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 rang.

It was his parents.

mechanically, his attention drawn

with children. Her boots were damp from the snow, but she seemed indifferent, her face

watched, barely registering his parents’ voices on

car honking behind him

off quickly, but soon parked his car in

he saw Dylan appear next to Laura, easily dispersing

lighting up her face. Dylan affectionately

soon got into a black

caught sight of Edwin. She remained silent though,

tall figure too, offered

in the past. Don't dwell on it,” he

nodded

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

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

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

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

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,

cynically about Laura and Dylan. Did it matter? He and Laura

demanding- Resolved, Edwin finished his cigarette, started the car,

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 snowball fight,” Edwin replied

Edwin playfully, “Quite

at a glance from Cecilia, he quickly

offered Edwin

I'm quite surprised Laura isn't. She's quite a talented designer.” Peter, ever forthright, said, “That kid's busy!” Lina, more

Vanessa offered

Peter looked confused.

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

much!” Lina then gestured for Edwin to take

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

observed the family interaction, feeling slightly like an

the

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

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

into a plate, pressing

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 you anything, she’s Long since settled that debt.” Linas frustration was

was one thing, but Vanessa bringing it up and being

heartache evident, yet she had to maintain composure in front of

Edwin softly apologized.

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

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

was bustling with a multitude of people, yet an oddly eerie atmosphere

also found it

walked her

the late hour, the pristine snow illuminated the world with

wearing a

stylish dark blue cashmere sweater, appearing both handsome

leaned against the car door, her

lighting one as the red tip glowed in the night. Vanessa, comprehending his unspoken message, chose not to press the

nature of business! Nevertheless, she hadn't

harbor a trace of

think your attitude is a

because

Vanessa, not quite ready to drop

enough? In your heart, where do I fall short compared to her?” Vanessa

for comparisons.” Vanessa was beginning to feel

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

partners, Vanessa,” he

for our engagement, you might want

lip and climbed into the

into the night, skidding slightly as

before eventually returning to

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

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.

drive home alone in this snowy weather... Aren't you afraid your father will reprimand you

also joined in with

his son with

a brief pause, Mark rose to accompany Peter and his wife outside. He exchanged a few words with them before returning. He then gestured toward

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

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

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

Cecilia murmured, “Your father

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