Tangled Temptations

himself."

Eloise's head was still a bit dizzy, but she felt even more embarrassed at this moment.

Nobody knew better about her past relationship with Harvey than Denise. Denise probably even overheard what

happened on New Year's Eve at Harvey's place.

Eloise decided to ignore all that.

"I guess | caught a cold," Eloise said in a hoarse voice, "It's nothing serious."

"But Attorney Horigan is worried about you," Denise said with a smile, which only added to Eloise's

embarrassment.

The doctor didn't say much. After examining Eloise and administering an injection, he left.

In the apartment, only the two women remained.

Denise, a veteran in the corporate world, was unfazed by the awkward atmosphere. She even tied on an apron

and said with a smile, "You should avoid greasy foods when you're sick. I'll make you schicken soup. | see

you have scelery in the fridge."

Eloise didn't want to be a bother.

"Don't worry about it," Denise assured her, "Attorney Horigan didn't trust anyone else to come. Besides, | had

half a day off today and now | can pick up my son earlier."

Eloise chuckled.

She knew Denise was one of Harvey's confidants, careful with her words.

As Denise cooked the soup, she chatted with Eloise, discussing the events that followed her breakup with Harvey.

Towards the end of their conversation, Denise sighed softly, "Eloise, these past six months haven't been good for

Attorney Horigan."

Denise knew about the rift between Eloise and Harvey, and she felt guilty about it. If she hadn't asked Eloise to

deliver the files that night, perhaps they wouldn't have broken up. But as a woman, she was quite glad that

Eloise went that day, otherwise, they might really end up like many married couples, unable to make it till the

end.

As they talked, Eloise ate the soup and finally said, "You don't have to blyourself. Our breakup wasn't

because of anyone else, not even completely because of Joan. Even when she attempted suicide and Harvey had

to go to her, we didn't break up. It was our own problems."

Harvey was willing to marry, just like any other man in high society.

He wanted a respectable wife and an heir.

He liked her body, and he could remain faithful during the honeymoon phase, but beyond that, no one could

guarantee.

They both couldn't.

But what Eloise wanted was a lifelong partner.

She had never loved someone so boldly and fearlessly, yearning to be with him in that way, but she thought that

she would never be like that again in the future.

That one incident had scared her.

Eloise didn't share these thoughts.

There was no right or wrong between them, no forgiveness necessary, just that she had grown indifferent.

Now, there was a one-year agreement.

However he treated her, she would reciprocate, but she would guard her own heart.

Denise left at half-past four.

At eight in the evening, Harvey called her. Eloise, not being one to play hard to get, answered it straightaway.

On the other end of the line, Harvey's voice was soft, "Feeling any better?" Eloise responded with a hum, "Thank

you for sending Denise to take care of me." There was a short pause.

Harvey then laughed softly, "Would you liketo cover? | just got off work. | can bring over sof your

favorite foods. There's a concert tonight, it's a shyou're sick and can't go. How about we watch the live

streaming at home?"

Eloise knew what he was getting at.

He was trying to bridge the gap between them, to date like a normal couple. She didn't have the energy for it.

However, she couldn't afford to offend him either. So she ambiguously replied, "I'm not feeling well and want to

sleep. Let's do it this weekend. I'll be with you then."

Harvey remained silent.

So did Eloise.

There was an eerie silence between them. Eventually, Harvey broke the silence, "Rest well if you're not feeling

good."

Eloise nodded, then hung up the call.

On the other end, Harvey sat in his black Maybach, the street light casting a shadow on his side profile. He was

just downstairs of Eloise's apartment.

But she didn't want him to cup.

Without a word, Harvey got out of the car, carrying a bag full of treats that girls usually loved.

Of course, there were also men's toiletries.

He had initially planned to spend the night here to take care of her, but she didn't want him to.

Harvey was never the type of man to suffer silently. Since he had come, there was no reason not to let her know.

But he had his pride, so he simply hung the bag on her door handle.

The next morning, Eloise went out to walk Milo.

As soon as she opened the door, she saw the two bags. She guessed that Harvey

had left them, so she took them back inside and looked through each item.

Snacks, a razor, bathrobe slippers, and men's underwear.

Eloise didn't know what to say.

She put the items down, pretending not to know, acting as if nothing had happened.

Yes, they had agreed on a one-year term, but she didn't plan on letting him invade

her personal life. She didn't plan on letting him use these things either.

When she went downstairs to work, Dwight wasn't there to pick her up.

Unable to drive herself, she had to call a cab to Crescendo Sound Workshop. Fortunately, Harvey was at

Crescendo Sound Workshop.

From that day on, Dwight gave her the cold shoulder.

He refused to drive her, and rarely cto see her.

Eloise didn't push him. Instead, she hired a new driver. However, she still cared about Dwight's whereabouts.

Knowing that he wasn't messing around and was working hard, and that Michelle told her he went to bed early

every night, she was reassured.

Finally, Dwight agreed to see her.

But his attitude was icy cold.

Eloise was going over sreports, and asked in a flat voice, "Are you going to work with this attitude all the

time?"

Dwight glared at her fiercely.

He studied her as if trying to burn a hole through her. This woman... this woman was too ungrateful.

After finishing reading, Eloise asked him to leave.

Dwight turned around and left, but as soon as he was outside, he couldn't hold back any longer. He punched the

wall hard and threw a small pill on the ground, crushing it under his foot.

Eloise cout and watched him quietly.

Dwight turned stiffly, still staring at her with a wounded look in his eyes.

Eloise said very calmly, "Dwight, there are many things in this world you can't

have just because you want them, and have you considered what you'd do once you got them?"

Dwight's back was drenched in cold sweat.

She knew.

Eloise glanced down at the small red pill, her voice whispering, "Clean this up. Don't let anyone see it. If you're

unhappy here, go back to Rossland."

Dwight remained stiff.

He knew he should leave, but thought that if he did, he'd be a coward and a complete failure. Horigan would

probably laugh his ass off for days.

The young man bristled. "I'm not leaving! I'll make something of myself to show you, and make you regret not

choosing me."

Eloise knew his rage would pass. t

She managed a small smile, "Given your recent performance, I'm docking $12000 from your bonus this month."

Damn it!

He knew that this woman had a sharp tongue and a cold heart, just like Horigan, a typical capitalist.

He huffed and stomped off.

In the afternoon, Eloise received a call from Stuart. He said his son had becmore sensible. "Dwight said he'll

return to Arellano Enterprises to work in a year, Eloise, I'm grateful to you."

Eloise responded with the usual polite phrases.

She didn't decline the benefits Stuart promised. She was no fool. His prized son

had almost driven himself mad, about to use that red pill. She was definitely keeping the rewards.

Having dealt with Dwight, Eloise's mood improved significantly.

But this good mood only lasted a short while, because Harvey called. His voice,

tinged with smile, rang through the phone. "I'll pick you up soon. Would you like to visit my villa? I'm staying

there now."