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.

considering stopping for a

It was his parents.

and responded mechanically, his attention drawn

a red woolen hat, playfully engaged in a snowball fight with children. Her boots

Edwin watched, barely registering his parents’ voices on

sound of a car honking behind him pulled

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

Dylan appear next to Laura, easily

lighting up her face. Dylan affectionately ruffled her hair and helped her up

a black Hummer and drove

Edwin. She remained silent

noticing Edwin's tall figure

past. Don't dwell on it,”

nodded in

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

Laura and Dylan an item now?

celebrating with us. When 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 his home now? “I'm tied

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

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

was a practical choice for a wife, usually not overly demanding- Resolved, Edwin

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

playfully, “Quite

at a glance from Cecilia, he quickly

offered Edwin

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

Peter looked confused.

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

Lina then gestured for Edwin to

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

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

headed towards the

she said gently, “Ask what you want to ask.”

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

food into a plate, pressing

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, but you also need to handle Vanessa and her cryptic ways.

past with Laura was one thing, but Vanessa bringing it

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

Edwin softly apologized.

her in a low voice, “I'll stay away from Laura. And I'll speak with Vanessa." “That's for

felt disconnected, his mind drifting to the image of

and the house was bustling with a multitude

found it quite

Edwin walked her to

with an intense brilliance, enabling them to see each

wearing a

a stylish dark blue cashmere sweater, appearing both handsome

car door,

you going to drive me home, Edwin?" Edwin retrieved a pack of cigarettes from his pocket, lighting one as

Nevertheless, she hadn't anticipated Edwin being so

couldn't help but harbor a trace of

partner, don't you think your attitude is a bit

“Perhaps it's because

not quite ready to drop the

outstanding enough? In your heart, where do I fall

pretty and excellent. There's no need for comparisons.” Vanessa

Can't you even humor me

are business partners,

emotions. As for our

her lip and climbed

vehicle accelerated into the night, skidding

for a moment before eventually returning to the

servants were busy cleaning up the table, while Peter and Lina, already clad in their coats, were ready to

of the nuisance. 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,

drive home alone in this snowy weather... Aren't you afraid your father

situation, also joined in with a few words of

Mark observed his son with

rose to accompany Peter and his wife outside. He exchanged

upstairs.” With his hands in his pockets, Edwin

husband's stern expression, Cecilia couldn't resist remarking, “Don’t be too harsh!” Mark paid no

ascended the stairs. Edwin trailed behind, but he felt

hushed tones, Cecilia murmured, “Your father

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