Tangled Temptations

Two days before Eloise was to be discharged from the hospital, Harvey had a long-standing court case to attend to at ten in the morning. At eight, he specifically instructed Orlena to look after Eloise and to call him if anything happened.

"I'll take good care of her!" Orlena assured him.

Harvey took one more glance at Eloise. She was leaning against the headboard of the bed, quietly reading a book. Her complexion had improved somewhat, and her cheeks were fuller than before.

Knowing she wouldn't care, he still gently said, "I'll be back for lunch!"

Silence was her only response. With a bitter smile, Harvey stepped out of the room.

Denise was waiting for him outside. When she saw him get out, she immediately asked in concern, "How's Eloise doing?"

Harvey picked up his briefcase and replied in a low voice, "She's getting better. The doctor said she can be discharged soon."

Denise offered a few comforting words.

When they got to the ground floor, a swarm of media with microphones was huddled around the black limousine, all vying to interview Harvey.

"Attorney Horigan, this is your first court appearance since your wife's incident. Will your wife's situation affect your performance? Are you confident in maintaining your undefeated record?"

...

Harvey stayed silent, slipping into the backseat of the limo. Denise held off the media, making a few brief comments before climbing into the backseat herself, swearing at the relentless media in her mind. She watched her boss with apprehension, fearing that his performance might be affected today.

Nobody knew how much Harvey cared about his reputation better than his close confidant, Denise. To her surprise, Harvey was remarkably calm. With a poker face, he instructed the driver, "Let's go!"

At nine, the car slowly pulled up to the front of the Peterborough Supreme Court. His client was already waiting, and the opposing counsel was not far off. Their ambition was clearly visible.

As Harvey stepped out of the car, he was met with a bouquet of flowers. Joan's face was more radiant than the roses she held, her gaze filled with shy admiration for the man before her. She had been through a marriage before and realized that

it was Harvey she truly wanted. She knew his marriage was falling apart, and she believed that with a little patience and understanding, he'd eventually return to her

arms.

"Harvey, I hope you win today!" Joan said, her voice filled with affection.

Harvey furrowed his brows. He had represented her in a case once, simply fulfilling his professional duty. Maybe he had hoped for some closure, but what was Joan doing now?

"Once you win, let's celebrate with champagne. I'm all yours!" Joan flirted, casting a provocative glance at Harvey.

The media buzzed with excitement. Was this a public declaration of love? And was Ms. Joan, Harvey's alleged first love, going to be his new fling amidst his marital crisis?

Everyone waited for Harvey's response.

"I have a wife! I have no intention of having an affair! Ms. Joan, please respect yourself!" Harvey retorted, before walking straight into the courtroom.

Joan was left fuming, the bouquet of flowers discarded on the ground.

The media laughed at her. Maintaining her smile, she shamelessly declared, "We are childhood sweethearts. No one can replace me in his heart! If the law is Harvey's first love, then I'm his second!"

The media scribbled down her words. This story was bound to make headlines! Denise looked at Joan and shook her head. She was testing Harvey's patience. At ten, the court session began promptly. Like always, Harvey was on his game. By eleven, the outcome was pretty much in his favor. Attorney Horigan would keep his undefeated record, and his picture would be plastered all over the media the next day.

At eleven-ten, the opposing party requested a recess to discuss a settlement. Just as the judge was about to announce the recess, Harvey received a call from Orlena, who was crying hysterically.

"Eloise is gone! I can't find her anywhere." Orlena cried over the phone, "I only went to the bathroom for a bit, I didn't mean for this to happen. Do you think something happened to her?"

...

"I'll be right there!" Harvey replied softly before hanging up.

Under the gaze of countless eyes, Harvey stood up. Facing the disgruntled judge, he said in a hoarse voice, "My wife needs me, so I request that my client find another lawyer!"

Everyone was stunned. The case was basically over, with no more than half an hour to go. Harvey's undefeated record was within reach, and he was still a legend in the legal world. So what was he doing?noveldrama

The judge's face twitched, and he coughed lightly, "Attorney Horigan, are you sure

about this? Leaving court during a session could result in a two-year suspension

of your practice! You won't be able to step into a courtroom for the next two years!"

But Harvey was already making his way towards the exit. He paused momentarily and softly said, "Make it forever! As of today, I, Harvey, will permanently retire from the legal world!"

The media went ballistic! The case itself was no longer important; everyone was focused on Harvey's decision.

The king of the legal world was leaving. Was it April Fool's Day?

Behind him, Joan was on the verge of a meltdown. Did Harvey know what he was doing? He was giving up his career just because Eloise was missing? It was so unfair and humiliating!

Harvey walked briskly, with Denise following close behind, mourning her impending career change.

Once outside, the car was surrounded by reporters, making it impossible to drive off. Leaning against the car door, Harvey softly said, "My wife is missing, and I need to find her! I used to think that the courtroom was the most important place

in my life, but now I realize that it's my family that I truly want! I love my wife very much!"

With that, he climbed into the car.

The reporters slowly parted, making way for the vehicle. Everyone was silent, shocked by his decision!

As Harvey left, he thought he'd feel a sense of loss. But he didn't, because he knew he was heading towards the most important person in his life.

Eloise had lost the chance to become a top pianist that night and risked her life to protect Linda. He could also give up what he loved most. He would never let her face hardships alone again.

Behind him, Joan screamed hysterically. Countless eyes watched her, filled with contempt. Turns out, Attorney Horigan's true love was his wife, but this Ms. Joan wouldn't stop pestering him, trying to sabotage his family.

Later, some mysterious manipulator pulled the strings. Scores of Joan's risque photos were exposed, transforming her image from innocent lady to something far less savory.

...

Harvey stepped away from the legal world, causing a seismic ripple in public opinion. He refused all interviews, instructing his driver to take him to the Horigan family cemetery.

Sure enough, Eloise was there. She stood quietly, wearing the mourning attire. As Harvey softly approached, Eloise seemed to sense his presence, speaking quietly, "Today marks a month since Linda was born."