After a protracted silence, she inquired softly, “What's his intention?"

Laura set aside the comic book she held.

She remained in contemplation for a brief moment before speaking in hushed tones.

"I'm unsure, to be honest. But I believe that once he's engaged, he should stop from troubling me any further. Someone of his stature cannot afford to suffer a loss of reputation."

Lina sensed that her daughter was being wronged.

Certainly, there had been some historical animosity between the two families, but Edwin had already exacted his vengeance upon Laura. Why persist in tormenting her?

Surely, he couldn't be planning to make Laura his mistress, could he?

She would never consent to such an arrangement.

Nor would Peter.

Lina tenderly caressed her daughter's hair, whispering, "No matter the circumstances, Mom will always stand by you."

In truth, she held hope that Laura would encounter someone compassionate and empathetic.

In doing so, each party would find solace, and perhaps Edwin would cease his persistent pursuit.

Exiting the room and gently closing the door, Lina released a soft, wistful. sigh.

She possessed a keen understanding of Edwin; he was undeniably exceptional.

However, he remained a man.

Men, by nature, had their own inherent imperfections, such as possessiveness or yearning for the unattainable. There he was, supposedly cozied up with Miss Smith, basking in her warmth during that chilly season. Yet, he had opted to be there, indulging in drinks with Peter.

Lina grasped the reality but refrained from confronting it head-on.

She rubbed her hands together and approached them with unwavering enthusiasm, urging them to consume more libations.

She hoped Edwin would get drunk soon.

Then she would summon Mark to dispatch someone to retrieve his son, brimming with machinations, averting any further embarrassment in their midst.