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

It was his parents.

his attention drawn to a

a white down jacket and a red woolen hat, playfully engaged in a snowball fight with children. Her boots

Edwin watched, barely registering his parents’ voices

behind

soon parked his car in the nearest

he saw Dylan appear next to Laura, easily dispersing

affectionately ruffled her hair and helped her up from the snow.

into a black Hummer and drove off, passing

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

Edwin's tall figure too, offered a light

in the past. Don't dwell

nodded in

his own car, his shoes and trousers wet from

appetite had disappeared, his mind swirling with one question — Were Laura and Dylan an

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

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

now! We're all waiting for you for dinner!” After ending

and Dylan. Did it matter?

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

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

Edwin playfully, “Quite the

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

offered Edwin dry

Peter, ever forthright, said, “That kid's busy!”

we're just freeloaders.” Vanessa offered a small

Peter looked confused.

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

her too much!” Lina then gestured for Edwin to take

tone, “Were you really so captivated by a snowball fight? You're soaked! Even as an adult, you seem to forget your limits.” Her words

observed the family interaction, feeling slightly like an outsider amidst their

Lina headed towards the kitchen, Edwin discreetly

softened, and she said gently, “Ask what you want to ask.” Edwin hesitated before asking, “Laura's back

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

food into a plate, pressing

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, but you also need to handle Vanessa and

Vanessa bringing

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

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

bustling with a multitude of people, yet an

found it quite

Edwin walked her to her

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

wearing

a stylish dark blue cashmere sweater, appearing both handsome

against the car door, her

his pocket, lighting one as the red tip glowed in the night. Vanessa, comprehending his unspoken message, chose not

Nevertheless, she hadn't anticipated Edwin being

help but harbor a

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

“Perhaps it's because I'm the

not quite ready to drop the

your heart, where do

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

are you so unwilling to even consider comparing me to her? Can't you even humor me a bit?" Edwin stubbed out

business partners, Vanessa,” he

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

bit her lip and

night, skidding slightly

for a moment before eventually returning to the

table, while Peter and Lina,

a ride.” Lina, far from desiring his company, was relieved to be rid of the nuisance. She couldn't let him linger any longer,

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

joined in with a few

observed his son with a profound

rose to accompany Peter and his wife outside. He exchanged a few words with them before returning. He then gestured toward

hands in his

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

the stairs. Edwin trailed

Cecilia murmured,

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