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.

considering stopping for

It was his parents.

mechanically, his attention drawn

and a red woolen hat, playfully engaged in a snowball fight with children. Her boots were damp from the snow, but she seemed indifferent, her face rosy from the cold and

watched, barely registering his parents’ voices on

car honking behind him

soon parked his car

appear

to his arm, laughter lighting up her face. Dylan affectionately ruffled her hair and helped her up

got into a black

caught sight of Edwin.

figure

past. Don't dwell on

simply nodded in

car, his

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

When are you coming?” Edwin's

a partnership. Why was she

other cars on the street. Come back now! We're all waiting for you for dinner!” After ending the call, Edwin lit a cigarette, sinking

about Laura and Dylan. Did it matter?

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

Garcia are here too!” Edwin, fixing his clothes, walked into the

Edwin playfully, “Quite the adventurer,

a glance from Cecilia, he quickly quieted down, always respectful of his wife in

servant offered Edwin

Peter, ever forthright, said, “That kid's

think we're just freeloaders.” Vanessa offered a

Peter looked confused.

playfully, “And you're usually so smart, but you're really thick

too much!” Lina then gestured for Edwin to take a seat, helping him

captivated by a snowball fight? You're soaked! Even as an adult, you seem to forget your

the family interaction, feeling slightly like an outsider amidst their

the kitchen,

solitude of the kitchen, Lina’s expression softened, 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,” Lina

further, “And Laura and Dylan-How are they together?” “They're

she dished out some food into a plate,

girl was dropping hints, both openly and behind the scenes. She might know something. I

thing, but Vanessa bringing it up and

mother’s heartache evident, yet she had to maintain composure in front of Vanessa and

Edwin softly apologized.

of the kitchen, he assured her in a low voice, “I'll stay away from Laura. And I'll speak with Vanessa." “That's

his mind drifting to the image of

with a multitude of people, yet an oddly eerie atmosphere

found

Edwin walked

the world with an

was not wearing a coat.

a white shirt beneath a stylish dark blue

against the car door,

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

of business! Nevertheless, she hadn't anticipated Edwin being

harbor a trace

attitude is a bit too

it's because

Vanessa, not quite ready to drop the

Not outstanding enough? In your heart, where do

excellent. There's no need for comparisons.” Vanessa was beginning to

are you so unwilling to even consider comparing me to her? Can't you even humor me a bit?" Edwin stubbed out his cigarette, offering

partners, Vanessa,” he

for our engagement, you might want to reconsider it,” Edwin

her lip and climbed into

into the night, skidding slightly as

for a moment before

were busy cleaning up the table, while Peter and Lina, already clad

couldn't let him linger

home alone in this snowy weather... Aren't you

the situation, also joined in with

his son with a profound

to accompany Peter and his wife outside. He exchanged a few words with them

in his pockets, Edwin followed his father

her husband's stern expression, Cecilia couldn't resist remarking, “Don’t be too harsh!” Mark paid no heed to her words. It

Edwin trailed behind, but he felt his sleeve

hushed tones, Cecilia murmured, “Your father

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