Chapter 2201 Laura poured him a cup of coffee, her tone carrying a hint of apology as she mentioned that it was the only thing she could offer, given her lack of culinary skills. Mark accepted the coffee and responded with a touch of meaning.

“Cecilia isn't much of a cook either.” Laura gazed at him, her eyes still slightly red.

Mark chose not to dwell on the topic further. Instead, he opened the box of pastries he brought and encouraged her to eat them.

It was her favorite food.

Laura's Lips quivered.

Though Mark didn't explicitly mention it, Laura sensed that he had discovered her past connection with Edwin. As she nibbled on a piece of the pastry, she spoke in a soft tone.

“Uncle Mark, there's no longer any relationship between us. I won't ruin anything. I won't meet with him again. You can rest assured of that.” Angela's Library A profound sense of sorrow settled in Mark's heart.

Mark couldn't help but feel that he had failed in his promise to protect and care for her.

He couldn't deny that Laura had grown and flourished under Peter's guardianship.

She had not only thrived but had also developed remarkable talents.

Despite her success and talent, the presence of Edwin had clearly caused Laura significant distress.

Even in this moment, she was going out of her way to assure Mark that she wouldn't be a source of trouble or complications.

Mark didn't reply.

Instead, he offered her a cookie and spoke gently.

“It's not about that, Laura. Uncle Mark simply wanted to visit you.” Laura accepted the cookie and took a bite.

Then, she began to cry, her emotions finally spilling over.

No one could understand her feelings, no one.

The beginning of her relationship with Edwin had been wrong, and its conclusion had been nothing short of absurd. Even if they had shared an understanding of their feelings, circumstances had never allowed it to progress any further.

Laura silently wept, and Mark remained by her side quietly.

The paternal affection she had yearned for in her childhood, Mark could only provide in a limited capacity now, and he did so with all the sincerity he could muster.

Laura didn't cry for long.

Chapter 2202 She soon regained her composure and spoke in a subdued tone.

“I'm okay. In fact, I have a new boyfriend now, my agent, and he's really good to me.” Mark found it difficult to put his own feelings into words.

Ironically, on one hand, there was his own son, and on the other, the young girl to whom he owed so much.

ALL he could manage to say was, “That's good,” and then he tenderly ran his fingers through her glossy black hair.

She was pretty and petite, a type that Mark had never envisioned his brutish son being attracted to. It suddenly made sense why there had never been any genuine connection with Vanessa.

It seemed that Edwin's taste had been inherited from his father.

Outside, the snow continued to fall heavily, but within the confines of the apartment, warmth enveloped them.

As time passed, the issue was never raised again, and Mark chose not to broach the topic of compensation, realizing that it would be undignified and hurtful for Laura.

He simply kept her company, giving Laura the support and fatherly affection she had yearned for throughout her life.

‘When Mark left, it was nearly dawn.

Laura saw him downstairs. As Mark was getting into his car, he couldn't resist turning back and saying in a hushed tone, “Bring your boyfriend to meet me sometime. When you've decided to tie the knot, I'll take care of your dowry.” Laura nodded with a faint smile.

Outside, the winter cold had taken its toll, leaving Laura with a pale complexion and a red nose.

Mark urged her to go back upstairs, but Laura insisted on watching Mark's car until it disappeared before returning indoors.

Once back in her apartment, she made herself a cup of coffee and finished all the pastries Mark had brought.

After that, she felt too full to sleep.

Sitting on the sofa, she turned on the TV.

The room was warm, and right in front of her was the cup Mark had used.

Suddenly, Laura began to see things in a more positive light. She felt that everything wasn't as bleak as it had seemed. She wanted to find a boyfriend and live a life...

Mark drove back home through the heavy snowfall.

As he stepped into the villa, Mark's hair and coat were dusted with snowflakes. Edwin, waiting at the door, approached him and asked in a hushed tone, “Did you go to see her?” Mark sneered, his frustration evident.

“You dare to ask that question?”

Chapter 2203 Edwin pressed further, “What did she say?” Mark removed his coat and strolled into the hall, tossing it nonchalantly onto the sofa.

Still wearing a sneer, he replied, “She told me she's with someone else now. You better stay away from her! Since it’s over, you're not to contact her again,” Mark warned sternly.

“If your mother discovers this, I'll make sure you regret it” Edwin lowered his gaze.

Mark raised his voice, demanding, “Did you hear me?” Edwin smiled faintly and responded, “Didn't you mention she has a boyfriend now? So how could I possibly approach her?” Mark let out a soft hum and remarked, “Well, I can’t speak for you, can I? I really underestimated you before, but now it seems you're capable of any shameless act.” Having expressed his disappointment, Mark slowly ascended the stairs.

Edwin lingered in the living room for a moment before eventually returning to his own bedroom.

of the night, sleep

with Laura, particularly the three months they had lived together. Regardless of everything else, those three

sweetness in

and began to browse

smile, something he rarely believed himself capable of, gradually spread

a long while, Edwin came close to dialing

that she had changed her number, Edwin didn't find it difficult to obtain the new one. After much contemplation, he decided to send a

wouldn't receive a response, Edwin

he went to the

invitation, saying, “Mr. Evans, Miss Smith sent an invitation. It's for the charity auction next Tuesday. She would like

on my behalf.” Tina hesitated briefly before gently suggesting, “I've seen the auction items. There are two pieces of jewelry designed by Miss Evans,

Tina immediately handed

it, his focus fixated on the descriptions of the

camellia pearl brooch, and the other a conch shell pendant, both

in a flat tone, “Inform

walked out, leaning on

the confines of his office, Edwin found himself

blink of an eye, Tuesday

into a meticulously

appeared handsome and impeccably groomed, his complexion

swirling about his relationship with Miss Smith, they hadn't officially announced their engagement, had they?

a seat next to Edwin, dressed in a

is quite a challenge these days.” Edwin, casually flipping through the invitation in his hand, asked with a hint

brief pause, Vanessa mustered a strained smile and replied, “I'm

partner, not a woman who seems resentful and constantly complains. We should avoid emotional entanglements, don't you think?” “And what about sex? Don't you have

Vanessa blurted out, feeling her

have no such needs. If you feel compelled, you're free to seek companionship elsewhere to fulfill your needs. Just be cautious not to get pregnant.” “Edwin, you bastard!" Edwin leaned closer to

a good thing that you realize what kind of person I am sooner rather than later.” Vanessa

the corner of her eye, Vanessa noticed Laura and

Vanessa wrapped her arms around Edwin's neck and planted a swift kiss on his cheek. Her initial intention had been to kiss his lips, but she held back, fearing

was about to voice his displeasure when

was wearing a smoky grey

her delicate neck,

hair was elegantly swept up, adorned with a magnolia

by Laura's presence, thinking that she embodied the verse from

seated right beside Edwin, Laura

placed an arm around Laura's waist

We'll be relying on your strong support for Laura's designs later.” Edwin's gaze

slightly as he responded in a measured tone, “Certainly.” Dylan chuckled as he and Laura settled into

let go of her hand but leaned in to whisper something in her

avoid Edwin's gaze, found

just a seat away, separated by Dylan. She could even catch the familiar

Dylan, sensing her

an effort with

and radiant, her thick lashes making her more like a doll, adding to her tender

out, taking

if you're uncomfortable

Laura shook her head.

no need to

Edwin shared a past, true, but it was history

in Duefron, which was neither too large nor too small a city,

couldn't hide every

continued to hold her hand, noticing it was

his jacket and draped it over

him a soft smile, their eyes meeting Edwin's

gaze as Vanessa leaned in, commenting on the next

almost like a younger brother to her after all,” Vanessa said with a light smile, looking at

was not fond of

wanted her to design your wedding dress half

as her older brother, nothing less.” Vanessa, deciding not

that moment, the auctioneer introduced the pendant, starting the

at its center, surrounded by small diamonds dazzling Like stars in the sky, creating a fascinating

1.3 million, but Edwin quickly upped it to 1.5 million. That bidder countered with 1.8 million, likely

have stepped back in such situations, surprisingly bid

was thrilled. Designer pieces often fetched high prices, and they

it was at a

5 million,

be outdone, immediately

Dylan casually

when Vanessa began to show signs of unease. Vanessa hoped Edwin would secure the bid for her, yet she was

dollar,” a female

crowd turned to identify the bidder, all

fell silent upon seeing

legal field

seemingly having arrived during a break, stood in her formal attire. She

up, acknowledging

“I see you're with your girlfriend. I really like this piece. You wouldn't compete against me, right?” Edwin, familiar with Alexis’s ways of handling things, responded with slight irritation, “Of course

do you?” Vanessa, though a formidable woman

was known for her shrewdness, and in Duefron, it was common knowledge to avoid

to the stage to collect the necklace. She then approached Laura, delicately fastened the necklace around her neck, and chuckled at the stunned crowd, “It

his eyes in response to her playful

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