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.

stopping for a meal, when his phone

It was his parents.

listened and responded mechanically, his attention drawn

in a snowball fight with children. Her boots were damp from the snow, but she seemed indifferent, her face

registering his

a car honking behind him pulled him back

his car in the nearest lot and stepped out for

2194 Then he saw Dylan appear next to Laura, easily dispersing the

arm, laughter lighting up her face. Dylan affectionately ruffled her

into a black Hummer and drove off, passing

the passenger seat, caught sight of Edwin. She

figure too, offered a light

Don't dwell on it,”

nodded in

their car vanish into the distance. He returned to his own car, his shoes and trousers wet from the snow. It

Dylan an item now? The phone in Edwin's car rang once more.

are you coming?” Edwin's brow furrowed at the mention

Vanessa had agreed to a partnership. Why was she at

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

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

a wife, usually not overly demanding- Resolved, Edwin finished his cigarette, started the car,

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 watched a snowball fight,” Edwin replied

“Quite

Cecilia, he quickly quieted

offered

forthright, said, “That kid's busy!” Lina, more diplomatic, added, “She has her life. We're here to enjoy ourselves

just freeloaders.” Vanessa offered

Peter looked confused.

back playfully, “And you're usually

gestured for Edwin to take a seat, helping him with

an adult, you seem to forget your limits.”

observed the family interaction, feeling slightly like an outsider

towards the

solitude of the kitchen, Lina’s expression softened, and she said gently, “Ask what you want

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

a plate, pressing it down firmly,

should fill 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,

was one thing, but Vanessa bringing

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

Edwin softly apologized.

kitchen, he assured her in a low voice, “I'll stay away from Laura. And I'll speak with Vanessa." “That's for the best,” Lina said, leaving

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

bustling with a multitude of people, yet

also found it

she left, Edwin walked her to

snow illuminated the world with an

was not wearing

a stylish dark blue cashmere

against the car

pack of cigarettes from his pocket, lighting one as the red tip glowed in the night. Vanessa, comprehending his

nature of business! Nevertheless,

help but harbor

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

“Perhaps it's because I'm the

2197 Vanessa, not quite

enough? In your heart, where do I fall short compared

no need for comparisons.” Vanessa was beginning

to her? Can't you even humor me a bit?" Edwin stubbed out

are business partners,

for our engagement,

lip and climbed

night, skidding slightly as it passed through the

a moment before eventually returning to the

the servants were busy cleaning up the table, while Peter and

his coat and said, “Allow me to give you 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

this snowy weather... Aren't you afraid your father will reprimand you

joined in with

his son with a profound and

He exchanged a few words with them before returning. He then gestured toward

upstairs.” With his hands in

paid no heed to

He slowly ascended the stairs. Edwin trailed

tones, Cecilia murmured,

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