Tangled Temptations

At nine in the evening, Linda finally agreed to come out. She had polished off two bowls of mac and cheese.

Eloise was particularly indulgent with her today, giving her a warm bubble bath, blow-drying her hair, and reading her a bedtime story. Linda, knowing Eloise was staying the night, fell asleep contentedly.

Dimming the bedside lamp, Eloise tiptoed out of the room. She wanted to talk to Harvey. She found him in his study, sitting quietly in the dimly lit room, not smoking, just sitting.

"Harvey!" Eloise called his name.

Startled, he rose from his chair and walked towards her, closing the door behind him. "Is she asleep?"

Eloise nodded. As she was about to speak, Harvey enveloped her in his arms, pressing her against the door.

His strength caught her off guard, and the impact made her back ache slightly. Sensing his agitation, she held back her discomfort and softly suggested, "Let's talk."

He responded absent-mindedly. After a while, Harvey buried his face in her neck. Eloise soon felt a dampness there, making her uncomfortable. But she didn't push him away. In that moment, she realized how vulnerable he could be. His last trip to Britain had taken a toll on him too, not just her.

Perhaps because they were raising a child together, Eloise felt a surge of tenderness towards him. She gently held the back of his neck, stroking it softly.

Harvey stiffened. He looked up at her in the darkness, his eyes intense. Then, unable to resist, he lowered his head and kissed her lips. The tender touch was tenderly innocent. Afterwards, his breath hitched slightly.

Eloise, her body pressed against the door, looked at him in surprise. She had come to discuss Linda...

Harvey kissed her again. His lips, tinged with the scent of tobacco, deepened the kiss. Despite his usual intensity, he was unusually gentle this time, kissing her with a careful, treasuring touch, making her feel it. His heart pounded so hard it threatened to burst out of his chest.

He hadn't felt this kind of innocent yearning to kiss without lust for a long time. He kissed her for a long while. Maybe half an hour, maybe two or three. When it ended, his voice was hoarse. "It's late. Go take a shower and sleep. I'll get your clothes."

Eloise remained glued to the door. His gentle touch, devoid of force, had left her weak in the knees. If not for his hand supporting her waist, she would have collapsed.

He lightly stroked her waist, whispering, "If you want it, go to the master bedroom."

Of course, Eloise refused. "I'll sleep with Linda. You get my clothes."

He switched on the study light, his hand gently caressing her arm. "Shower in my bathroom. Your clothes are in the walk-in closet. I'll handle some stuff here."

In the end, Eloise took a shower in the guest room and spent the night with Linda.

...

The next day, the atmosphere between them had changed.

Harvey treated her with a newfound gentleness, a hint of intimacy lingering in his actions. Eloise tried her best to ignore it. She got up early to make breakfast for Linda, helping her get ready for the day. Linda was in high spirits, clinging to Eloise.

Harvey calmly interjected, "She should do her own things."

Eloise was about to reply when he looked at her and gave a light laugh. "Spare the rod, spoil the child."

Seeing the reflection of Parker in him, Eloise felt a pang of annoyance. He was becoming more paternalistic as he aged.

But she wasn't afraid of him. All her warmth and affection were reserved for Linda.

Linda, who was usually a bit intimidated by her father, had started to feed herself. But when her mother suddenly started feeding her mashed potatoes, she immediately put down her fork.

Not just that, she climbed onto Eloise's lap, wanting to eat while sitting in her

arms.

Harvey glanced at her. He had his own parenting principles. He believed in providing love and affection, but also in fostering independence.

Linda tensed, slowly coming down from Eloise's lap. She sat properly and began

to eat on her own. Half of the food ended up on the table, but Harvey didn't bat an eyelid.

Eloise couldn't help but say, "She's still small!"

Harvey took a sip of his black coffee, replying nonchalantly, "Sometimes, she behaves better than you."

Eloise fell silent.

Seeing her expression, Harvey was afraid she might get upset. After all, they had just shared an intimate kiss the previous night, bringing them closer. He didn't want to start another argument over parenting so soon. He said gently, "Kids need companionship, but we can't do everything for them."

He gave an example. "Look at Orlena. You'll understand."

Eloise looked at Harvey, his face shadowed as he thought about his irresponsible sister. Seeing Eloise's expression, he lowered his voice. "She's fine, just hiding." He had once sought Max and had confirmed that Orlena's disappearance had nothing to do with him.

Eloise really liked Orlena. She said softly, "I'll ask someone to look for her later." Harvey gave a faint smile.

...

Their relationship had improved considerably, making their visit to the psychologist much smoother.

The psychologist conducted a check-up on Linda. Then, Linda was taken to a playroom next door, where a caregiver was assigned to be with her.

After a long evaluation, the psychologist said in a low voice, "Her recent abnormal

behavior could be related to Mrs. Horigan's sudden return. Children are very sensitive, especially to their parents' divorce. It can cause a certain psychological impact!"

Eloise's eyes grew moist.

Harvey put his arm around her shoulder. He could understand. No woman could be completely strong in such a situation.

Observing their reactions, the psychologist sincerely suggested, "If neither of you has a partner, you might consider reconciling. Living together as parents can greatly help Linda's psychological health and might even lead to complete healing."

Harvey nodded. "We'll consider it."

The doctor spoke to Eloise for a while longer before handing over Linda's medical records for her to review.

Eloise sat there, flipping through the pages, her emotions teetering on the edge of a breakdown.

Linda, at the age of two, used to visit almost every week. At that time, she would retreat into herself every other day. Eloise closed the medical records.

Her emotions took a while to recover. Now, she understood why Harvey hadn't told her she would not be able to take care of a child like Linda. She sobbed. She had been crying for the past few days.

Harvey held her, whispering softly, "She's much better now, and the doctor said there's still a chance for her recovery."

Eloise leaned into his shoulder. She whispered, "Harvey, I've made up my mind!"

He felt his heart skip a beat, suppressing his excitement as he asked, "What have you decided?"

Eloise straightened up, her eyes moist as she looked at him. "Let's pretend to be a loving couple for now!"

Harvey couldn't believe what he was hearing. "Is this what you've decided? Eloise, think about the kiss last night. Do you think we need to pretend? Don't you want to have me in your life?"

If it weren't for Linda's treatment, he wouldn't have been so reserved!

Eloise had her own considerations.

There was an unexpected incident last night, and she admitted that the kiss was compelling.

But their attraction was largely due to Linda and their mutual need for comfort. Under such emotional circumstances, it was easy to develop feelings. She had made mistakes before and didn't want to be impulsive.

Eloise quietly said, "Harvey, this is all I can give for now. If you're not willing..."

"I'm willing!"

He spoke again, softly, "I'm willing!"

Of course, he was willing. She was finally willing to have more contact with him, rather than living separately.

After the treatment, Harvey had an important meeting to attend. As he got into the car, he looked at Eloise in the rearview mirror and said, "You and Linda can come

to my office!"

Eloise hesitated.

Linda looked at her eagerly, "Dad's office has the best pancakes!"

Eloise immediately agreed.

Harvey lightly stepped on the gas, chuckling. "Linda, your face is bigger than my

butt!"

Linda leaned comfortably against Eloise, her light brown curls bouncing as she said, "Dad, why are you comparing faces with butts?"

Harvey and Eloise both chuckled.

After a while, Harvey quietly said, "So you don't have to worry too much! She's smart and adorable!"

He chatted with Eloise about Linda's condition while driving, just like a normal couple. Eloise was still not used to it.

Harvey parked the car and unbuckled his seatbelt, saying softly, "Let's go back home on Saturday!"

Eloise didn't refuse this time. Since she had agreed to play the role of Harvey's wife, she would have to act as his wife in various situations. She didn't know if this decision was impulsive, but she didn't regret it.

Harvey brought them to his office.

The whole of Everest Technologies was buzzing. Mr. Horigan's wife was back, and it seemed like they were getting back together!noveldrama

Just as Harvey led the pair to the top floor, Denise was already waiting at the elevator. She couldn't stop smiling at the thought of the CEO's successful chase.

As Denise greeted them, she said with a smile, "Miss Beverly has arrived in the office and is waiting for you to sign the contract!"

Harvey frowned. "Isn't the spokesperson's contract handled by the vice president?"

Denise cleared her throat. "Miss Beverly was quite insistent!"

Eloise wasn't stupid. She guessed that Miss Beverly was the actress reported by

the media to be with Harvey at the celebration party, obviously one of Harvey's many suitors.

Harvey glanced at Eloise, aware of her suspicions! He instructed Denise, "Let Miss Beverly come over! And bring in some snacks."

Denise left with a smile.

Harvey held Linda and settled her on the couch, then turned to Eloise with a faint

smile. "I don't know her! But since you're not happy, I'll let you meet her... And prove my innocence!"