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.

quiet of the night, sleep remained

he had spent with Laura, particularly the three

sweetness in

phone and began to browse through the photos

a tender smile, something he rarely believed himself capable of, gradually

long while, Edwin came close to dialing her

her number, Edwin didn't find it difficult to obtain the new one. After much contemplation, he decided to

response, Edwin silently

next day, he went

Tina, his secretary, who handed him a stack of documents to review. Afterward, she presented him with an invitation, saying, “Mr. Evans, Miss Smith sent an invitation. It's

decline it 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, a brooch and a pendant. Perhaps Miss Evans will be in attendance as well” Edwin

2204 “Let me see the invitation.” Tina immediately handed invitation and the

his focus fixated on the descriptions of the two pieces of

a camellia pearl brooch, and the other a conch shell pendant, both described as exquisitely beautiful

in a flat tone, “Inform Miss Smith that I will be there on

She walked out, leaning on the door with a

confines of his office, Edwin

blink of an eye, Tuesday

changed into a meticulously

appeared handsome and impeccably groomed, his complexion

about his relationship with Miss Smith, they hadn't officially

in a stunning

a moment to see you is quite a challenge these days.” Edwin, casually flipping through the invitation in his

a brief pause, Vanessa mustered a strained smile and replied, “I'm not sure what you're getting

partnership, I accepted it. So, I was hoping to collaborate with an excellent business partner, not a woman who seems resentful and constantly complains. We should avoid emotional entanglements, don't you think?” “And what about sex?

blurted out, feeling her

maintained his composure and replied, “At the moment, I 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 Vanessa, creating an illusion of intimacy, but in reality, he was

good thing that you realize what kind of person I am sooner

the corner of her

a sudden move, 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 that

about to voice his

wearing a smoky

a wide neckline that gracefully exposed her delicate neck, and her slim waist could easily be cradled with just

elegantly swept up, adorned with a magnolia

presence, thinking that she embodied the verse from a poem, “raven hair flowing like silk.”

seats are over here!” Coincidentally seated right beside Edwin, Laura finally noticed him, her complexion turning

arm around Laura's waist and

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

he responded in a measured tone, “Certainly.” Dylan chuckled

her hand but leaned in to whisper something in

avoid Edwin's

away, separated by Dylan. She could even

Dylan, sensing her distraction, looked down

made an effort with her

her thick lashes making her more like a

out, taking her

can leave if you're uncomfortable

Laura shook her head.

was no

past, true, but it was history

other in Duefron, which was neither too

couldn't hide every time

understanding her stance, didn’t press further. He continued to hold her hand, noticing it was

he removed his jacket

their

averted his gaze as Vanessa leaned in, commenting on the next auction

you should support her; you're almost like a younger brother to her after all,” Vanessa said with a light smile, looking at the delicate and beautiful conch

not fond

“Her designs are always in demand. Remember, you wanted her to design your

she does call me, it would only be as her older brother, nothing less.” Vanessa, deciding not to embarrass herself further, clenched her fingers and remained

auctioneer introduced the pendant, starting

center, surrounded by small diamonds dazzling Like stars in

began, someone offered 1.3 million, but Edwin quickly upped it to 1.5 million. That bidder countered with 1.8 million, likely motivated by his wife's admiration for the piece.

typically would have stepped back in such situations, surprisingly bid

auctioneer was thrilled. Designer pieces often fetched high prices, and they had only expected 2 million

a

his bid to 5 million, causing

not to be outdone,

Dylan casually offered

show signs of unease. Vanessa hoped Edwin would secure the bid for her, yet she was wary of Laura drawing

million and one dollar,” a female voice

identify

fell silent upon seeing

in the legal field and rapidly gaining a reputation comparable to

her formal attire. She

looked up, acknowledging

like this piece. You wouldn't compete against me, right?” Edwin, familiar with Alexis’s ways of handling things,

do you?” Vanessa, though a formidable woman herself, wouldn't dare

known for her shrewdness, and in Duefron, it was

everyone, Alexis walked up 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 looks best on Laura!” With a wink at Edwin, she left an unspoken message hanging

eyes in response to her

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