Feeling somewhat embarrassed, Laura was about to say something.

But Vanessa's voice intruded through the phone, “Whose call is that, Edwin? Is it Laura? We're getting married, and you're still in contact with her?"

Laura was taken aback.

Infuriated, Edwin responded icily to Vanessa, "You're deranged!"

Then, in a softer tone, he assured Laura, "There's nothing like that.

She just appeared at Evans Gardon."

Laura's heart began to race.

She suddenly recalled the harsh words of the household staff from earlier years of her childhood, insinuating that Cathy had gone to Evans Gardon to disrupt Mark's marriage.

In a moment of impulse, she abruptly ended the call.

The call ended with a beep.

Edwin cursed quietly to himself.

He turned and saw Vanessa shivering in the snow.

Yet, his heart remained unmoved.

He instructed a nearby servant, "If she doesn't leave, call the police."

As he walked away, Vanessa yelled furiously, “Edwin, you bastard!"

He spun around and snapped.

“If I'm such a bastard, why are you so into me? Vanessa, stop these demeaning acts. We have no future together."

Vanessa wanted to respond, but he was already gone.

Inside, Edwin grabbed his coat and car keys.

“I'm stepping out," he announced to Mark and Cecilia.