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 a meal, when his phone

It was his parents.

responded mechanically, his attention drawn to

children. Her boots were damp from the snow, but she seemed indifferent,

barely registering his parents’

honking behind him pulled him back

quickly, but soon parked his car in the nearest

Dylan appear next to Laura,

arm, laughter lighting up her face. Dylan affectionately ruffled

into a black

of Edwin. She remained silent though, her lips pressed

Edwin's tall figure too, offered a

Don't dwell on it,” he

nodded

their car vanish into the distance. He returned to his own car, his

one question — Were Laura and Dylan an item now? The phone in

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

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

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

Did it matter? He and

overly demanding- Resolved, Edwin

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 playfully, “Quite the

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

offered Edwin dry

talented designer.” Peter, ever forthright, said, “That kid's busy!” Lina, more diplomatic,

freeloaders.” Vanessa offered

Peter looked confused.

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

Lina then gestured for Edwin

said with a gentle tone, “Were you really so captivated by a snowball fight? You're soaked! Even as an adult,

like an outsider amidst their

towards the

“Ask what you want to ask.”

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

into a plate, pressing it down firmly, she handed it to

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

Laura was one thing, but Vanessa bringing it up and being

Lina's eyes, a mother’s heartache evident, yet she had to

Edwin softly apologized.

“I'll stay away from Laura. And I'll

stood silently, hearing the lively conversations in the hall. Yet, he felt disconnected, his mind drifting to the image of Laura laughing in the snow, wishing he could be there instead, even

the house was bustling with a multitude of people, yet an oddly eerie

also found it

Edwin walked her to

snow illuminated the world with an

wearing a

a white shirt beneath a stylish dark blue

the car door,

to drive me home, Edwin?" Edwin retrieved a pack of cigarettes from his pocket, lighting one as the red tip glowed in the

business! Nevertheless, she hadn't anticipated Edwin

harbor a

think your attitude is a bit too cold?” Edwin slowly exhaled a

“Perhaps it's because I'm the client, and you're the

not quite ready to drop

Not outstanding enough? In your heart, where do I fall short compared to her?”

There's no need for

unwilling to even consider comparing me to her? Can't you

partners, Vanessa,” he reminded

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

bit her lip and climbed into the

accelerated into the night, skidding slightly as it passed

before eventually

Peter and Lina,

She couldn't let him linger any longer, so she said with a smile, “It’s okay. Peter can drive. And Edwin, I'm not scolding you,

you afraid your

unaware of the situation, also joined in with a few

with

and his wife outside. He exchanged a

me upstairs.” With his hands in

paid no heed to her words. It was unusual for him not to Listen to

2198 He slowly ascended the stairs. Edwin trailed behind, but he felt

tones, Cecilia murmured, “Your father appears

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