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.

was driving aimlessly, considering stopping for

It was his parents.

mechanically, his

a red woolen hat, playfully engaged in a snowball fight with children. Her boots

barely registering his

behind him pulled him

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

Then he saw Dylan appear next

laughter lighting up her face. Dylan affectionately ruffled her hair and helped her up from

a black Hummer and drove

in the passenger seat, caught sight of Edwin. She remained silent though, her lips pressed

tall figure too, offered a

Don't dwell on it,”

nodded in

the distance. He returned to his own car, his shoes and trousers wet from the snow. It didn’t matter to

disappeared, his mind swirling with one question — Were Laura and Dylan an item now? The phone in Edwin's car rang once more. This

us. When are you coming?” Edwin's brow furrowed

especially by women. Vanessa had agreed to a partnership. Why was she at his home

shot back, “Work, my foot! I can hear 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 back into his seat

Laura and Dylan. Did it matter? He and Laura

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

Mrs. Garcia are here too!” Edwin, fixing his clothes, walked into the hall. Mark immediately commented on his wet attire, “Where have you been? You were not snowball-fighting with others, were you?” “Just watched

Edwin playfully, “Quite the adventurer, aren't

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

servant offered

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

we're just freeloaders.” Vanessa offered a

Peter looked confused.

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

then gestured for Edwin to take a seat, helping him

tone, “Were you really so captivated by a snowball fight? You're soaked! Even as an adult, you seem to forget your limits.” Her words

family interaction, feeling slightly like an outsider amidst their warmth

the kitchen, Edwin

solitude of the kitchen, Lina’s expression softened, and she said gently, “Ask what you want to ask.” Edwin hesitated

is she doing?” “She's doing quite welll” Edwin ventured further,

2196 As she dished out some food into a plate, pressing it down firmly, she handed it to

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

thing, but Vanessa bringing

evident, yet she had to maintain composure

Edwin softly apologized.

“I'll stay away from Laura. And I'll speak with Vanessa." “That's for the

the hall. Yet, he felt disconnected, his mind drifting to the image of Laura laughing in the snow, wishing

was Christmas, and the house was bustling with a multitude of people, yet an oddly eerie atmosphere hung in the

found it

walked

illuminated the world with an intense brilliance, enabling them to see each other's faces

was not wearing a

beneath a stylish dark blue

against the car door, her smile

cigarettes from his pocket, lighting one as the red tip glowed in the

was the nature of business! Nevertheless,

couldn't help but harbor a trace of

is a bit too cold?”

with indifference, saying, “Perhaps it's because I'm the client,

2197 Vanessa, not quite ready to drop

heart, where do

no need for comparisons.”

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

are business partners, Vanessa,” he

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

lip and climbed

night, skidding slightly as it passed through the

before

cleaning up the table, while Peter and Lina,

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 with a smile, “It’s okay. Peter can drive. And Edwin, I'm not scolding you, but you should

you

the situation, also joined in with

observed his son with a profound

He exchanged a

with me upstairs.” With his hands in his pockets, Edwin followed

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

He slowly ascended the stairs. Edwin trailed behind, but he felt his

hushed tones, Cecilia murmured,

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