A Second Chance With My Billionaire Love

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.

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

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

turned back to Edwin and said reassuringly, “Don’t worry about him. He's just experiencing a midlife crisis.” Finishing his meal

Mom,” he said

blissfully unaware of the

really want you to rush into marriage. Being Grandma makes me seem so old!” Touched by her words, Edwin gave

his father upstairs, Cecilia, still concerned, called out, “Try to have a nice conversation

Edwin nodded in acknowledgment.

what felt like an interrogation. As Edwin walked in, Mark sarcastically commented, “Relying on your mother has certainly made you confident! If you're so brave, then

“What's happening

of Vanessa, but in some

Edwin was not playing

keen insight, lit a cigarette and pointed at Edwin, demanding an

wait!" Unfazed, Edwin mirrored

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

shifted to a

locked the door, and then turned to Mark with a

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

emotion, he shouted, “Edwin, have you lost your mind?" Despite his father’s outburst, Edwin remained

into my life. If it weren't for that, I might be happily married to someone else

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 him

interest in women, to

that Edwin, too,

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 laden with

me, Dad? Have you ever considered that this might be the only

composed than

sort out my own

had maintained a stoic facade, but now, Mark could see

father, it was a

His voice softened.

to indulge his children, but this issue was

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

was waiting, phone in

had called her, requesting a

approach to this potential marriage was clear, highlighting its

perceiving Edwin's lack of feelings for Vanessa, Cecilia faced

have someone you care about? Mark and I aren't 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

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

Mom. You should get some rest,” he said gently, masking

the stairs, Cecilia's eyes followed him, filled

the study where she found Mark, smoking

“You should smoke less, for your health.” Mark closed his

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

think 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 discuss.” His

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

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

relationship, though not culminating in marriage, had ended on

to

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?”

took a moment to

has someone else in his heart, Cecilia. But you should know the 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

sweet and innocent girl,

mood, he said, “Perhaps I was being too materialistic.” His thoughts then drifted to Laura. After Vanessa had mentioned her, his brother Weldon had tasked

connection

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

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

veered away from the

Cecilia told Mark her

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

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

he then scooped

playful resistance was met with

As Mark's hands wandered under her clothes, he teased her, “Age hasn't dampened your

a passionate expression of their love — Afterwards, Cecilia playfully scolded him as she pinched his waist, “You really got carried

it

jealous after your lunch date with another man.” Cecilia felt a surge of warmth in her

hugged him closely, her

his heart. Has he spoken to

Thomas discussing such

knew the potential fallout this revelation

her, Mark made a discreet

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

next day, the Smith family’s company

due to rumors of the Evans’ overseas