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

It was his parents.

and responded mechanically, his attention drawn

boots were damp from the snow, but she seemed indifferent, her

barely registering his parents’

sound of a car honking behind him pulled

off quickly, but soon parked his car in the nearest

appear next

lighting up her face. Dylan affectionately ruffled her hair

black Hummer and drove off,

sight of Edwin. She remained silent though, her

Edwin's tall figure too, offered a

Don't dwell

simply nodded in

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

and Dylan an item now? The phone in Edwin's car

Edwin's brow

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

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

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

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

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

teased Edwin playfully, “Quite

Cecilia, he quickly quieted

offered Edwin dry

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

just freeloaders.” Vanessa offered

Peter looked confused.

so quiet, but you're really speaking up today!” Lina shot back playfully, “And you're usually so smart,

then gestured for Edwin to take a seat, helping him

soaked! Even as an adult, you seem to forget your limits.” Her words carried an underlying

the family interaction, feeling slightly like

Lina headed towards the kitchen,

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,

her health? How is she doing?” “She's doing quite welll” Edwin ventured further, “And Laura and Dylan-How are

some food into a plate, pressing it down firmly, she handed it to

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

one thing, but Vanessa bringing it up and being sarcastic

up in Lina's eyes, a mother’s heartache evident, yet she had to maintain composure in front of Vanessa and everyone

Edwin softly apologized.

away from Laura. And

alone, Edwin stood silently, hearing the lively conversations in the hall. Yet, he felt disconnected, his mind drifting to

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

also found it quite

left, Edwin walked her to

pristine snow illuminated the world with an intense brilliance,

wearing

white shirt beneath a stylish dark blue cashmere sweater, appearing both

against the car door,

pack of cigarettes from his pocket, lighting one as the red tip glowed in the night. Vanessa, comprehending his unspoken message, chose not

business! Nevertheless, she

help but harbor a trace of

business partner, don't you think your attitude is a bit too cold?” Edwin slowly

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

Vanessa, not quite ready

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

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

consider comparing me to her? Can't you even humor me a bit?"

partners, Vanessa,” he reminded

mislead your emotions. As for our engagement, you might

lip and

night, skidding slightly

before eventually returning to the hall.

cleaning up the table, while Peter

“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

snowy weather... Aren't you afraid your father will

the situation, also joined in with a few words of

son with a

wife outside. He exchanged a few

his hands in his pockets,

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

stairs. Edwin trailed

murmured, “Your father appears

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