Tangled Temptations novel Chapter 201

Eloise woke up in the afternoon.

The air conditioning in her apartment was set to a comfortable cool.

Subtle footsteps echoed from the living room. They were so faint, one had to listen carefully to pick up on them.

Eloise quickly sat up.

To her surprise, it was Denise, a close associate of Harvey, who had appeared in her apartment, accompanied by a doctor.

Upon seeing Eloise awake, Denise cheerfully said, "I heard you weren't feeling well, so Attorney Horigan asked me to bring a doctor to check on you. He's got an important meeting today, otherwise he would have come 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 I 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 some chicken soup. I see you have some celery 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, I had half a day off today and now I 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 blame yourself. 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 like me to come over? I just got off work. I can bring over some of your favorite foods. There's a concert tonight, it’s a shame you'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.

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 came out 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 become more 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."