Tangled Temptations novel Chapter 130

Eloise angrily kicked him.

"Ouch!" Harvey winced in pain, giving Eloise the perfect chance to grab her suitcase and storm out of the bedroom.

Just as she was about to open the front door, he caught her hand. His gazes were intense as he asked, "Are you really leaving?"

Eloise looked down and didn't respond.

"Let go." she said softly.

Harvey leaned closer, his tone softening, "Someone just delivered some food. Let's eat together."

Eloise knew this was his game. Whenever Harvey wanted to sweet talk a woman, he knew how to use his charm. She fell for his so-called charm time and time again, only to find that it was just his tactic, and she was the only one who took it seriously.

Eloise smiled a self-deprecating smile. "I don't want to eat. There's no need."

Harvey frowned, but he didn't let go. They were at a stalemate.

Suddenly, the doorbell rang. Eloise had a pretty good idea who it was. Who else could it be but Joan?

She said coldly, "Harvey, there are plenty of women who want to have dinner with you. You don't need to hold onto me."

His face darkened even more. He let go of her hand.

Taking a deep breath, Eloise opened the door. Sure enough, Joan was standing there, holding a gift. Seeing the suitcase in Eloise's hand, surprise flashed in her eyes. "Ms. Laurent, I came to apologize. I'm sorry for causing a fight between you and Harvey. I’d hate it if you guys have a fight over me."

Her words made Eloise uncomfortable. Eloise dragged her suitcase and headed towards the elevator, and from behind came Harvey's displeased voice, "Eloise."

They had indeed fought last night. But he had stayed at home instead of going to the office, waiting for her. He had explained and even apologized to her, why was she still so stubborn?

Eloise stopped in her tracks, her eyes welling up with tears. She had indeed developed feelings for Harvey during this time. But he saw her as nothing more than entertainment. If she continued to live with him, cook for him, and wait for him to come home with a wife's mindset, wouldn't that be degrading?

Without looking at Harvey, Eloise turned to Joan and said, "Ms. Joan, congratulations, everything now belongs to you, whether it's Astral, the white dress, or Harvey... are you happy?"

The elevator doors opened. Eloise stepped inside and dropped one last sentence, "I've given up my place."

Harvey watched as the elevator doors closed, his face darkened.

Joan stepped forward and asked in a soft voice, "Did you two have a fight?"

His response was cold, "What are you doing here?"

Holding up the gift box, Joan said, "I came to apologize to Ms. Laurent."

"There's no need." Harvey lit up a cigarette and replied in a languid tone, "I told you last night, don't come looking for me anymore. If you need something, call me. Or better yet, see a therapist."

Joan looked pale and pitiful. "Harvey, are you really going to sacrifice our relationship over a woman we have no connection with? I don't believe you have feelings for her."

…

His expression turned even colder.

"Joan, it's charming for women to pretend to be vulnerable sometimes, but overdoing it makes it look too pretentious."

His mind drifted to Eloise. The feelings between him and Eloise were genuine. When she loved him, her eyes were filled with passion. And when she didn't, she didn't hide it.

Vanessa went to Eloise's office and briefly told her about it. She was a bit worried, "Do you think he has ulterior motives?"

Regardless, since he had mentioned it, Eloise still had to meet him. To her surprise, Judson was very polite and gentle, even inviting them to dinner. He said, "Ms. Laurent, I've heard that your piano teaching is excellent. I have a daughter, and we could bring her over for you to evaluate if she has the talent to learn piano. If you don't mind, she can start learning piano from you."

With those words, the atmosphere eased. Vanessa gave Eloise a knowing look.

Eloise grinned, shaking hands with Judson, "You're too kind, Judson. It should be Vanessa and me treating you to a meal."

Judson, being a baller, signed the letter of intent on the spot.

Eloise noticed the payment account was linked to a newly registered company. A company named Zenith Partners.

Judson caught her expression and gave her a meaningful smirk. He gave her hand a squeeze and said, "My wife and I are inviting you guys for dinner this Saturday. Please do come."

After Judson left, he shot off a message from inside his car. The message read, [Max, it's a done deal.]

Max replied in an instant. He said, [You've outdone yourself, Judson. Dinner’s on me tonight.]

...

After Vanessa saw off Judson. She kissed the letter of intent she was holding. She said, "This Judson guy probably came because of his daughter's admiration for us, Eloise. You're the hero for Encore Soundworks this time."

Eloise made two cups of coffee and as she handed one to Vanessa, she frowned slightly. For some reason, everything seemed too smooth to be normal.

Just then, Landon gave her a ring. He said, "Eloise, would you do me the honor of dinner?"