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

It was his parents.

mechanically, his attention drawn to a

was Laura, in a white down jacket and a red woolen hat, playfully engaged in a snowball fight with children. Her boots

registering his

behind him pulled

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

Dylan appear next to

his arm, laughter lighting up her face. Dylan affectionately

a black Hummer and drove off,

in the passenger seat, caught sight of Edwin. She remained silent

noticing Edwin's tall figure too,

Don't dwell on it,”

simply nodded

car, his shoes and trousers wet from the

one question — Were Laura and Dylan an item now? The phone in

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

a partnership. Why was she at his home now? “I'm

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

Dylan. Did it matter? He and Laura couldn't be

choice for a wife, usually not overly demanding- Resolved, Edwin

house is lively today, 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

teased Edwin playfully, “Quite

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

servant offered

lightly, said, “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 diplomatic, added, “She has her life.

might think we're just freeloaders.” Vanessa offered a small smile in

Peter looked confused.

up today!” Lina shot back playfully, “And you're usually

her too much!” Lina then gestured for Edwin to take

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

observed the family interaction, feeling slightly like an outsider amidst their warmth and

towards the kitchen, Edwin discreetly followed

said gently, “Ask what you want to ask.” Edwin hesitated before asking, “Laura's back in town, isn’t she?” “Yes,

doing quite welll” Edwin ventured further,

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 also need

Laura was one thing, but Vanessa bringing it

evident, yet she

Edwin softly apologized.

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

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 he

a multitude of people, yet

found

left, Edwin walked

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

was not wearing a coat.

shirt beneath a stylish dark blue cashmere sweater, appearing both

the car door, her smile

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

Nevertheless, she hadn't anticipated

harbor

don't you think your attitude is a bit

because I'm the client,

2197 Vanessa, not quite

enough?” Not outstanding enough? In your heart, where do I fall short compared to her?” Vanessa

excellent. There's no need for comparisons.” Vanessa

me to her? Can't you even humor

partners, Vanessa,” he

emotions. As for our

bit her lip and climbed into

night, skidding slightly as

lingered for a moment before eventually returning to the hall.

Peter and Lina, already clad in their

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

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

unaware of the situation, also joined in with a few words

his son with a

brief pause, Mark rose to accompany Peter and his wife outside. He exchanged a few words with

With his hands in his pockets, Edwin followed his

be too harsh!” Mark paid no heed to her words. It was

Edwin trailed behind, but he felt his sleeve being

hushed tones, Cecilia murmured, “Your father appears quite

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