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

It was his parents.

and responded mechanically, his attention drawn to

Laura, 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, but she seemed indifferent, her face rosy from the

barely registering his parents’ voices on the

honking behind him pulled him

He drove off quickly, but soon parked his car in the nearest lot and stepped out for

appear next

face. Dylan affectionately ruffled her

soon got into a black Hummer and drove off,

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

noticing Edwin's tall figure too, offered a light

all in the past. Don't dwell

simply nodded

his own car, his shoes and trousers wet from

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

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

by women. Vanessa had agreed to a partnership. Why was she at his home

my foot! I can hear other cars on the street. Come back now! We're all waiting for you for dinner!” After ending the call, Edwin lit a cigarette, sinking

Did it matter? He and

a wife, usually not overly demanding- Resolved, Edwin

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

Edwin playfully, “Quite the adventurer,

he quickly quieted

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 you and Edwin. We

freeloaders.” Vanessa

Peter looked confused.

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

for

fight? You're soaked! Even as an adult,

family interaction, feeling slightly like

the kitchen, Edwin discreetly followed

what you want to ask.” Edwin hesitated before

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

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

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,

Laura was one thing, but Vanessa bringing

evident, yet she had to maintain composure

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."

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

found

walked

world with an intense brilliance, enabling them to see

was not wearing

beneath a stylish dark blue cashmere sweater, appearing

the car door, her smile

his pocket, lighting one as the red tip glowed in the night. Vanessa, comprehending his unspoken message, chose not to press

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

harbor a trace

your attitude is a bit

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

2197 Vanessa, not quite ready to

enough?” Not outstanding enough? In your heart,

need for comparisons.” Vanessa was beginning to

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

partners, Vanessa,”

want to mislead your emotions. As for our engagement, you might want to reconsider it,” Edwin

bit her lip and

accelerated into the night, skidding slightly as it passed

lingered for a moment before eventually returning to the

busy cleaning up the table, while Peter and Lina, already clad in their coats, were ready

couldn't let him linger any longer, so she said with a smile, “It’s okay. Peter can drive. And Edwin, I'm not scolding you, but you should be more considerate toward your

girl to drive home alone in this snowy weather... Aren't you afraid your father will reprimand you later?” Edwin clearly

the situation, also joined in with a few words of

Mark observed his son with a profound

to accompany Peter and his wife outside. He exchanged a

with me upstairs.” With his hands in his pockets,

Mark paid no heed to her words. It was unusual for

slowly ascended the stairs. Edwin trailed behind, but he

Cecilia murmured, “Your

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