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.

talk. And stop hiding behind your mother. You're 26!

mistakes.” Cecilia inquired, “What's he done now?” Mark, feeling somewhat embarrassed to discuss it,

said reassuringly, “Don’t worry about him. He's just experiencing a midlife crisis.” Finishing his meal at a leisurely pace,

sorry, Mom,”

of the situation, responded, “It's

wait a few more years to have grandchildren. But honestly, I don't really want you to rush into marriage. Being Grandma makes me seem so old!” Touched by her

concerned,

Edwin nodded in acknowledgment.

the upstairs room, Mark had set up what felt like an interrogation. As Edwin walked in, Mark sarcastically commented, “Relying on your mother has certainly made

“What's happening

clear Mark wasn't a fan of Vanessa, but in some

was not

a cigarette and pointed at

Edwin mirrored

took a slow drag and replied calmly, “We do not have feelings for each other anymore, so

shifted to a

over and locked the door, and

That I want 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

“Edwin, have you lost your mind?" Despite

weren't for that, I might be happily married to someone else by now, not trapped in these feelings.” Mark's anger

eyes briefly, he said, “We can't change the past. I didn't bring her into this house for you to use her or toy with her emotions.” “Dad, I'm not playing games,” Edwin whispered, his voice soft but impactful, each word resonating like a note on a piano. Mark looked at his son, almost as if seeing

in women, to the point where Mark

that Edwin, too,

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 Laura's personality.” Edwin's gaze fell, his voice soft yet

this might be the only love I'll ever have in my life?" He

composed than before,

sort out my own issues after Laura's married.” Mark was taken

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

it was a

His voice softened.

his children, but this issue was

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

was waiting, phone in

had called her,

Smith family’s serious approach to this potential marriage was clear, highlighting

situation and as a mother perceiving Edwin's

overly concerned about family backgrounds. As long as she's likable, gentle, and sensible, that's all that matters.” The concern in her voice brought a wave of sadness over

his mother, aware that the woman he loved was Likely the last person Cecilia would

You should get some rest,” he said gently,

the stairs, Cecilia's eyes followed him, filled with

from view, she went into the study where she

should smoke less, for your health.” Mark closed his eyes, a gesture

informed him,

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

you and Edwin keeping something from me? Mark tenderly caressed her head, offering a gentle

Duefron’s most high-end restaurant, Thomas had arranged a private

not culminating in marriage,

Library Now, they were here to discuss the affairs of their children.

to meet today, but Edwin isn't a child. Some decisions aren't ours to make. If we force our choice

to

Fowler, and Smith families would be significant.” Slightly flustered, Cecilia responded, “I'm not really into the business side

that sweet and innocent

his brother Weldon had

a deeper connection

the Evans family found out about Edwin's connection with Laura, they would certainly oppose it, which would ensure Vanessa and Edwin's

found himself struggling to reveal

from the marriage topic,

home, Cecilia told Mark her

to share about the conversation she had with Thomas, instead mentioning the pleasantness of the restaurant and the remarkable dishes

“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?” Mark defended

the moment, he then scooped Cecilia up and gently tossed

resistance was met

you're still so spirited.” As Mark's hands wandered under her clothes, he teased her, “Age hasn't dampened your spirits, has it?" Cecilia's cheeks flushed

Cecilia playfully scolded him as she pinched his waist, “You really got carried away!” She contemplated taking a bath to soothe

from the bedside table, applying it gently to her.

a bit too enthusiastic, just a bit jealous after your lunch date with another man.” Cecilia felt a

her voice

in his heart. Has he spoken to you about this?" Mark's heart

discussing such matters with Cecilia

this revelation could have on Cecilia, Edwin,

her, Mark made a discreet

understand,” came the

family’s company stocks took a

criticism due to rumors of the Evans’

The Novel will be updated daily. Come back and continue reading tomorrow, everyone!

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