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

It was his parents.

listened and responded mechanically, his attention drawn to

a snowball fight with children. Her boots were damp from the snow, but she seemed

registering his parents’ voices on the

sound of a car honking behind him pulled him

drove off quickly, but soon parked his car in the nearest lot and

he saw Dylan appear next to Laura, easily

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

a black Hummer

Edwin. She

noticing Edwin's tall figure

Don't dwell

simply nodded in

own car, his shoes and trousers wet from the snow.

his mind swirling with one question — Were Laura and Dylan an item now? The phone in

When are you coming?” Edwin's brow furrowed at the mention of Vanessa

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

now! We're all waiting for you for

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

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,

playfully, “Quite the adventurer,

at a glance from Cecilia, he quickly

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

Vanessa offered a small

Peter looked confused.

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

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

a gentle 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 carried an underlying message, which

slightly like an outsider

the kitchen, Edwin discreetly followed

you want to

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

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

this 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 ways. If Laura owed you anything, she’s Long since

with Laura was one thing, but Vanessa

welled 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.

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

in the hall. Yet, he felt disconnected, his mind drifting to the image of

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

also found it quite

she left, Edwin walked her to her

the late hour, the pristine snow illuminated the world with an intense brilliance, enabling

wearing

a stylish dark blue

leaned against the car door, her smile

drive me home, Edwin?" Edwin retrieved a pack of cigarettes from his pocket, lighting one as the red tip glowed in the night. Vanessa, comprehending his unspoken message, chose not to press the

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

couldn't help but harbor a trace

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

not quite ready to drop the

heart,

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

you even humor me a bit?" Edwin stubbed out his cigarette,

are business partners, Vanessa,” he

our engagement, you might want to reconsider it,” Edwin

and

the night, skidding slightly as it passed

a moment before eventually returning to the

while Peter

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

in this snowy weather... Aren't you afraid your father will reprimand you later?” Edwin clearly grasped

situation, also joined in with a few words of

his son with a

his wife outside. He exchanged a few words with them before returning.

With his hands in his pockets, Edwin followed

harsh!” Mark paid no heed to her words.

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

murmured, “Your father appears

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