Without a word, she just clung to him tightly.

Edwin found this endearing. He embraced her, soothing her with gentle words, before giving her another kiss, getting dressed, and heading out.

Left alone, Laura cuddled a bunny doll as she drifted off to sleep.

Meanwhile, Edwin, busy with pressing matters, couldn't help but smile in the elevator as he reminisced about their moments together.

At his prime, his every action radiated allure.

Outside the hotel, in the parking lot, Vanessa sat in her car, watching Edwin with a quiet intensity. Her heart ached with a mix of bitterness and reluctance.

She was well aware of why Edwin had brought Laura here.

Having previously been close to Edwin, Vanessa struggled to grasp how a man like him would go to such lengths to please a woman.

As Edwin approached, his face still wore a look of contentment from his recent encounter.

Vanessa bit her lip. As Edwin neared, she stepped out of the car and called out, "Edwin!"

He halted, giving her a slightly furrowed look.

The feud involving the Smith and Evans families was nearly resolved, with the Smiths suffering a devastating defeat and no chance of regaining power for at least the next five years.

Edwin had shown restraint, only wishing Vanessa would cease provoking him.

Vanessa, leaning down, retrieved a wedding invitation from the car.

Edwin didn't accept it, but Vanessa persisted, placing it on the roof of his car. She looked at him and asked, “Will you come?"

Edwin pulled out a cigarette, lighting it with a flick. He inhaled deeply, and then said in a laid-back tone, “I doubt I'll make it."

Vanessa, her face ghostly, forced a smile. "Yeah. She won't be too thrilled, will she?" she remarked.

After a moment's pause, Vanessa withdrew the invitation she had offered.

Next week, she was set to marry a man she felt nothing for. Her visit today was sort of a farewell to Edwin.

This man was wealthy, yet a decade older than her. He had been married before. his wife had died.