NovelStartChapter 197
After Griffin left, Eloise remained alone for quite stime.
By the tshe made an appearance at the reception, she had managed to regain her composure.
Dwight sidled up to her with a smirk on his face. "That old codger cknocking again? What, did he drain his
retirement savings and now he wants you to foot his nursing hbill?"
Eloise lifted a glass of champagne to her lips. "This is a formal occasion, Dwight. Gossip is hardly appropriate."
Dwight huffed, "I'm just lookin’ out for you, babe."
Eloise knew exactly what was on his mind. He was just trying to ruffle Harvey's feathers. She wasn't so
narcissistic as to believe that a playboy like Dwight was truly smitten with her.
But she did owe Stuart a debt of two million dollars. She was obliged to keep Dwight in line.
Eloise socialized with Dwight, carrying herself gracefully and confidently, while Dwight also behaved well without
causing any disruptions.
In the distance, two of the city's wealthiest men were engaged in leisurely conversation.
Stuart chuckled, "I must say, Parker, my two million was money well spent. Just over a month, and Dwight has
transformed into a different person."
Parker joined in the laughter, "And our dear Eloise has matured quite a bit.
There's something about being with a younger man that brings out the mother hen in a woman, don't you
think?"
With that, he let out another hearty laugh.
Stuart's face stiffened slightly, "Your Eloise?"
A look of surprise crossed Parker's face, "You didn't know, Stuart? Eloise and Harvey nearly tied the knot. They're
just dealing with sminor issues at the moment."
Stuart's heart skipped a beat. Eloise was indeed an exceptional woman, but could his son truly compete with
Harvey? The man was known in legal circles for his cunning and ruthlessness. There was nothing he wanted that
he didn't eventually get.
Stuart felt truly concerned for his son.
But he was a man who valued his dignity in front of people more than anyone, so
he forced a laugh, "When it comes to love, may the best man win."
Parker raised his glass in toast.
As if on cue, the man of the hour arrived.
Harvey crashed the party uninvited, his high-profile presence drawing many curious glances.
Eloise turned around and there he was.
She was resplendent in a pristine white gown.
He looked dashing in a classic black and white suit.
They were in the prof their lives, with their best looks, gazing at each other across the crowd. In that
moment, it was as if everyone else disappeared, and all the sounds fell silent.
Harvey slowly approached her, stopping just in front of her, "Congratulations."
Eloise was taken aback.
Follow on NovᴇlEnglish.nᴇt
Dwight, standing by her side, was clearly not pleased. Seeing her with a look of lingering affection made him
jealous.
Eloise only cback to her senses when he nudged her. Harvey smiled softly.
He knew that despite everything or how much she may hate him, Eloise could never resist his charm. Her gazes
were a giveaway, betraying her true feelings. Harvey handed her a gift.
His voice was gentle, "Eloise, | promise you that | won't miss any more of your important days."
Eloise didn't want to lose her composure in front of so many people.
She handed the gift to Dwight and spoke softly, "Attorney Horigan, your words are too heavy. Our relationship
doesn't warrant such promises. Enjoy the party."
With that, she gave him a small nod and turned towards the crowd, with Dwight in
tow.
Harvey watched her, his gaze following her as she chatted with the other guests, even as she danced. Every now
and then, their eyes would meet unintentionally, but she would quickly look away, choosing to ignore him.
The party went on, and Eloise was the perfect hostess.
But only she knew how fragile she was, and how vulnerable she felt.
She had had a bit too much to drink.
At the end of the night, she splashed cold water on her face in the restroom.
Dwight leaned against the wall outside, playing with his phone, and while waiting for her, he couldn't resist
teasing her, "Ever since Horigan showed up, your look has completely changed. What's so great about him? If
he's so amazing, why did you break up with him?"
Eloise emerged from the restroom, her voice cold, "My personal matters are none of your business."
Dwight scoffed, following her out, "You think | want to know? | just can't stand seeing you like this. What, did he
hurt you so bad that you're scared to love again? You're only 25 and you're living like a nun. Don't tellyou're
planning to live the rest of your life alone."
Eloise stopped in her tracks.
She felt as if she had been struck by lightning.
Dwight!
Only Dwight could see through her. Yes, after what happened between her and Harvey, Eloise was afraid to love
again. Everyone thought she might fall for Landon, but she didn't dare. She wasn't as free-spirited as she
thought she was. Eloise didn't let Dwight drive her home. She hailed a cab and left. As she was waiting for the
cab, she saw Harvey.
He was leaning against his car, smoking a cigarette.
Even under the neon lights, he still looked handsome. But Eloise knew she couldn't handle another heartbreak.
She hailed a cab.
As she was waiting, Harvey stubbed out his cigarette and walked over to her, with
a frown on his face, "Where's Dwight? Why isn't he taking you home?"
Eloise put down her phone.
She stared at the musical fountain in front of her, her voice barely above a whisper, "Harvey, can you please give
another heartbreak. So regardless of how serious you are now, | can't take it. Do you understand? | can't handle
someone like you."
Harvey's outstretched hand froze in mid-air.
Eloise's eyes were tinged with red, "People like you treat marriage like a game, wearing engagement rings on
their middle fingers, pretending to be in love when they're not. If | were to marry you, | might wake up one day
to find that my husband doesn't love me. At most, he just likes me. You like my body and my company, but how
long can | stay young?
Why should | believe you when you say you lovenow?
So let's just leave it at that."
Just then, the cab arrived. Eloise opened the door and got in.
Harvey was left standing alone in the night.
His heart sinking slowly.
He realized that winning back Eloise was going to be harder than he thought. He was starting to feel anxious.
Eloise returned to her apartment.
She didn't want to think about Harvey anymore. She was determined to erase him from her life. She needed to
learn to ignore him.
For the next week, Harvey didn't bother her. He didn't call, and he didn't show up
at her apartment.
Eloise thought they were finally over.
On Saturday night, she had just returned hwhen her doorbell rang.
Eloise went to open the door.
Standing outside was Riley, looking visibly unwell and clearly worn out.
Eloise closed the door gently and brewed a cup of coffee, her voice soft as she asked, "What's wrong? Is
something up with Veronica?"
Riley slumped in the small couch.
He wasn't exactly close with Eloise - they were barely acquaintances before, and only got closer because of
Veronica. They had shared a few meals together.
Cradling his coffee cup, Riley finally spoke, "Veronica is pregnant."
Eloise was taken aback, but not entirely surprised.
Riley watched her. He knew Eloise's life had just recently returned to normal, but
he was desperate and had no other choice but to seek her help. "Gunner refuses to sign the divorce papers. Plus,
Ravenna's child isn't his, which gives him an upper hand. There's a cooling-off period for divorce now, and he
won't let go. This divorce won't be happening anytsoon."
Eloise was stunned.
Riley pulled out a cigarette, lit it up after asking Eloise's permission, and took a
deep drag.
"Veronica can't wait. The baby is over three months now."
He didn't say much, but Eloise understood.
If Veronica couldn't get the divorce, her reputation would be ruined. Plus, it would
be hard for Riley to explain the situation to the Colman family, considering their relationship already had many
obstacles.
Follow on Novᴇl-Onlinᴇ.cᴏm
Eloise went into the kitchen to refill Riley's coffee.
She understood why he was here. Harvey was a top-notch lawyer in the country,
with resources and connections. If he took the case, they'd get the divorce.
Eloise spoke softly, "Don't you have sconnections with him?"
Riley offered a bitter smile.
He did have sconnections with Harvey, but lately, he had found it difficult to
even see him. His secretary always claimed that Attorney Horigan was out of town
or in a meeting.
Riley was no fool.
After a few rejections, he guessed Harvey's intention - he wanted Eloise to ask
him.
Riley's voice was husky, "Veronica doesn't know I'm here. She'd rather abort the child than bother you. I'm being
selfish this time, Eloise... I'm begging you." Eloise returned to the living room.
Riley's eyes were slightly red, and he looked utterly defeated, hanging on by a thread.
Eloise had seen Riley in high spirits, frolicking among women, but she had never seen him like this.
She suddenly realized that Veronica had found a good man.
She said nothing, and Riley fell to his knees in front of her.
"Riley!... Get up!"
Eloise helped him up, but Riley remained kneeling, his voice choked with emotion,
"Eloise, as long as the child is born safely, you can ask anything of me. Even if it's
all my wealth, | won't bat an eye. I'll work my butts off to support my wife and child."
Eloise pulled him up.
She spoke softly, "Why would | want your wealth? Aren't you going to support the
child?"
Riley looked at her, his face full of hope.
Eloise forced a smile, "I promise you that I'll ask him."
Riley tried to say something,
but Eloise asked him to leave, "Take good care of Veronica, and don't tell her you
chere."
Once Riley left, Eloise grabbed a beer from the fridge, opened it, and began to drink slowly.
The night breeze was chilly, and the beer was icy cold.
When she woke up in the middle of the night, her face was wet with tears.
Later, she sat on the balcony all night, lost in thought. When she cto her senses, the dazzling golden
sunlight was rising, illuminating the entire earth.
Eloise lowered her head and called Harvey. "Harvey, | need to see you."
Visit our social media platform to read fascinating stories every day and connect with the community!
