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

It was his parents.

and responded mechanically, his attention drawn to 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

Edwin watched, barely registering his parents’ voices

a car honking behind

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

Dylan appear next to Laura, easily dispersing

to his arm, laughter lighting up her face. Dylan affectionately ruffled her hair and

got into a black Hummer

caught sight of Edwin. She remained silent though,

Edwin's tall figure too, offered

in the past. Don't dwell

nodded

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

swirling with one question — Were Laura and Dylan an

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

women. Vanessa had agreed to a partnership. Why was she at his home now? “I'm tied

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

Did it matter? He and Laura couldn't

not overly demanding-

he arrived at a plush villa in Duefron, 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 into the hall. Mark immediately

“Quite

glance from Cecilia, he quickly quieted down,

servant offered

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

freeloaders.” Vanessa

Peter looked confused.

you're really speaking up today!” Lina shot back playfully, “And you're usually so smart, but you're really thick today!” Peter Laughed, turning to Mark and his

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

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

the family interaction, feeling slightly like an outsider amidst

the kitchen, Edwin discreetly

what you want to ask.” Edwin hesitated before

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

dished out some food into a plate, pressing it

isn't for you. Your path is different now. It seems that Smith girl was dropping hints, both openly and behind the scenes. She

but Vanessa bringing it up

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

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

to the

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

also found

walked her to her

illuminated the world with an intense brilliance, enabling them

wearing

white shirt beneath a stylish dark blue cashmere sweater,

the car

one as the red tip glowed in

nature of business! Nevertheless, she hadn't anticipated Edwin being so

but harbor

is a bit too cold?”

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

Vanessa, not quite ready

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

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

to even consider comparing me to her? Can't you even humor me a

are business partners, Vanessa,” he

for our engagement, you might want to reconsider

her lip and climbed

the night, skidding slightly

for a moment before eventually returning to the hall.

cleaning up the table, while Peter

retrieved his coat and said, “Allow me 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

home alone in this snowy weather... Aren't you afraid your father will reprimand you later?”

of the situation, also joined in with a

observed his son with

rose to accompany Peter and his wife outside. He exchanged a few words

his hands in his pockets, Edwin followed

too harsh!” Mark paid no heed to her words. It was unusual for him not

Edwin trailed behind, but

tones, Cecilia murmured, “Your father

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