He courteously inquired if Lina would mind.

Given the discomfort, Lina concurred, and they promptly excused themselves.

ALL the while, Dylan's arm remained a comforting band around Laura, supporting her as they left.

He knew if he slackened his hold, even slightly, Laura might crumble.

She clung to composure, refusing to unravel before the Evans family, safeguarding her final shred of dignity...

In the restaurant, Edwin watched Laura until she was out of sight.

The look of shock and despair in her eyes seemed to burn into his memory, refusing to be forgotten.

He was so preoccupied that the conversation around him, filled with remarks from his parents and the Smith family, barely registered.

Eventually, Mark broke the silence.

“Edwin, do you know Laura's boyfriend well?"

Edwin, distracted and indifferent, replied, "I just know of him."

Mark didn't press the matter further.

As the elders from both families engaged in conversation, focusing on the younger generation's preferences, Vanessa expressed a desire for closer acquaintance. When Edwin was asked for his opinion, he hesitated.

The expectant eyes of both families' elders were upon him.

He took a sip of wine and responded nonchalantly, “Miss Smith has made a good impression on me."

Vanessa acknowledged this with a subtle smile.

Edwin, excusing himself politely, handed out his business card.

"I must attend to something at the office. Please enjoy your meal without me."

Mark and Cecilia looked displeased.

They had hoped for a budding relationship between Edwin and Vanessa, but his abrupt departure and formal gesture of a business card seemed insincere.