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.

behind your mother. You're 26! It’s time to stand

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, feeling somewhat embarrassed to discuss it, didn’t answer and instead hastily made his way

just experiencing a

Mom,”

of the situation, responded,

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

Cecilia, still concerned,

Edwin nodded in acknowledgment.

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 stop using her as a shield.” For a moment,

happening with

of Vanessa,

was not

lit a cigarette and

mirrored his father’s actions,

“We do not have feelings for each other anymore, so we ended it” “Bullshit! Do

to

and then turned to Mark with a

you want me to say, Dad? That I'm only in love with Laura? 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

lost

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

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

shown little interest in women, to the

that

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.”

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

more composed than before,

own issues after Laura's married.” Mark was taken aback

ordeal, Edwin had maintained a stoic facade, but now, Mark could see not just

was a poignant moment he couldn't

His voice softened.

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

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

Cecilia was waiting, phone

father had called her,

approach to this potential marriage was clear,

a mother perceiving Edwin's lack of feelings

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

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

rest,”

stairs, Cecilia's eyes followed

she went into the study where she found Mark, smoking one cigarette after

your health.” Mark closed his eyes, a gesture of

low voice, she informed him, “Thomas

jealousy, Mark responded pragmatically, “Go see him. You saw how Edwin is. You know what to

2226 Cecilia, observing her husband, ventured cautiously, “Mark, are you and Edwin keeping something from

overthink it." The next day, at Duefron’s most high-end restaurant, Thomas had arranged a private room for a meeting with

in

to

I 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 moment to consider

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

and innocent

“Perhaps I was being too materialistic.” His thoughts then drifted to Laura. After Vanessa had mentioned her, his brother Weldon had tasked him with addressing the

a deeper connection between her and the

Evans family found out about Edwin's connection with Laura, they would certainly

own youthful feelings for Cecilia, Thomas found himself struggling to reveal

conversation eventually veered away from the

told Mark her

Thomas, instead

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 himself, “Are you calling

scooped Cecilia up and gently

resistance was met

clothes, he teased her, “Age hasn't dampened your spirits, has it?" Cecilia's cheeks flushed

their love — Afterwards, Cecilia playfully scolded him as she pinched his waist, “You really got

applying it gently to her. His voice

a bit jealous after your lunch

him closely, her voice

heart. Has he spoken to

such matters with Cecilia

the potential fallout this revelation could have on Cecilia, Edwin, and

reassuring her, Mark made a discreet phone

Evans, I understand,” came the reply from the

the Smith family’s company

meeting, Vanessa faced harsh criticism due to rumors of

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