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.

mechanically, his attention drawn

a red woolen hat, playfully engaged in a snowball fight with children. Her boots were damp from the

Edwin watched, barely registering his parents’ voices on the

sound of a car honking behind him

quickly, but soon parked his car in the nearest lot

Dylan appear next to Laura, easily dispersing the

up her face. Dylan affectionately ruffled her hair and helped her up from

into a black Hummer and drove off, passing

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

Edwin's tall figure too, offered a

Don't dwell on

nodded

his own car, his shoes and trousers wet

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

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

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

cars on the street. Come back now! We're all waiting for you for dinner!” After ending the

about Laura and Dylan. Did it matter? He and

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

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, were you?” “Just watched a snowball fight,” Edwin replied with a slight

Edwin playfully, “Quite the adventurer,

2195 But at a glance from Cecilia, he quickly quieted down, always respectful of his wife in

servant offered Edwin dry

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 life. We're here

Vanessa offered a small

Peter looked confused.

so quiet, but you're really speaking up today!” Lina shot back playfully, “And you're usually so smart, but you're really thick today!” Peter Laughed, turning to Mark and

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

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

slightly like

towards the

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

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

out some food into a plate, pressing

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, she’s Long since settled that

was one thing, but Vanessa bringing it up

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

Edwin softly apologized.

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

in the hall. Yet, he felt disconnected, his mind drifting to the image of Laura laughing in the snow,

a multitude of people,

found it

left, Edwin walked her to her

with an intense brilliance, enabling them to see each other's faces

was not wearing

a stylish dark

the car door, her smile

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

business! Nevertheless, she hadn't anticipated

harbor

partner, don't you think your attitude is a bit too cold?” Edwin slowly

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

2197 Vanessa, not quite ready to drop the

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

and excellent. There's no need for comparisons.” Vanessa was beginning to feel

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

partners, Vanessa,” he reminded

to mislead your emotions. As for our engagement, you

bit her lip and

the night, skidding slightly as it

a moment before eventually

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

couldn't let him linger any longer, so

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

the situation, also joined in with a few words

observed his son with a profound and

outside. He exchanged a

his hands in his pockets, Edwin followed his father

paid no heed

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

tones, Cecilia murmured, “Your father appears quite

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

Comments ()

0/255