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 phone rang.

It was his parents.

responded mechanically, his

was 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

his parents’ voices on the

car honking behind him

parked his car

Dylan appear next to Laura, easily dispersing the

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

got into a black

in the passenger seat, caught sight of Edwin.

figure

Don't dwell on

nodded

his own car,

disappeared, his mind swirling with one question — Were Laura and Dylan an item now? The phone

you coming?” Edwin's brow furrowed at the mention of Vanessa being at

manipulated, especially by women. Vanessa had agreed to a partnership. Why was she at his home now? “I'm tied up with

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

pondered cynically about Laura and Dylan. Did it matter? He and Laura couldn't be

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

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, were you?” “Just

teased Edwin playfully, “Quite the adventurer,

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

servant offered Edwin dry

Peter, ever forthright, said, “That kid's busy!” Lina, more diplomatic, added, “She has

think we're just freeloaders.” Vanessa offered

Peter looked confused.

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

for

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

observed the family interaction, feeling slightly like an outsider amidst

the kitchen,

want to ask.” Edwin hesitated before asking,

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

a

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.

but Vanessa bringing it up and being sarcastic

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

Edwin softly apologized.

voice, “I'll stay away

Yet, he felt disconnected, his mind drifting to the

was Christmas, and the house was bustling with a multitude of people,

found it

left, Edwin walked her to her

the late hour, the pristine snow illuminated the world with an intense brilliance, enabling them to see each

wearing

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

against the car

from his pocket, lighting one as the red tip glowed in the night.

of business! Nevertheless, she hadn't

but harbor

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

it's because

Vanessa, not quite ready to drop the

your heart, where do

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

to her? Can't you even humor

partners, Vanessa,” he

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

bit her lip and climbed

skidding slightly as

lingered for a moment before eventually returning to the

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

let him linger any longer, so she said with a smile, “It’s okay. Peter can drive.

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 few words of

his son with

accompany Peter and his wife outside. He exchanged a few words

upstairs.” With his hands in his pockets, Edwin followed his

remarking, “Don’t be too harsh!” Mark paid no heed

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

hushed tones, Cecilia murmured, “Your father

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

Comments ()

0/255