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.

need to talk. And stop hiding behind your mother. You're 26! It’s time to stand on your

of his own decisions and mistakes.” Cecilia inquired, “What's he done now?” Mark, feeling somewhat embarrassed

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

Mom,” he

blissfully unaware of the

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

upstairs, Cecilia, still concerned, called

Edwin nodded in acknowledgment.

felt like an interrogation. As Edwin walked in, Mark sarcastically commented, “Relying on your mother has certainly made

happening with you and

Mark wasn't a fan of Vanessa, but in some way, he believed Edwin's

Edwin was not

insight, lit a cigarette and pointed

Don't make me wait!" Unfazed, Edwin mirrored his father’s actions, lighting his own

other anymore, so we ended it” “Bullshit! Do you really think I'm a

to a grave

walked over and locked the door, and then turned to Mark

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

you lost your mind?" Despite his father’s

who brought her into my life. If it weren't for that, I might be happily married

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

in women, to the

clear that Edwin, too,

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

the only love I'll ever have in my life?" He didn't attempt

composed than

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

a stoic facade, but now, Mark could

father, it was a

His voice softened.

this issue was too significant

just leave it there.” With

was waiting, phone in

called her, requesting a

this potential

a mother perceiving Edwin's

aren't overly concerned about family backgrounds. As long as she's likable, gentle,

that the woman he loved

some rest,” he said gently,

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

study where she found Mark, smoking one cigarette after

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

she informed him, “Thomas called.

of jealousy, Mark responded pragmatically, “Go see him. You saw how Edwin is. You know what to discuss.” His response indicated

husband, ventured cautiously, “Mark, are you and Edwin keeping something

overthink it." The next day, at Duefron’s most high-end restaurant, Thomas had

though not culminating in marriage, had ended on good

to discuss the affairs of their

“Thomas, 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

took a moment to consider his words before

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 matters with me.” Thomas was taken aback, then

that sweet and innocent girl, uninvolved in the intricate world of business

his brother Weldon had tasked him with addressing the situation. He remembered Laura

also a deeper connection between her and

they would certainly oppose it, which

his own youthful feelings for Cecilia, Thomas found himself

eventually veered away from

Cecilia told Mark her

had with Thomas, instead mentioning

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

scooped Cecilia up and gently

playful resistance was

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

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

table, applying it gently to her. His voice was soft and

your lunch date with another man.” Cecilia

closely, her voice

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

discussing such matters

potential fallout this revelation could have on Cecilia,

reassuring her, Mark made a

I understand,” came the

day, the Smith family’s company stocks

to rumors of the

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