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

It was his parents.

mechanically, his attention drawn

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

a car honking behind him pulled him back to

parked his car in the nearest lot and stepped out for a

2194 Then he saw Dylan appear

lighting up her face. Dylan affectionately ruffled her hair

got into a black Hummer and drove off, passing

seat, caught sight of Edwin. She remained silent

tall figure

all in the past. Don't dwell on it,”

simply nodded

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

Were Laura and Dylan an item now? The phone in Edwin's car rang

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

by women. Vanessa had agreed to a partnership. Why was she at

shot back, “Work, my foot! I can hear other cars on the street. Come back now! We're all waiting for you for dinner!” After ending the call, Edwin lit a cigarette, sinking back

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

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

the family driver greeted him cheerfully, “The house is lively today, Mr. Owen. Mr. and Mrs. Garcia are here too!” Edwin, fixing his clothes, walked

teased Edwin playfully, “Quite the adventurer, aren't

2195 But at a glance from Cecilia, he quickly quieted down,

offered

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, added, “She has her life. We're here to enjoy ourselves and see you

think we're just freeloaders.” Vanessa offered a small

Peter looked confused.

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

much!” Lina then gestured for Edwin to take a

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

like an outsider amidst their

headed towards the kitchen, Edwin discreetly followed

“Ask what you want

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

a

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

Laura was one thing, but Vanessa bringing

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

Edwin softly apologized.

“I'll stay away from

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

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

found it quite

walked her to

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

not wearing a coat.

shirt beneath a stylish dark blue cashmere sweater, appearing both

car door, her

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

Nevertheless, she

help but harbor a trace

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

it's because

2197 Vanessa, not quite ready

not attractive enough?” Not outstanding enough? In your heart, where do I fall short compared

no need for comparisons.” Vanessa was beginning to

unwilling to even consider comparing me to her? Can't you even humor me a bit?" Edwin stubbed out his cigarette, offering

partners, Vanessa,” he

our engagement,

bit her lip and climbed into

accelerated into the night, skidding slightly as

a moment before eventually returning

while Peter and Lina, already clad

nuisance. She couldn't let him linger any longer, so she said with a smile, “It’s okay.

Aren't you afraid your father will

the situation, also joined in

Mark observed his son with

wife outside. He exchanged a few

his hands in his

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

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

murmured,

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