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.

was driving aimlessly, considering stopping for a meal, when his phone

It was his parents.

mechanically, his

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

barely registering his parents’ voices on the

a car honking behind

parked his car in the nearest lot and stepped out for

Then he saw Dylan appear next

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

black

caught sight of Edwin. She

Edwin's tall figure too, offered

all in the past. Don't dwell

simply nodded in

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

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

here celebrating with us. When are you coming?” Edwin's brow furrowed at the mention of

to a partnership. Why was she at

now! We're all waiting for you for dinner!” After ending the call, Edwin lit a cigarette, sinking back into his

Did it matter? He and Laura couldn't be together

choice for a wife, usually not overly demanding- Resolved,

clothes, walked into the hall. Mark immediately commented on his wet attire, “Where

“Quite the adventurer, aren't

But at a glance from Cecilia, he quickly quieted down, always respectful of his wife in public

offered Edwin dry

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

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

Peter looked confused.

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

then gestured for Edwin

soaked! Even as an adult, you seem to forget your

observed the family interaction, feeling slightly like an outsider

the kitchen, Edwin discreetly followed

the kitchen, Lina’s expression softened, and she said gently, “Ask what you want to ask.” Edwin hesitated before asking, “Laura's back in town, isn’t she?”

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

she dished out some food into a plate, pressing it down firmly, she

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

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

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

Edwin softly apologized.

the warm light of the kitchen, he assured her in a low voice, “I'll stay away from Laura. And I'll speak with Vanessa." “That's for the best,” Lina said, leaving

disconnected, his mind drifting to the image of

was bustling with a multitude of

also found it

walked her to

the late hour, the pristine snow illuminated the world with an intense brilliance, enabling

wearing a

shirt beneath a stylish dark

the car door, her

drive me home, Edwin?" Edwin retrieved a pack of cigarettes from his pocket, lighting one as the red tip glowed in the night. Vanessa, comprehending his unspoken message, chose not to press

Nevertheless, she hadn't anticipated Edwin being so

help but harbor a trace of

don't you think your attitude is a bit too cold?” Edwin slowly exhaled a ring

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

2197 Vanessa, not quite ready to drop

In your heart, where do I fall short compared to her?”

and excellent. There's no need for

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

partners, Vanessa,” he reminded

for our engagement, you

lip and climbed

the night, skidding slightly as

a moment before eventually returning to the hall.

servants were busy cleaning up the table, while Peter and

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

you afraid your

also joined in with

his son with

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

in his pockets, Edwin

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

Edwin trailed behind, but he felt his sleeve

tones, Cecilia murmured, “Your

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