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.

driving aimlessly, considering stopping for a meal, when his phone rang.

It was his parents.

mechanically, his attention drawn

woolen hat, playfully engaged in a snowball fight with children. Her boots were damp from the snow, but she seemed indifferent, her face rosy from the cold

his parents’ voices on the

car honking behind him

his car in the nearest lot and stepped

appear next to Laura,

affectionately ruffled her hair and helped her

into a black Hummer and drove off,

seat, caught sight of Edwin. She

Edwin's tall figure too,

Don't dwell on it,” he

nodded in

into the distance. He returned to his own car, his

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

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

disliked feeling manipulated, especially by women. Vanessa had agreed to a partnership. Why was she at his home now? “I'm tied up with work,” he replied

Come back now! We're all waiting for you for dinner!”

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

choice for a wife, usually not overly demanding-

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

“Quite the adventurer,

a glance from Cecilia, he quickly quieted down, always respectful

offered

smiling 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

just freeloaders.” Vanessa

Peter looked confused.

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

I've spoiled her too much!” Lina then gestured for Edwin to

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

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

headed towards the

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

welll” Edwin ventured further, “And Laura and Dylan-How are they

some food into a plate, pressing it down firmly,

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

past with Laura was one thing, but Vanessa

yet she had to maintain composure in front of Vanessa

Edwin softly apologized.

warm light of the kitchen, he assured her in a low voice, “I'll stay away from Laura. And I'll speak with Vanessa." “That's for the best,”

mind drifting to the image of Laura laughing in the snow,

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

found it quite

left, Edwin walked her to her

hour, the pristine snow illuminated the world with

wearing a coat.

a white shirt beneath a stylish dark blue cashmere sweater,

car door,

one as the red tip glowed in the

business! Nevertheless, she hadn't

couldn't help but harbor a trace

you think your attitude is a bit too

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

not quite ready to drop the

I not attractive enough?” Not outstanding enough? In your heart,

and excellent. There's no need for

Can't you even humor me a bit?" Edwin stubbed out

business partners, Vanessa,” he reminded

your emotions. As for our engagement, you might

bit her lip and climbed into

night, skidding

moment before eventually returning to the hall.

table, while Peter and Lina, already

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

you afraid your father will reprimand you later?” Edwin

the situation, also joined in with

with a

wife outside. He exchanged a few words with them

in his pockets, Edwin followed his

Mark paid no

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

tones, Cecilia murmured, “Your father

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