Tangled Temptations

Harvey was intentionally vague, causing Eloise to feel a mix of anger and amusement. He cast her a long look, acknowledged Diego with a reserved nod, then climbed into his car. Linda, peering from the window, silently mouthed, "You're dead meat!" at him. Her dad's vengeful spirit was renowned.

Standing in the night, Eloise watched the luxury car slowly drive off. Dealing with Harvey, she mused, was as tiring as handling a kid. Diego, though, was not one to ignore the obvious. He stared at the piece of candy in his hand, realizing he didn't stand a chance. Not just because of Harvey, but also due to that extraordinarily bright kid.

Eloise snapped out of her thoughts, offering Diego an apologetic smile. Diego returned the smile, watching the direction Harvey's car had taken off in. After a long pause, he finally asked, "You... you're still in love with him, aren't you?"

...

When Harvey returned home with Linda, he sat quietly on the couch, his gaze as deep as the ocean. He knew there was no chance between Eloise and Diego, yet he couldn't help his jealousy.

He couldn't resist himself, so he picked up his phone and texted Eloise. [Eloise, are you into younger men now? They're inexperienced... can they satisfy you?]

Eloise read the text, sure it was from Harvey. He must have been gone mad holding himself back for these past three years. Eloise didn't want to indulge him, so she replied, [Thanks for your concern. I think I'll try it out!]

Harvey, upon reading this, immediately tossed his phone aside. They were both annoyed.

...

After her bath, Linda, dressed in a onesie, ran out. She nestled into Harvey's arms. Harvey masked his emotions and started to dry her hair. While Linda was on the brink of sleep, she didn't forget to console her dad, "Mom won't fall for that mister!"

At this, Harvey's heart leaped, though he feigned indifference. "Oh?"

Linda yawned. "Mom is so pretty, it's normal for men to like her! Just like me... there are so many boys in kindergarten who like me, I can't even count!"

Harvey felt a soft warmth in his heart. He kissed Linda, murmuring in a hoarse voice, "Am I too dominant?"

Linda hummed in response.

Harvey seriously considered his actions. Had he been too controlling with Eloise, causing her resentment? Their relationship included Linda, so it was unlikely that she would consider dating anyone else right now.

He'd been too anxious and worried. He was about to send an apology to Eloise when Linda, almost asleep, mumbled, "Actually, dad, you have a right to be worried. Today, in the car, mom got a call and she seemed excited..."

Harvey's hand trembled. Linda's eyes opened slightly. "Mom called him Landon!"

Harvey tossed his phone aside, seething in silence. Linda turned comfortably in his arms, fast asleep.

Harvey spent the night grappling with his jealousy.

The next morning, when Eloise came to pick Linda up, Harvey acted aloof. He didn't mention Diego. If he didn't bring it up, neither would Eloise. She took the small suitcase from the housekeeper and glanced at Harvey, who sat on the couch. "I'll bring her back tomorrow evening," she said. Harvey, engrossed in a financial magazine, seemed indifferent.

Eloise thought he was being hormonal but didn't mind. She was about to leave when he called her back. Harvey told Linda to get into the car first, then gestured to the couch across from him. "I have something to ask you."

Handing the suitcase to the housekeeper, Eloise waited for the living room to quiet down. Harvey then nonchalantly brought up, "I heard you're still in touch with Landon."

Eloise wasn't surprised he knew; Linda was like a little spy.

In truth, Landon had called her about a matter related to Blake. Plus, since Dwight had collaborated with Landon, it was routine for her, as the boss, to communicate with him. Moreover, Landon seemed to have a girlfriend in Rossland. But Eloise didn't feel the need to explain all this to Harvey. She simply hummed in response, countering with, "You're not going to intervene, are you?"

Harvey stared at her for a long time, then suddenly laughed. "Of course not, we're exes!"

Wishing to avoid any further unpleasantness, he quickly changed the subject. "By the way, have you heard from Orlena?"

"Orlena?"

Harvey lit a cigarette, then immediately put it out, "She's been away from home for two years."

Eloise was taken aback. She remembered Orlena as a delicate and innocent girl. How had she been gone for two years?

From Eloise's reaction, Harvey knew she was unaware. He chuckled. "When you have time, come home with me. My parents, they miss you. We can bring Linda along and let them see her."

Eloise clutched her cup, feeling uneasy. Harvey understood her concerns. He looked at her and said, "You are Linda's mom. It's normal even if we're just visiting."

Eloise smiled lightly. "Alright. I'll visit your parents when I have time."

Harvey detected her reluctance but didn't press further.

Eventually, Eloise didn't accompany him to the Horigan family home. She felt it was inappropriate. Since they were divorced and had been on and off multiple times, she didn't want to drag the elders into their mess until their relationship was clear.

She took good care of Linda while Harvey focused on his career. Gradually, the ambiguity between them lessened. On one hand, Harvey didn't dare pressure her, and on the other, he was genuinely busy. Now that Eloise was taking care of Linda, he could devote more time to his work.

Just before Valentine's Day, he was in Hong Kong, acquiring a chain of five-star hotels.noveldrama

He named them Crown Hotel.

The celebratory banquet made it to the headlines of major media outlets.

Harvey, dressed in a British three-piece suit, held a glass of champagne, toasting with a few executives. Standing by his side was an A-list actress, the brand ambassador of Crown Hotel. She was stunningly beautiful, shining brightly under the spotlight.

The female actress was naturally attentive, but also very tactful.

After a long gaze, little Linda raised her head, "Mom, aren't you jealous?"

Eloise pondered for a moment. Actually, she wasn't! If she were, she would have been with him a long time ago.

Eloise gave her little one a loving peck, gently saying, "Your daddy should have his own private life."

Linda gave a small nod. She nestled into the couch, every strand of hair showing a hint of sadness. She not only wanted her mom, but also, like other children, to live together with both parents.

Eloise noticed her little one's low spirits. She stroked Linda's small head. "Linda, when you grow up, you'll understand some things."

Linda let out a small whimper. She knew her mom loved her very much, and she also knew if she acted spoiled and cried a little, her mom might just get back together with her dad. But Linda also loved her mom. She couldn't do that. The little one's mood remained low all evening.

At ten o'clock at night, Harvey returned to Peterborough earlier than expected, heading straight to Eloise's.

Eloise's apartment was spacious, 180 square meters, and beautifully decorated. By the time Harvey arrived, Linda had already fallen asleep.

He gently put down his suitcase, took off his coat, and casually asked Eloise, "She's asleep?"

Eloise hummed in agreement.

Harvey walked into the bedroom, placing the teddy bear he'd brought back from Hong Kong by Linda's pillow. When she woke up, she'd see it. His expression while doing this was tender beyond words.

Eloise watched quietly from the doorway.

Harvey sat by the bed for a while. When he got up and saw her gaze, he chuckled lightly, "Jealous?"

Before Eloise could speak, he pulled out a small box from his pocket. "This is for you!"

Eloise opened it to find a pair of chic pearl earrings. It wasn't something very expensive, but it felt like the little gifts a husband would bring back for his wife from a business trip.

She hesitated.

Harvey lowered his voice. "You'd look pretty wearing these!"

Eloise put them away and walked toward the kitchen. "I'll make you a cup of coffee."

Harvey guessed she had something to discuss.

Eloise made him a cup of coffee. As he sipped it, she softly started, "She seems a little upset, probably because we're not together."

Harvey remained silent. He knew much more about Linda's condition than Eloise

did. After a long silence, it was Harvey who finally spoke, his voice gentle, "It's okay, I'll console her."

Eloise hummed in agreement.

Harvey set down his coffee cup and said softly, "Eloise, we haven't had a calm conversation like this in a long time."