Chapter 2221 “I can't even bring myself to raise my voice at her, and you think you have the right to humiliate her? Vanessa, there's no second chance for you.” With a definitive slam, he shut the car door, accidentally trapping Vanessa's fingers briefly, turning them purple.

Edwin then drove off, leaving behind a trail of Vanessa's curses.

About five minutes later, Edwin received an angry call from Mark.

“You idiot, do you think marriage is a game? Cancelling an engagement just like that? Get back here right now!” Mark's voice was laden with fury.

Edwin's grip on the steering wheel was tight, betraying the tension that contrasted with his seemingly casual tone.

“It's already what it is. My coming back won't change anything,” he said.

On the other end of the phone, Mark cursed in frustration, “Damn it!" Annoyed, Edwin ended the call abruptly. He pulled up to a red light, his car halting with a screech. As he watched the numbers on the traffic signal count down, his gaze was distant, lost in thought.

ANGELA'sLIBRARY He had made an effort.

After breaking up with Laura, he had tried to move on with Vanessa.

But even her beauty left him feeling nothing. The thought of a lifetime with her, even in a distant, separate living arrangement, didn't appeal to him.

He couldn't fathom having children with her.

Laura had been his first and only significant romantic experience.

They had shared many firsts. Everything had felt right with her, and he had never seriously considered anyone else. Perhaps his lack of interest in other relationships stemmed from being wholly satisfied by her.

Leaning back, Edwin's head thudded softly against the headrest.

A honk from a car behind him snapped him back to reality as the light turned green.

He drove on, reaching his company’s parking lot.

After parking, he hesitated for a moment before dialing Laura's number. She didn't answer, leaving him to wonder if she was upset or crying.

Running his fingers over his phone, Edwin was a mix of annoyance and confusion.

He decided to call Alexis. The phone was answered promptly.

“Take Laura out for dinner,” he said tersely.

Alexis responded with a light chuckle, “Why should I spending time cheering your girl?” Edwin's tone was frigid as he spoke. \

Chapter 2222 “Marcus has always been after a certain oil drilling project, hasn't he? I'll let him have it." Alexis, intrigued, asked, “But why should I get involved? That's a gain for Marcus.” Edwin's frustration was palpable.

“Just name your price, I'll meet it” Alexis agreed, much to his relief.

After the call, he sat lost in thought.

He knew his love for Laura was genuine, yet he also recognized the limitations of what he could offer her. Even without Vanessa in the picture, a future together seemed unattainable.

Walking into the company, he was met by Tina's surprised look.

She had expected him to be with Miss Smith for her wedding dress fitting.

Removing his coat, Edwin walked into his office.

“Bring me the file for the Zenith Corporation partnership.” Tina nodded.

While fetching the documents, she mused to herself about how love troubles often turned men into workaholics.

She returned with a substantial stack of paperwork.

Edwin delved into it, working until Tina reappeared at day's end with a complicated look.

“Mr. Evans, your father called. He's inviting you to dinner.” Without glancing up, Edwin quipped, “Has he become that gentle now?” Tina, feeling uneasy, hesitated.

Edwin prompted her to repeat Mark's message. Taking a deep breath, she relayed, “Mr. Evans said, ‘Tell that bastard son of mine to roll back here!™ Her delivery was hesitant, almost fearful of Edwin's reaction.

Edwin closed the file with an air of composure.

“That sounds more like him,” he commented, prompting a weak smile from Tina.

As he prepared to leave, Tina quietly informed him, “Miss Smith called several times. I told her you were unavailable.” Pausing, Edwin replied with a hint of appreciation, “Tina, you've just earned yourself a raise.”

Chapter 2223 Her face lit up with excitement.

He then made his way downstairs, got into his car, and drove home.

At home, Mark was dining with Cecilia, his tone reminiscent of his gentler, younger days. Edwin settled casually at the table and asked the maid for a plate. Midway through his meal, he caught his father’s stern gaze.

With a chuckle, Edwin teased, “Dad, you're always hovering around Duefron these days. Ever thought of checking in at Czanch? Olivia might be dating someone in secret while you're away.” Mark, unamused, shot back, “Don’t bring Olivia into this. You promised Grandma you'd settle down and continue the family line." Cecilia, unaware of the whole story, offered Edwin a piece of fish, glancing at her husband.

“Isn't this just a small lovers’ spat? We had our fair share of breakups back in the day. Maybe you should do some self-reflection.” Visibly irked, Mark pointed at Edwin.

stop hiding behind your mother. You're 26! It’s time to stand on your own.” Edwin's smile grew

“Don’t baby him. He's full-grown now, capable of his own decisions and mistakes.” Cecilia inquired, “What's he done now?” Mark, feeling

worry about him. He's just experiencing a midlife crisis.” Finishing his meal at a leisurely pace, Edwin

Mom,” he said

the situation, responded, “It's

a few more years to have grandchildren. But honestly, I don't really want you to rush into marriage. Being Grandma

still concerned, called out,

Edwin nodded in acknowledgment.

walked in, Mark sarcastically commented, “Relying on your mother has certainly

“What's happening with you and

2224 It was clear Mark wasn't a fan of Vanessa, but in some way,

Edwin was not playing

keen insight, lit a cigarette and

Unfazed, Edwin mirrored his father’s

a slow drag and replied calmly, “We do not have feelings for each other anymore, so we ended it” “Bullshit! Do you really think I'm a fool?” Mark exclaimed, his

demeanor shifted to a grave

walked over and locked the door, and then turned

to be with her, have children with her, and that I have no interest in Vanessa? Or should I admit that marrying Vanessa ‘would be a mistake, and I'd still end up

lost your mind?" Despite his

Mark's gaze calmly and said, “You're the one who brought her into my life. If it weren't for

toy with her emotions.” “Dad, I'm not playing games,”

had shown little interest in women, to the point where Mark wondered

it was clear that

to control his rising temper, Mark countered, “I can't accept this. Not just for your sake, Edwin, but for our family’s, and for Laura's too. Think about it. If she joins our family and clashes with your mother, how will they coexist? You know

about me, Dad? Have you ever considered that this might be the only love I'll

even more composed than before, conveyed

I'll sort out my own issues after Laura's married.”

maintained a stoic facade, but now, Mark could see not just pain but also

father, it was a poignant

His voice softened.

known to indulge his children, but this issue was too significant to be brushed

but Edwin interjected, “Let's just leave it there.” With those words, Edwin left the

Cecilia was waiting, phone

had called

family’s serious approach to this potential marriage was

perceiving Edwin's lack of

As long as she's likable, gentle, and sensible, that's all that matters.” The concern in her voice brought a

that the woman he loved was Likely

You should get some rest,” he said gently,

stairs, Cecilia's eyes followed him, filled with

disappeared from view, she went into the study where she

for your health.” Mark closed his eyes, a gesture of silent agreement, as Cecilia

a low voice, she informed him, “Thomas called. He wants

it's about Edwin and Vanessa.” Showing no sign of jealousy, Mark responded pragmatically, “Go see him. You saw how Edwin is. You know what to

are you and Edwin keeping something from me? Mark tenderly

at Duefron’s most

culminating in marriage, had ended on

Now, they were here to discuss the affairs of

understand why you've asked to meet today, but Edwin isn't a child. Some decisions aren't ours to make. If we force our choice on him and they're unhappy, won't that breed resentment?” Thomas was a man

moment to consider his words

combined influence of the Evans, Fowler, and Smith families would be significant.” Slightly flustered, Cecilia responded, “I'm not really into the business side of things. Mark rarely discusses such matters with me.” Thomas was

deep down, Cecilia remained that sweet and innocent girl, uninvolved in the

mentioned her, his brother

deeper connection between

plan was clear-if the Evans family found out about Edwin's connection with Laura, they would

youthful feelings for Cecilia, Thomas found himself struggling to reveal such news

eventually veered away from the

told Mark

instead mentioning the pleasantness of the restaurant and the remarkable dishes of the new

remarked, “I sent you to talk important business, not to reminisce about old times with Mr. Smith.” With a teasing tone, Cecilia replied, “We did have our dates back in the day, and you were quite supportive, even blessing me as a well-wisher. Has your tolerance waned with age?”

moment, he then scooped Cecilia

resistance was met with

you're still so spirited.” As Mark's hands wandered under her clothes, he teased her, “Age

love — Afterwards, Cecilia playfully scolded him as she pinched his waist, “You really got carried away!” She contemplated taking

it gently to her.

too enthusiastic, just a bit jealous after your lunch date with another

closely, her voice playful

has someone special in his heart. Has he spoken to you about this?" Mark's heart tightened at the

of Thomas discussing such

revelation could have

her, Mark made a

I understand,” came the reply from the other end.

next day, the Smith family’s

faced harsh criticism due to rumors of the Evans’ overseas subsidiary targeting their

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