call, he dialed Vanessa's number.

Vanessa, though a skilled businesswoman, adopted a playful tone with Edwin.

“Mr. Evans, you're quite elusive,” she teased.

Edwin was accustomed to such flirtations in the business world, where many women tried different approaches to catch his attention.

Vanessa's flirtation neither bothered nor interested him.

After a pause, Edwin proposed, “Let's meet” Vanessa agreed, though her tone lacked enthusiasm, aware that a business hour meeting was rarely a positive sign.

An hour later, they sat in a cafe downtown.

Edwin didn’t beat around the bush.

“Vanessa, we're not right for each other. I think it's best to end things here,” he stated.

Vanessa, her expression calm, tapped her porcelain cup elegantly.

Looking at Edwin, she remarked, “You're heartbroken.” Edwin's eyes narrowed.

“Have you been investigating me?” With a subtle smile, Vanessa took a sip from her cup.

Chapter 2192 “Naturally, I'd research a potential partner. Knowing about any deep connections helps me navigate.” Edwin urged, “Get to the point” Vanessa, appearing almost amused by the situation, continued, “Laura is quite attractive.

I imagine if not for family issues, you'd have chosen her-* Edwin, losing his patience, stood up to leave.

Vanessa abruptly softened her tone.

“Let's work together, Edwin. I need to take control of my family business, and you need a wife to keep you focused. If you can convince Laura to be your — lover, I'll look the other way.” Edwin's response was icy.

“She would never agree to that.” He was also adamant about not letting Laura be treated with such disrespect.

Vanessa's smile held a trace of sadness.

She had expected a refusal but was taken aback when Edwin acquiesced.

“Let's give it a year. If it works, we can consider an engagement.” Vanessa's lips curved in satisfaction.

“It's a deal, Mr. Evans.” Edwin didn't linger for more conversation. He left swiftly and sat in his car, deep in thought.

After a moment, he took out his phone and opened a photo.

It was of Laura, face covered in cream while attempting to make a cake on Valentine's Day, her laughter infectious.

Edwin had captured that candid moment.

He gazed at the photo for a long while, and then secured it in a private album.

Vanessa was correct. He needed a wife for social reasons.

As Christmas approached, Vanessa called, inviting him to celebrate the holiday together. Edwin, still at his office, pondered the invitation.

Holding the phone, Edwin responded with composure, “Happy Holidays! Unfortunately, I'm tied up with work. Let's plan for another time.”

Chapter 2193 There was a soft sigh from Vanessa.

“Understood. You're always so busy,” she remarked, a tinge of resignation in her voice. After the call, Edwin turned his attention back to his paperwork.

A knock came from the door. Tina's voice followed.

“Mr. Evans, it's time to head home.” Without looking up, Edwin answered distractedly, “I just need to finish this up. It's Christmas, isn’t it? You should head off early.” Tina's face brightened with a smile.

“Merry Christmas, Mr. Evans!” She left, her steps light and cheerful.

Edwin glanced up, catching a glimpse of her in a festive, elegant dress.

His thoughts momentarily drifted.

Christmas — What could Laura be doing? Was she still overseas? He scrolled through his phone, hesitating over a number but ultimately refraining from calling.

Rising from his desk, he put on his wool coat and exited the office.

ANGELA'sLIBRARY Outside, snow gently blanketed the streets.

The holiday spirit was alive, with couples sharing affectionate moments, a common sight in the festive season.

for a meal, when his phone

It was his parents.

his attention drawn to a

hat, playfully engaged in a snowball fight with children. Her boots were damp from the snow,

registering his parents’ voices on

car honking behind him pulled him

beep, beep- He drove off quickly, but soon parked his car in the nearest lot and stepped

2194 Then he saw Dylan appear next to Laura, easily dispersing

her face. Dylan affectionately

soon got into a black Hummer and drove off,

the passenger seat, caught sight of Edwin. She

tall figure too, offered

the past. Don't

nodded

watched their car vanish into the distance. He returned to his own car, his shoes and trousers wet from the snow. It

one question — Were Laura and Dylan an item now? The phone in Edwin's car rang once more. This

When are you coming?” Edwin's brow furrowed at the mention of Vanessa being

manipulated, especially by women. Vanessa had agreed to a partnership. Why

shot back, “Work, my foot! I can hear other cars on the street. Come back now! We're all waiting for

Laura and Dylan. Did it matter? He and

wife, usually not overly demanding- Resolved, Edwin finished his cigarette, started the car, and headed

plush villa in Duefron, the family driver greeted him cheerfully, “The house is lively today, Mr. Owen. Mr. and Mrs. Garcia are here too!” Edwin, fixing his clothes, walked into the hall. Mark immediately commented on his wet attire, “Where have you

playfully, “Quite the adventurer,

at a glance from Cecilia, he quickly quieted down,

offered

I'm quite surprised Laura isn't. She's quite a talented designer.” Peter, ever forthright, said, “That kid's busy!” Lina, more diplomatic, added, “She has her life. We're here to enjoy ourselves and see you and Edwin. We can’t always

think we're just freeloaders.” Vanessa

Peter looked confused.

really speaking up today!” Lina shot back playfully, “And you're usually so smart, but you're really thick today!” Peter Laughed, turning to Mark and

gestured for Edwin to take a

as an adult, you seem to forget your limits.” Her words carried an underlying message, which Edwin

the family interaction, feeling slightly like an outsider amidst their warmth

the kitchen, Edwin

and she said gently, “Ask what you want to ask.” Edwin hesitated before asking, “Laura's back in town, isn’t she?” “Yes, she is,”

quite welll” Edwin ventured further, “And Laura and Dylan-How are they together?” “They're good,” Lina

2196 As she dished out some food into a plate,

you. Your path is different now. It seems that Smith girl was dropping hints, both openly and behind the scenes. She might know something. I can

with Laura was one thing, but Vanessa bringing it

up in Lina's eyes, a mother’s heartache evident, yet she had to maintain composure in

Edwin softly apologized.

warm light of the kitchen, he assured her in a low voice, “I'll stay away from Laura. And

he felt disconnected, his mind drifting to the image of Laura laughing in the snow, wishing he could be there instead, even in the

with a multitude of people, yet an

found

Edwin walked her to her

late hour, the pristine snow illuminated the world with an intense

wearing a

white shirt beneath a stylish dark blue

car door,

home, Edwin?" Edwin retrieved a pack of cigarettes from his pocket, lighting one as the red tip glowed in

the nature of business! Nevertheless,

harbor a

you think your attitude is a bit too cold?” Edwin slowly exhaled a

“Perhaps it's because I'm the client,

2197 Vanessa, not quite ready

outstanding enough? In your heart, where do I fall short compared to

for comparisons.”

so unwilling to even consider comparing me to her? Can't you even

partners, Vanessa,” he

your emotions. As for our engagement, you might want to

bit her lip and climbed into the

skidding slightly as it passed

moment before

Peter and Lina, already clad

of the nuisance. She couldn't let him linger any longer, so she said with a smile, “It’s okay. Peter can drive. And Edwin, I'm not scolding you, but you should

drive home alone in this snowy weather... Aren't you afraid your father will reprimand you later?” Edwin clearly

unaware of the situation, also joined

Mark observed his son with a profound and

He exchanged a

upstairs.” With his hands in his pockets, Edwin

paid no heed to her

the stairs. Edwin trailed behind, but he felt his sleeve being

Cecilia murmured,

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