Tangled Temptations

It was six o'clock in the evening, the peak hour for employees of Everest Technologies to clock off.

Harvey stood nonchalantly in the middle of the lobby, hands clasped behind his back. His charismatic aura caused the passing female employees to blush and habitually greet him. "Mr. Horigan."

Harvey responded with a faint smile.

Just then, Eloise stepped out of the elevator, accompanied by Natalia. Upon

seeing Harvey, Eloise paused momentarily. Not wanting to cause a spectacle, she walked over and quietly asked, "What brings you here?"

Harvey looked at her intently. After a moment, he softly said, "Did you forget Linda's birthday?"

As he spoke, he took the coat from Natalia's hand, assertively leading Eloise to the parking lot where his Rolls-Royce Cullinan was parked.

As Eloise settled into the passenger seat, she suggested, "Why don't we invite my parents and Orlena for dinner?"

Harvey slowly buckled his seatbelt. "Let's do that another day. I promised to bake a birthday cake with Linda."

Eloise didn't say anything else. She turned to the side, casually flicking her tea- colored hair. She was rosy-skinned and wore a dress that complimented her complexion, looking rather fetching.

Harvey couldn't help but steal a few glances.

The car set off slowly due to the rush hour traffic. He casually asked, "Why did you leave earlier that day?"

"I had some things to take care of," Eloise replied, somewhat evasively. Harvey chuckled softly.

After a long while, he brazenly said, "I wanted to make it up to you in the morning, but you'd already gone. I laid in bed for a long time, feeling quite uncomfortable."noveldrama

Embarrassed by the topic, Eloise didn't respond. Her cheeks turned a light shade of pink, making her even more attractive.

During the red light intervals, Harvey would occasionally glance at her. He figured many men would want to marry a woman like Eloise.

...

At the Villa.

Michelle had arrived early and was helping Linda knead dough in the kitchen. As quite a character, Linda had managed to smear her beautiful little face with flour.

Eloise was pleasantly surprised and hugged Michelle. "Mom."

Michelle glanced at Harvey and said with a smile, "Harvey asked someone to pick me up. It's Linda's birthday today, and we should all be here to celebrate with her."

Eloise understood the implication. She nodded, then went upstairs to change her clothes before coming down to help Linda with the cake. She was quite proficient at baking, and quickly prepared the cake base and put it in the oven. Once it was ready, Linda insisted on doing the frosting.

Linda decorated the cake with drawings of two adults and three babies.

Eloise deliberately asked, "Why is there an extra baby?"

Linda was a little shy. She ran into the living room and jumped into Harvey's arms.

Harvey, who was watching his son, hugged Linda and asked, "What happened?" Linda refused to answer.

However, children were quick to forget. Soon, Linda was holding the cake, teaching Darrien about getting along with Luca.

Harvey found it both amusing and irritating, but he also felt a sense of paternal pride. Linda was the cutest child in the world.

Looking towards the kitchen, he noticed Eloise was the only one left. Harvey got up and walked into the kitchen, casually closing the door behind him. "Where's Michelle?"

Eloise was frying steak and casually said, "I made an extra cake, so she took it to the neighbors' kid."

Harvey found her incredibly gentle. To be honest, he had never been attracted to this type before, but after experiencing Eloise's temper, he preferred her obedient side. Coupled with his lingering desires from the past few days, he wrapped an arm around her slender waist, murmuring restlessly, "You're always thinking about feeding others, what about what I want to eat?"

Eloise paused. After a moment, she gently pushed him away. "What are you talking about?"

Harvey gently bit her neck, grinding his teeth against her soft skin, complaining, "Ms. Laurent, stop pretending."

Ever since they had broken the ice, Eloise found it hard to resist. However, she still felt it was inappropriate, so after nearly getting carried away that night, she ran away.

Just as she was about to say something, the kitchen door was pulled open. Michelle stood in the doorway, her face a picture of amusement. After a moment, she managed to find her voice. "Lou, the steak's burnt."

Eloise's face was flushed. Harvey, recognizing her embarrassment, took the pan from her and washed it efficiently. He took two pieces of Wagyu beef from the fridge and handed them to Eloise, saying gently, "I'll watch you cook. From now on, I'll cook for you and the kids."

Eloise didn't respond and just quietly prepared the ingredients.

Michelle left the kitchen again.

Harvey gently wrapped his arms around Eloise from behind, resting his chin on her shoulder. He didn't cross any boundaries and just gently embraced her, his actions betraying a hint of cherishment.

After a while, he whispered, "Eloise, I'll be good to you."

He didn't remember but knew he loved Eloise and their children. He wanted to put

in the effort to foster their relationship. So, he wanted to date her.

Eloise turned to face him, still in his arms. Looking into his eyes, her voice was barely a whisper. "Harvey, do you really remember?"

Without answering, Harvey leaned in and kissed her. Considering the presence of elders and their children in the house, and the sneaky nature of their rendezvous, the kiss was somewhat restrained, but this made it all the more thrilling. Eloise hadn't experienced this feeling in a long time. Her lips trembled as she shyly responded to him.

He still insisted on her keeping her eyes open as they kissed, watching him kiss her. They kissed for a long while, both feeling utterly lost.

Resting his forehead against hers, Harvey murmured, "Eloise, there's nothing wrong with me down there."

After all, he didn't want her to worry.

Eloise blushed and pushed him away. Harvey looked down at himself, then leaned against the kitchen window and lit a cigarette before saying, "I'll go check on the kids."

...

Eloise brought the meal to the dining table.

Harvey was feeding Darrien milk. "The doctor says he needs to lose weight," Harvey said, cradling his son tenderly. "I'll take him for a check-up in a few days."

Eloise gave an approving nod.

After Harvey fed their son, he expertly changed his diaper and laid him into the crib.

Linda took the heavy diaper with a scrunched-up face. "Darrien, you sure know how to fill a diaper." She exclaimed.

Eloise chuckled, her eyes met Harvey's gaze and saw a hint of a mature man's clarity in his dark eyes.

After supper, they tucked the kids in.

Eloise saw Harvey off. Under the night's cloak, the two strolled along the villa's pathway. The scene was somewhat romantic.

Harvey took hold of Eloise's hand, and gently said, "Linda used to bathe herself, why did you start helping her recently, Eloise? Kids need to learn to be independent, right?"

Although it sounded like a discussion, there was no hint of blame in his tone, only gentleness. It was the way every husband would treat his wife.

Eloise was willing to discuss it with him, too. They stopped under a cherry blossom tree, and she spoke in a soft voice, "She's been a bit clingy lately."

Harvey stared at her. The surroundings were dim, and they couldn't see each other clearly. But in Eloise's eyes, there was a bright light.

Harvey moved a step closer and gently stroked her face. "Eloise, is it because of me? Because of my absence..."

A woman with two children to care for and a corporation to manage couldn't lead a carefree life.

Eloise's lips quivered slightly, but in the end, she didn't say anything, and she turned her face away, "You should go. Drive carefully."

Harvey gently embraced her. He didn't say anything, just held her.

At that moment, he wished more than anything to provide Eloise with happiness.

After a long embrace, he whispered, "You should go back."

Eloise nodded. But neither of them moved, and in the end, he couldn't resist kissing her under the tree. They both got a bit carried away, and he slipped his hand under her skirt, making her sigh with pleasure.

The night was intoxicating.

Harvey drove off slowly. He returned to the Horigan Mansion and sat in a daze in the hall. He was thinking about Eloise. His mind was filled with images of her. After that, he visited Eloise almost every night, mostly to accompany the children. Occasionally, Harvey and Eloise would share a kiss.

But he never spent the night at her place, Eloise never brought it up, and he didn't seem to be in a hurry. He surprisingly enjoyed this gentle companionship. Harvey enjoyed this gentle romance, but he also had regrets; he still hadn't recovered his memory. He felt as though he owed Eloise something.

Just as he was lost in thought, Brett called.

Harvey picked it up. "Uncle Brett."

Brett's voice seemed deeper in the night. "Harvey, we've got a preliminary hold on

the evidence against Livio. He's already in custody. Given his status, he'll be

released on bail soon, but we'll prosecute him quickly."

Harvey pursed his lips. Livio used an illegal substance to amass a fortune. Harvey was one of Livio's victims, and Livio was out for revenge against him.

Brett's voice became even more somber. "Harvey, rest assured, he won't get away this time."

Harvey gave a grunt in response. After hanging up, he lightly stepped on the gas and left Eloise's villa.

Just as the car was leaving the villa's gate and making a turn, a slender figure darted in front.

The black sports car screeched to a halt. Harvey broke out in a cold sweat. He looked up and saw a pale little face illuminated by the car's headlights.

It was Monika.

Harvey's gaze shifted to her belly. Her belly, which was normally flat, was now

slightly protruding. She looked to be two or three months pregnant.

Harvey got out of the car.

With a pale face and trembling lips, Monika pleaded, "Attorney Horigan, can you help me? Livio knows I betrayed him, and he'll surely have me killed. I'm pregnant, but I've been under his control for so long Attorney Horigan, can you help me? If I lose this child, I'll never have the chance to be a mother again."

Monika slowly knelt down.

Harvey lit a cigarette. The night sky was filled with the smoke that rose and

dissipated. He spoke coldly, "We had a deal, twenty million, and you gave me the

evidence."

“I know.” Monika reached out to grab

his trouser jeg, pleading, "But I didn't expect him to be released on bail,

he'll definitely come after

me...Attorney Horigan, I beg el.ng

help me one last time. I promise to

stay far away. I'll never appear in

front of Mrs. Horigan again."

She clutched her belly. "I just want to keep this child."

After a moment, Harvey asked lightly, "Who's the father of the child?"

Monika was stunned, and after a long while, she murmured, "I don't know." She

had been with too many men during that time, so she really didn't know.

Harvey watched her bewildered expression that was the face that

resembled Joan's. Joan was always beautiful and outgoing, while Monika had always lived in darkness...She was just in her early twenties and was already in a sorry state.

After finishing his cigarette, Harvey finally spoke, "Go to Rossland, someone will

arrange everything. House, hospital, childbirth...I only have one condition, you can never return to Peterborough. Never appear in front of Eloise."

Harvey reached into the car and handed her a business card. It was the card of his trusted assistant.

Monika's voice trembled. "I understand. I promise I won't appear again." Harvey got back into the car and drove off slowly. Behind him, Monika clutched the business card tightly, as if it was her lifeline.

Harvey didn't go home; he drove to Jade Mountain in Peterborough, where the unclaimed or orphaned ashes were kept. Joan's ashes were there.

It was late at night, and he wasn't supposed to be allowed in, but Harvey gave the gatekeeper two packs of cigarettes.

He had been here before and quickly found Joan's ashes. The light was dim, the once vibrant and beautiful girl had been reduced to a small box of ashes. Harvey placed a flower on top. He remained silent for a long time, then finally said, "I just came to tell you. I've fallen for Eloise."

He had fallen for the same person twice. If there was a reincarnation, he hoped

Joan could let go.

Leaving Jade Mountain, Harvey felt a significant weight lifted off his shoulders. He

felt as though he had finally let go of the past and chosen the woman he truly

wanted to spend the rest of his life with.

At this moment, all he wanted was to see Eloise.

He drove back to their mansion, where Eloise was sound asleep. His initial

thought was to hold her, but he decided to take a shower first, then slide into bed next to her.

In a state between sleep and wakefulness, Eloise murmured against his chest, "I didn't give you permission to come up yet."