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

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 cold and

registering his parents’ voices on the

a car honking behind

He drove off quickly, but soon parked his car in

appear next to Laura, easily dispersing the

to his arm, laughter lighting up her face. Dylan affectionately ruffled her hair and

black Hummer and drove off, passing

Edwin. She remained silent though, her

tall figure too, offered a light

the past. Don't dwell on it,”

nodded

returned to his own car, his shoes

his mind swirling with one question — Were Laura and Dylan an item now? The phone in Edwin's car rang

coming?” Edwin's brow furrowed

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

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

Did it matter? He and Laura couldn't be together

for a wife, usually not overly demanding- Resolved, Edwin finished his cigarette,

the family driver greeted him cheerfully, “The 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, “Where have you been? You were not snowball-fighting with others,

teased Edwin playfully, “Quite the adventurer,

from Cecilia, he quickly quieted down, always respectful of his wife in

offered Edwin

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

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

Peter looked confused.

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

much!” Lina then gestured for Edwin to

you really so captivated by a snowball fight? You're soaked! Even as an adult, you seem to

slightly like an outsider amidst

headed towards the kitchen,

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

further, “And Laura and Dylan-How are they together?”

a plate, pressing it down firmly,

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

one thing, but Vanessa bringing it up

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

Edwin softly apologized.

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

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 instead,

a multitude of people, yet an oddly eerie atmosphere

also found it

Edwin walked her

with an intense brilliance, enabling

not wearing a

sported a white shirt beneath a stylish dark blue cashmere sweater,

leaned against the car door, her

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 issue

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

couldn't help but harbor a trace of

you think your attitude is a bit too cold?” Edwin slowly

indifference, saying, “Perhaps it's because I'm

2197 Vanessa, not quite ready

In your heart, where do I fall

for comparisons.” Vanessa was beginning to feel

to her? Can't you even humor me

are business partners, Vanessa,”

emotions. As for our engagement, you might want to

bit her lip and

accelerated into the night, skidding slightly as it passed

for a moment before eventually returning to the

Peter and Lina, already clad in their

She 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

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

also joined in with

observed his son with a

brief pause, Mark rose to accompany Peter and his wife outside. He exchanged a few words with them before returning.

hands in his pockets,

be too harsh!” Mark paid

trailed behind, but he felt his sleeve

tones, Cecilia murmured, “Your

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