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.

stopping for

It was his parents.

responded mechanically, his attention drawn to a scene

a white down jacket 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

watched, barely registering his parents’

honking behind

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

Dylan appear

his arm, laughter lighting up her face. Dylan affectionately ruffled

black Hummer and

seat, caught sight of Edwin. She

Edwin's tall figure too, offered a

Don't dwell

nodded in

the distance. He returned to his own car, his shoes and trousers wet from the snow.

appetite had disappeared, his mind swirling with one question — Were Laura and Dylan an item now?

Vanessa's here celebrating with us. When are you coming?” Edwin's brow furrowed at the mention of

to a partnership. Why was she at his home now? “I'm tied up with work,” he

We're all waiting for you for dinner!” After ending the call, Edwin lit a cigarette, sinking back into his seat amidst

cynically about Laura and Dylan. Did it matter?

practical choice for a wife, usually not overly demanding- Resolved, Edwin finished his cigarette, started the

his clothes, walked into the

Edwin playfully, “Quite the adventurer, aren't

he quickly quieted down, always respectful of

offered Edwin dry

“Since Mr. and Mrs. Garcia are here, I'm quite surprised Laura isn't. She's quite a talented designer.” Peter, ever forthright, said, “That kid's busy!” Lina, more

freeloaders.” Vanessa offered a small smile in

Peter looked confused.

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

then gestured for Edwin to take

with a gentle tone, “Were you really so captivated by a snowball fight? You're soaked! Even as an

interaction, feeling slightly like an outsider amidst

towards the kitchen,

the 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

doing?” “She's doing quite welll” Edwin ventured further, “And Laura and Dylan-How

some food into a

should fill you up. But remember, what's in other’s plate isn't for 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 look after Laura, but you also need to handle Vanessa and her cryptic ways. If Laura owed

Vanessa bringing it up

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

Edwin softly apologized.

low voice, “I'll stay away from Laura. And

to the image

house was bustling with a multitude of people, yet an oddly

found it quite

she left, Edwin walked

with an intense brilliance, enabling them to see

not wearing a

a stylish dark blue cashmere sweater,

car door, her

pocket, lighting one as the red tip

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

harbor a trace of

is a bit too cold?” Edwin slowly exhaled a ring of

it's because I'm the client, and you're the

Vanessa, not quite

enough?” Not outstanding enough? In your heart,

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

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

are business partners, Vanessa,”

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

her lip and

the night, skidding

for a moment before eventually

servants were busy cleaning up the table, while Peter and Lina, already clad in their coats, were

and said, “Allow me to give you a ride.” Lina, far from desiring his company, was relieved to be rid of the nuisance. She couldn't let him linger any longer, so she said

in this snowy weather... Aren't you afraid your

also joined in with a few

son with a

to accompany Peter and his wife outside. He

in

paid no heed

the stairs. Edwin trailed behind, but he felt his

Cecilia murmured, “Your father appears quite

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