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 come upstairs. We need to talk. And stop hiding behind your mother. You're 26! It’s time to

capable of his own decisions and mistakes.” Cecilia inquired, “What's

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

Mom,”

of the

want you to rush into marriage. Being Grandma makes me seem so

Cecilia, still concerned,

Edwin nodded in acknowledgment.

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.”

“What's happening with

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

was not

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

wait!" Unfazed, Edwin mirrored his father’s actions,

other anymore, so we ended it” “Bullshit! Do you really

shifted to a grave

and locked the door, and then turned to Mark with

her, and that I have no interest in Vanessa?

shouted, “Edwin, have you lost your mind?" Despite

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

for you to use her or toy with her emotions.” “Dad, I'm not playing games,” Edwin whispered, his voice soft but impactful, each

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

clear that Edwin, too, had fallen for

about it. If she joins our family and

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

composed

sort out my own

facade, but now, Mark could see not

was a poignant moment he couldn't

His voice softened.

this issue was too significant to be

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

was waiting, phone

had called her, requesting a

Smith family’s serious approach to this potential

a mother perceiving Edwin's lack of feelings for Vanessa, Cecilia

softly asked Edwin, “Do you have someone you care about? Mark and I aren't overly concerned about family backgrounds. As long as she's likable,

that the woman he loved was Likely the

get some rest,” he said gently, masking

Cecilia's eyes

he disappeared from view, she went into the study where she found Mark, smoking one cigarette

admonished softly, “You should smoke less, for your health.” Mark closed his eyes, a

him, “Thomas called.

no sign of jealousy, Mark responded pragmatically, “Go see him. You saw how Edwin is. You

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

it." The next day, at Duefron’s most high-end

culminating in marriage, had ended

were here to discuss

a child. Some decisions aren't ours to

to

the Evans, Fowler, and Smith families would be significant.” Slightly

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

his brother Weldon had tasked him with addressing the

deeper connection

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

found himself struggling to reveal

veered away from the marriage topic, ending

home, Cecilia told Mark

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

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

2227 Unable to resist the moment, he then scooped Cecilia up and gently tossed

was

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 with a mix of embarrassment and

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

bedside table, applying it

bit jealous after your lunch date with another man.”

closely, her

in his heart. Has he spoken to you

such matters with Cecilia

fallout this revelation

reassuring her, Mark made

understand,” came the reply from the other end.

day, the Smith family’s company stocks took

Vanessa faced harsh criticism due to rumors of the Evans’

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