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 a meal, when his phone

It was his parents.

and responded mechanically, his attention drawn to 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,

his parents’ voices on the

sound of a car honking behind him pulled

but soon parked his car in the nearest lot and stepped out for

Then he saw Dylan appear next

affectionately ruffled her hair and helped

soon got into a black Hummer and drove off,

caught sight of Edwin. She

Edwin's tall figure too, offered a

the past. Don't dwell on it,” he

nodded in

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

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

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

manipulated, especially by women. Vanessa had agreed to a partnership. Why was she at his home now? “I'm tied

can hear other cars on the street. Come back now! We're all waiting for you for dinner!”

Dylan. Did it matter? He

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

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 been? You were not snowball-fighting with others, were you?” “Just watched a

teased Edwin playfully, “Quite the

he quickly quieted down,

offered

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.

freeloaders.” Vanessa offered a small smile in

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 his

Lina then gestured for Edwin

captivated by a snowball fight? You're soaked! Even as an adult, you seem to forget your limits.” Her words carried an underlying message, which Edwin

feeling slightly like an outsider amidst their warmth

Lina headed towards the kitchen, Edwin

expression softened, and she said gently, “Ask what you want to ask.” Edwin hesitated before asking,

How is she doing?” “She's doing quite welll” Edwin ventured further, “And Laura and Dylan-How are they together?” “They're

out some food into a plate, pressing it down firmly,

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 you anything, she’s Long since

Vanessa bringing it up and being sarcastic

she had to maintain composure in front of Vanessa and

Edwin softly apologized.

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

drifting to the image of Laura laughing in the snow, wishing he

multitude of people,

found it

walked her

the pristine snow illuminated the world with an intense brilliance,

was not wearing a coat.

a stylish dark blue cashmere sweater, appearing both handsome

leaned against the car door, her smile

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

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

harbor a trace

as a business partner, don't you think your attitude is a bit

spoke with indifference, saying, “Perhaps it's because I'm the client, and you're the

Vanessa, not quite ready to

In your heart, where do I fall short compared to

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

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

are business partners, Vanessa,” he reminded

our engagement, you might want to reconsider

her lip and climbed into

into the night, skidding slightly as it passed

lingered for a moment before

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

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

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

situation, also joined in with a

son with a profound

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

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

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

slowly ascended the stairs. Edwin trailed behind, but

hushed tones, Cecilia murmured, “Your father appears

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