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.

aimlessly, considering stopping for a

It was his parents.

listened and responded mechanically, his

in a white down jacket and a red woolen hat, playfully engaged in a snowball fight with children. Her boots were damp from the snow,

Edwin watched, barely registering his parents’ voices on

car honking behind him pulled him back to

quickly, but soon parked his car in the

he saw Dylan appear next to Laura, easily dispersing

laughter lighting up her face. Dylan affectionately ruffled her hair and helped

into a black Hummer and drove off,

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

Edwin's tall figure too, offered a light

in the past. Don't

nodded

his own car, his shoes and trousers wet

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

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

feeling manipulated, especially by women. Vanessa had agreed to a partnership. Why

other cars on the street. Come back now! We're all waiting for you for

Did it

wife, usually not overly demanding- Resolved, Edwin finished his cigarette, started the

his clothes, walked into the hall. Mark immediately commented on his wet attire, “Where have you been?

teased Edwin playfully, “Quite the adventurer, aren't

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

offered Edwin dry

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 you and Edwin.

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

Peter looked confused.

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

then gestured for Edwin to take a seat,

with a gentle tone, “Were you really so captivated by a snowball fight? You're soaked! Even as an adult, you seem

slightly like an outsider amidst their

towards the kitchen, Edwin discreetly

the kitchen, Lina’s expression softened, and she said gently, “Ask what you want to

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

food into a plate,

She might know something. I can look after Laura,

Laura was one thing, but Vanessa bringing it up

a mother’s heartache evident, yet she had to maintain composure in front of

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

he felt disconnected, his mind drifting to the image of Laura laughing in the snow, wishing he could be there

multitude of people, yet an oddly eerie atmosphere

found it quite

walked her to

world with an intense

was not wearing

shirt beneath a stylish dark blue cashmere

leaned against the car door, her

going to 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

the nature of business! Nevertheless,

but harbor a

is a bit too cold?” Edwin slowly exhaled

because I'm the

Vanessa, not quite ready to

In your heart, where do I fall short compared

for comparisons.” Vanessa was beginning to feel somewhat

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

are business partners, Vanessa,” he

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

her lip and climbed into

skidding slightly as it

for a moment before eventually returning

cleaning up the table, while Peter and Lina, already

said, “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 linger any

alone in this snowy weather... Aren't you afraid your father will reprimand you

situation, also joined in with a few words

son with a

his wife outside. He exchanged a few

in his

Mark paid no heed to her words.

2198 He slowly ascended the stairs. Edwin trailed behind, but he felt his sleeve

hushed tones, Cecilia murmured, “Your father appears quite

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