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.

aimlessly, considering stopping for a meal,

It was his parents.

his

a snowball fight with children. Her boots were damp from the snow, but she seemed indifferent,

barely registering his

sound of a car honking behind him pulled him back to

beep- He drove off quickly, but soon parked his car in the nearest lot

Then he saw Dylan appear next to Laura, easily dispersing the

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

got into a black

of Edwin. She remained silent though, her lips pressed

noticing Edwin's tall figure too, offered a

Don't

simply nodded

the distance. He returned to his own car, his shoes

and Dylan an item now? The phone in Edwin's

When are you coming?” Edwin's brow furrowed at

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

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

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

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

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

Edwin playfully, “Quite the adventurer,

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

servant offered Edwin

designer.” Peter, ever forthright, said, “That kid's busy!” Lina, more diplomatic, added, “She has her life. We're here to enjoy ourselves

Vanessa

Peter looked confused.

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

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

Even as an adult, you seem to forget your limits.” Her words carried an underlying message, which Edwin

interaction, feeling slightly like

Lina headed towards the kitchen, Edwin

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

health? How is she doing?” “She's doing quite welll” Edwin ventured further, “And Laura and Dylan-How are

food into a plate, pressing it

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. If Laura

thing, but Vanessa bringing it up and being sarcastic

heartache evident, yet she had to maintain composure

Edwin softly apologized.

“I'll stay away from Laura. And I'll speak with Vanessa." “That's

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,

Christmas, and the house was bustling with a multitude

found it

she left, Edwin walked her

illuminated the world with an intense brilliance, enabling them to see each other's faces

wearing

stylish dark blue cashmere

car

retrieved a pack of cigarettes from his pocket, lighting one as the

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

harbor a trace

is a bit too cold?” Edwin slowly

saying, “Perhaps it's because

2197 Vanessa, not quite

attractive enough?” Not outstanding enough? In your heart, where do

excellent. There's no need for comparisons.”

Can't you even humor

are business partners,

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

lip and climbed into

into the night, skidding slightly as it passed through

moment before eventually

up the table, while Peter and Lina, already clad in their

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 drive. And Edwin, I'm not scolding

this snowy weather... Aren't you afraid your father will reprimand you later?” Edwin clearly

situation, also joined in with a few

his son with a

a brief pause, Mark rose to accompany Peter and his wife outside. He exchanged

hands in his pockets,

be too harsh!” Mark paid no heed to

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

Cecilia murmured, “Your father appears quite

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