Tangled Temptations novel Chapter 204

Harvey clenched his phone, nodding. "I'll be right there!"

After hanging up, he looked at Eloise. She had heard as well, murmuring, "Get going, and drive safely!"

Harvey swallowed hard. He really wanted her to accompany him to meet his grandmother. But he was unsure if Eloise would be willing, given their current circumstances.

Harvey pondered for a moment, then whispered, "I may be busy for a while."

Eloise didn't give him the cold shoulder like before. She just nodded. As she exited the car, Harvey suddenly rolled down the window and said, "Eloise..."

Standing in the night, she waved at him. "Go on!"

Harvey continued to watch her as he softly stepped on the gas. It took him two hours to get to the East Estate, where the family matriarch, also Parker’s mother, lived. She lived there because of the place's fresh air and peaceful surroundings.

Tonight was probably her last. She had started talking nonsense in the evening. The nurse had called Parker in a hurry. Upon seeing his mother, Parker knew she was not doing well, so he quickly gathered the family to say their goodbyes.

Parker was the eldest son, and Harvey was the most notable of the younger generation. The old lady had always favored him. With her last breath, she waited for him.

As Harvey parked his car and rushed to his grandmother’s room, the Horigan family made way for him. Parker whispered into his mother’s ear, "Harvey's here to see you."

She was on her deathbed. Upon hearing his footsteps, she slowly opened her eyes, the wrinkles on her face stretching out. Her gaze was particularly bright.

Parker knew this was her last lucid moment. She had been holding on just to speak to her grandson...

Indeed, she managed to sit up. Harvey quickly went to her, crouched in front of her, held her frail hand, and kissed it. She stroked his hair.

How much she adored this grandson of hers. He was handsome and more intelligent than most from a young age; the only flaw was his bachelorhood. She hadn't even held a great-grandchild.

She was lucid and slowly asked, "I heard from your mother at Christmas that you're seeing someone. You said you'd bring her to meet me, Harvey... why didn't you bring her?"

Harvey looked up, his gaze tenderly focused on her silver hair. He smiled faintly, "She's working overtime. I didn't have time to get her."

She frowned, "You're just humoring me! I know your temper. You must've upset the girl!"

Harvey still wore a soft smile, he nodded. "Yes, I upset her. I'm still trying to make it right... I'll bring her to meet you soon, and maybe you could put in a good word for me."

Relieved, she said, "As long as you're still trying!"

She eagerly asked what kind of girl she was. Harvey, fearing she might not hear him clearly, leaned close to her ear and gently said, "She's pretty! Usually, she's quite well-behaved but has quite the temper when upset!"

Eloise held the phone, feeling the life on the other end fading away. She could feel Harvey's sorrow.

...

When they met again, it had been half a month. Eloise knew he had taken care of Grannie Joy's funeral and flown to Britain to attend Joan's first divorce hearing with her producer husband. Eloise didn't pay attention to the details. She had made peace with her feelings and naturally didn't care about Joan.

The day Harvey returned, he called her, "We should meet."

Eloise was in her apartment. He wanted to come over, but Eloise didn't agree and suggested, "Let's meet at your place."

Harvey drove over as dusk fell. The cicadas in the trees were singing loudly, adding a lively atmosphere to the evening.

Eloise came downstairs to see Harvey leaning against his car. Seeing her approach, he opened the car door for her and asked, "Where’s Milo?"

Eloise got into the car and casually responded, "I sent him to my mom's."

Harvey watched her. He hadn't seen her for half a month, his gaze now holding a deeper meaning. Eloise looked away to avoid his gaze.

He chuckled and closed the car door. Once he sat next to her, he absentmindedly buckled his seatbelt. After a while, he couldn't help but ask, "Why didn't you ask?"