Chapter 2171 He courteously inquired if Lina would mind.


    Given the difort, Lina concurred, and they promptly excused themselves.


    ALL the while, Dn''s arm remained aforting band around Laura, supporting her as they left.


    He knew if he ckened his hold, even slightly, Laura might crumble.


    She clung toposure, refusing to unravel before the Evans family, safeguarding her final shred of dignity...


    In the restaurant, Edwin watched Laura until she was out of sight.


    The look of shock and despair in her eyes seemed to burn into his memory, refusing to be forgotten.


    He was so preupied that the conversation around him, filled with remarks from his parents and the Smith family, barely registered.


    Eventually, Mark broke the silence.


    “Edwin, do you know Laura''s boyfriend well?" Edwin, distracted and indifferent, replied, “I just know of him." Mark didn’t press the matter further.


    N?velDrama.Org ? content.


    As the elders from both families engaged in conversation, focusing on the younger generation''s preferences, Vanessa expressed a desire for closer acquaintance. When Edwin was asked for his opinion, he hesitated.


    The expectant eyes of both families’ elders were upon him.


    He took a sip of wine and responded nonchntly, “Miss Smith has made a good impression on me.” Vanessa acknowledged this with a subtle smile.


    Edwin, excusing himself politely, handed out his business card.


    “I must attend to something at the office. Please enjoy your meal without me.” Mark and Cecilia looked displeased.


    They had hoped for a budding rtionship between Edwin and Vanessa, but his abrupt departure and formal gesture of a business card seemed insincere.


    The Smith couple, initially dissatisfied, considered leaving.


    However, Vanessa, everposed, remarked, “Career is important, after all,” epting the business card graciously.


    Edwin gave Vanessa a slight nod and then left.


    Mark feltpelled to smooth things over with the Smiths.