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 his phone

It was his parents.

and responded mechanically, his attention drawn to

in a snowball fight with children. Her boots were damp from the snow, but she seemed indifferent, her face rosy from the cold and excitement, fully

barely registering his parents’

honking behind him pulled him back to

car in the nearest

saw Dylan appear

clung to his arm, laughter lighting up her face. Dylan affectionately

soon got into a black Hummer and drove off, passing

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

figure too, offered a

all in the past. Don't dwell

nodded

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

an item now?

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

manipulated, especially by women. Vanessa had agreed to a partnership. Why was she at his home now?

shot back, “Work, my foot! I can hear other cars on the street. Come back now! We're all waiting

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

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

are here too!” Edwin, fixing his clothes, walked into the hall. Mark immediately commented on

playfully, “Quite the

Cecilia, he quickly quieted down, always respectful of

servant offered Edwin

quite surprised Laura isn't. She's quite a talented designer.” Peter, ever forthright, said, “That kid's

freeloaders.” Vanessa offered a

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!” Peter

for Edwin to take a seat, helping him with

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

feeling slightly like an outsider amidst their warmth and

towards the kitchen, Edwin discreetly

what you want to ask.” Edwin hesitated before asking, “Laura's back in town,

“She's doing quite welll” Edwin ventured further, “And Laura

dished out some food into a plate,

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,

was one thing, but Vanessa bringing it up

in Lina's eyes, a mother’s heartache evident, yet she had to maintain composure in front

Edwin softly apologized.

kitchen, he assured her in a low voice, “I'll stay away from Laura. And I'll speak with

Edwin stood 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 could be there

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

also found

she left, Edwin walked

pristine snow illuminated the world with an intense

not wearing a

stylish dark blue cashmere

against the car door,

retrieved a pack of cigarettes from his pocket, lighting one as the red tip glowed in the night. Vanessa,

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

couldn't help but harbor a trace

is a bit

it's because I'm the

2197 Vanessa, not quite

enough?” Not outstanding enough? In your heart, where do I fall

need for comparisons.” Vanessa was beginning

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

partners, Vanessa,” he

As for our engagement, you might want to reconsider it,”

bit her lip and

accelerated into the night, skidding slightly as it passed through

for a moment before eventually returning

servants were busy cleaning up the table, while Peter and Lina, already clad in

nuisance. She couldn't let him linger any longer, so she said with a smile, “It’s okay.

this snowy weather... Aren't you afraid your

situation, also joined in with a

his son with a

Mark rose to accompany Peter and his wife outside. He exchanged a few

hands in his pockets, Edwin

Mark paid no heed to her words. It

Edwin trailed behind, but he felt his sleeve

tones, Cecilia murmured,

The Novel will be updated daily. Come back and continue reading tomorrow, everyone!

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