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.

for

It was his parents.

responded mechanically, his attention drawn to

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

registering his

car honking behind him pulled him back

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

2194 Then he saw Dylan appear next to Laura, easily

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

black

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

Edwin's tall figure too,

past. Don't

simply nodded in

He returned to his own car, his shoes and trousers wet from the snow. It didn’t matter

an item now?

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

Why was she at his home

Come back now! We're all waiting for you for dinner!” After ending the call, Edwin lit a

Did it

a wife, usually not overly demanding- Resolved, Edwin

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

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

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

servant offered Edwin dry

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 life. We're here to enjoy ourselves and see you and Edwin. We can’t always involve

we're just freeloaders.” Vanessa

Peter looked confused.

Lina shot back playfully, “And you're usually so smart, but

then gestured for Edwin to take a seat, helping him with his

you really so captivated by a snowball fight? You're soaked! Even as an adult, you seem to forget your limits.” Her words carried an underlying message, which Edwin

family interaction, feeling slightly like an outsider amidst their warmth and

the kitchen, Edwin discreetly

said gently, “Ask what you want to ask.” Edwin hesitated before

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

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

dropping hints, both openly and behind the scenes. She might know something. I can look after Laura, but you also need to handle Vanessa

with Laura was one thing, but Vanessa bringing it up

a mother’s heartache evident, yet she had to maintain

Edwin softly apologized.

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

silently, hearing the lively conversations in the hall. Yet, he felt disconnected, his mind drifting to the image of Laura laughing in the

a multitude of

also found

Edwin walked

world with an intense brilliance, enabling them to

was not wearing a coat.

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

against the car

to drive me home, Edwin?" Edwin retrieved a pack of cigarettes from his pocket, lighting one as

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

harbor a trace

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

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

2197 Vanessa, not quite

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

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

me to her? Can't you

are business partners,

our engagement, you might want to

bit her lip and climbed

skidding slightly as it

a moment before

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

a ride.” Lina, far from desiring his company, was relieved to be rid of the nuisance. She couldn't let him linger any longer, so she said with a smile, “It’s okay. Peter can drive.

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

also joined in

with a profound

wife outside. He exchanged a few

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

remarking, “Don’t be too harsh!” Mark paid no heed to her words. It was unusual

stairs. Edwin trailed behind, but he felt his sleeve being gently

Cecilia murmured, “Your father appears

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