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 meal,

It was his parents.

mechanically, his

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 from the cold and excitement, fully immersed in

registering his

a car honking behind him pulled him back

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

Dylan appear next to Laura, easily

laughter lighting up her face. Dylan affectionately ruffled her hair and helped her up from the

got into a black Hummer and

sight of Edwin. She remained

tall figure

in the past. Don't dwell on it,”

nodded in

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

Were Laura and Dylan an item now? The phone in Edwin's car rang once more. This time, it was

Edwin's brow furrowed at the mention of Vanessa

to a partnership. Why was she at his home now? “I'm tied up with work,” he replied

waiting

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

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

family driver greeted him 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 with others, were you?” “Just watched a snowball fight,” Edwin

Edwin playfully, “Quite the

Cecilia, he quickly quieted down, always

offered Edwin

smiling lightly, said, “Since Mr. and Mrs. Garcia 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,

just freeloaders.” Vanessa offered

Peter looked confused.

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

much!” Lina then gestured for Edwin to take a seat, helping him

said with a gentle 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 carried an underlying message, which Edwin understood

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

towards the

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

“She's doing quite welll” Edwin ventured further, “And Laura and

a plate, pressing it down firmly, she handed it

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

past with Laura was one thing, but Vanessa bringing it up

she had to maintain composure in

Edwin softly apologized.

a low voice, “I'll stay away from Laura. And I'll speak

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

was Christmas, and the house was bustling with a multitude of people, yet an oddly eerie atmosphere hung in the

also found it

she left, Edwin walked

late hour, the pristine snow illuminated the world with

not wearing a

dark blue cashmere sweater, appearing both handsome

leaned against the car

as the red tip

Nevertheless, she

but harbor a trace

think your attitude is a

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

2197 Vanessa, not quite ready to drop

your heart, where do

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

business partners, Vanessa,” he

don't want to mislead your emotions. As for our engagement, you might want

her lip and climbed into the

into the night, skidding slightly as it passed

for a moment before eventually returning to the hall.

were busy cleaning up the table, while Peter and Lina, already

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 drive.

Aren't you afraid your father will reprimand you later?”

also joined in with

with a profound

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

his hands in his pockets,

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

trailed behind, but he felt his sleeve being gently

hushed tones, Cecilia murmured,

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