His appetite had disappeared, his mind swirling with one question—

Were Laura and Dylan an item now?

The phone in Edwin's car rang once more. This time, it was Mark.

“Edwin, Vanessa's here celebrating with us. When are you coming?"

Edwin's brow furrowed at the mention of Vanessa being at his house.

He disliked feeling manipulated, especially by women. Vanessa had agreed to a partnership. Why was she at his home now?

"I'm tied up with work," he replied curtly.

Mark, exasperated, shot back, "Work, my foot! I can hear other cars on the street. Come back now! We're all waiting for you for dinner!"

After ending the call, Edwin lit a cigarette, sinking back into his seat amidst the smoke.

He pondered cynically about Laura and Dylan. Did it matter?

He and Laura couldn't be together anyway.

Vanessa was a practical choice for a wife, usually not overly demanding- Resolved, Edwin finished his cigarette, started the car, and headed back.

As he arrived at a plush villa in Duefron, the family driver greeted him cheerfully, "The house is lively today, Mr. Owen. Mr. and Mrs. Garcia are here too!"

Edwin, fixing his clothes, walked into the hall. Mark immediately commented on his wet attire, “Where have you been? You were not snowball-fighting with others, were you?"

“Just watched a snowball fight," Edwin replied with a slight smile.

Mark teased Edwin playfully, "Quite the adventurer, aren't you!"

But at a glance from Cecilia, he quickly quieted down, always respectful of his wife in public settings.

A servant offered Edwin dry shoes.

Vanessa, smiling lightly, said, "Since Mr. and Mrs. Garcia are here, I'm quite surprised Laura isn't. She's quite a talented designer."

Peter, ever forthright, said, "That kid's busy!"