Tangled Temptations

In the heart of the city, stood a row of century-old buildings, exquisite andnoveldrama

extravagant.

To own one of these townhouses was a symbol of status, a popular place for the socialites of Manhattan to host their private parties. These parties were exclusive, not for the average people.

Manhattan's nouveau riche, the Miles family, wanted to befriend the Horigan family. However, Pauline wasn't too keen on socializing, and Parker was too busy with his grandchildren. So, the Miles family set their sights on Eloise.

Despite Eloise's divorce from Harvey, who in Manhattan didn't know that Parker still held her in high esteem?

Eloise returned home to change into a new outfit. A black gown, innocent yet sexy. Her waist was as slender as that of a Hollywood starlet.

She was familiar with most of the people at the party. Unexpectedly, the award- winning actress, Ruby, was also there.

Eloise nodded to her, grabbed a cocktail, and began to socialize with the ladies. She found it quite enjoyable. After her divorce, she had two children to take care of and rarely had time to relax.

.

Outside the townhouse, a black Rolls-Royce Cullinan was parked, with Harvey leaning against the car, smoking. His black attire blended in with the night.

At midnight, Harvey put out his cigarette and headed towards the townhouse. Knowing who he was, the doorman recognized him and let him in without hesitation.

Inside, it was lavish and bustling, with famous models, countless celebrities, and renowned violinists. The atmosphere was excellent.

Harvey was born into wealth, so he was accustomed to such parties, but that didn't mean he didn't feel a pang of jealousy when he saw Eloise.

She was leaning against a deep red sofa, playing poker with a few people. By her side was the latest heartthrob. The actor that ordinary girls admired was now gently gazing at his ex-wife, almost flatteringly.

Eloise must have been winning, as she leaned back on the sofa and gave a playful smile. The handsome young man handed her a glass of champagne, which Eloise accepted naturally.

Harvey was dressed in black, but his face was even darker than his clothes.

So, this was her private life. He had always thought that Eloise's world was always revolving around him.

After the divorce, she focused on raising their children. He never thought she could live so freely.

Clearly, at the age of 24, the young man was smitten by her beauty and figure. Peterborough's most prestigious Attorney Horigan, at this moment, seemed like a jealous husband who had caught his wife cheating, completely out of place.

Someone had already greeted him. "Attorney Horigan, you decided to join the fun?"

Eloise looked up, her eyes meeting his. She was somewhat surprised. She didn't expect him to be here.

Harvey removed his black coat, threw it casually on the sofa, and sat opposite Eloise. He lit a cigarette and said, "Ms. Laurent, your private life is quite exciting."

The others caught the hint. Attorney Horigan was clearly jealous, but a man of his status couldn't compete with an actor, so he could only take it out on his wife.

Eloise tossed her long hair with a faint smile. "It's alright."

If he wanted to play here, she wouldn't stop him. Since they were divorced, they should be open about it.

They played a few more rounds. Harvey was average, but Eloise was good. Occasionally, the young heartthrob would come over and give her some advice, not overly intimate, but they didn't deliberately avoid Harvey.

It was only now that he truly understood. Eloise had really divorced him,

completely. The bit of nostalgia and reluctance she showed was for that Harvey. in

the past. Her daily interactions with him were for their children.

She didn't miss the current Harvey at all.

Before, he thought they could reconcile, but now it seemed it was just his wishful thinking.

Harvey could have pulled her away, but they were both people of status and couldn't let others see them as a joke. They played until one in the morning before Eloise decided to leave.

Baron's car was not around. Eloise lightly pulled on her coat, watching as Harvey brought his car over. She didn't refuse and got in.

She thought, he definitely had something to say tonight, and he would definitely lose his temper.

However angry Harvey was, he still leaned over to open the car door for her, his tone was slightly cold. "Get in."

Eloise got into the passenger seat. She slowly fastened her seatbelt, casually asking, "What brought you here?"

Harvey gently pressed the accelerator. Instead of driving back to her villa, he drove towards the riverside. The car windows were open, gradually filling with the salty smell of the river.

The car abruptly stopped. Harvey gripped the steering wheel, staring into the darkness outside, struggling to control his emotions, "Eloise, are you trying to get back at me?"

Eloise kept silent.

He slowly turned to face her, his eyes slightly red. "I never betrayed our marriage."

Eloise got out of the car. Outside was pitch black, only the river reflected a faint light. The night was cold, but Eloise wanted to take a walk, at least it could clear her head a bit.

Harvey remained seated, watching her silhouette. Suddenly, he got out of the car and grasped her arm from behind, gently pulling her into his arms. "I've never seen anyone as teasing as you."

His lips brushed against her hair, his voice hoarse, "Eloise, don't go there again. If you want to go out, I'll go with you."

He couldn't stand to see her being admired and desired by others.

Eloise gently pushed him away. The night breeze blew her hair into a mess, but she didn't care. Standing across from him, she spoke softly, "Harvey, it's not about whether we love each other or not, it's just. I really don't want to live a life of constant torment anymore. Honestly, I had a great time tonight."

His gaze made her feel a certain unfamiliarity.

to face the river. "I

Eloise turned to

know what you're thinking. You want to start oyer with me, but Harvey, I'm not a young girl in her early twenties anymore. We divorced while we had two children. We will definitely have to keep in contact for the children, but we shouldn't interfere with each other's personal lives."

Harvey's hands were in his pockets. Inside the small box was a diamond ring that

he had intended to give her. His voice was soft, "What if I said, you need to make

a choice?"

Eloise didn't respond. The silence was a brutal answer. After a while, Harvey forced a light laugh. "Eloise, I guess I was reading too much into things. It's getting late, let me drive you home."

He opened the passenger door for her when they reached the car. He was the epitome of gentleness and decorum.

They didn't exchange any words on the drive home, and only discussed their kids briefly when she was getting out of the car.

Eloise knew it was truly over between them.

The night wind was fierce. She stood in the wind, watching as he drove away...

And then, he stopped pursuing her. Even when they bumped into each other in public, he would only nod politely. They were courteous and respectful like any other divorced couple, their only remaining O connection being their children.