“Didn't you already know?"

"You bastard, Edwin!" Vanessa exclaimed, frustration evident in her voice.

Edwin's frown deepened as he responded coldly, “Vanessa, if you could just be a little more rational, we could maintain some peace. But clearly, that's too much to ask of you."

"I can be rational!" Vanessa asserted, clenching her teeth.

"Rest assured, Mr. Evans."

She straightened up, a hint of mockery in her tone.

“About our engagement dress, you know I've chosen Laura to design it. She's committed and can't back out. How about we go together this Friday to see the dress? Mr. Evans, you wouldn't be afraid, would you?

Afraid to witness their affection?"

Edwin replied curtly, “Set it up with my secretary."

He then opened the car door and slid inside.

Vanessa, caught off guard, asked, “Aren't you going to give me a ride?"

From within the car, Edwin adjusted his shirt collar in the rearview mirror and remarked nonchalantly, "I thought a strong, independent woman like yourself wouldn't appreciate a man's courtesies. And frankly, I'm not inclined to offer them either."

With that, he started the car.

Vanessa, seething with anger, lashed out with a kick at the car door.

“You bastard, Edwin!" she yelled.

Inside the car, Edwin drove off, his thoughts turning inward. Perhaps Vanessa wasn't the kind of wife he truly desired. She was far from rational, and it wasn't lost on him that she had set her sights on him early, even knowing about his relationship with Laura. To Edwin, such affection felt insincere and opportunistic.

Yet, he hadn't completely distanced himself from Vanessa.

In some ways, he still needed her-as a facade.

His longing to be with Laura persisted, and Vanessa, craving his attention, continued to fulfill his desires. In his eyes, both he and Vanessa were pathetic souls.

Meanwhile, Laura sat quietly beside Dylan in his car.