Eloise picked up the scattered clothes, passing them to Brett.
Brett was also aware that if the housekeeper saw him like this, it wouldn't reflect well on Orlena. He returned to his guest room.
Eloise slowly approached Orlena, letting out a sigh. "You're a renowned model now. You should get rid of that childish temper, otherwise, how are you going to face people out there?"
Orlena's eyes were moist. She pulled Eloise into the bedroom, and Eloise gently closed the door behind her.
She was taken aback by the mess in the room. It was evident that the night before had been wild. Cosmetics and bottles were scattered all over the vanity table. The bedsheets were crumpled.
Orlena said nothing and opened the window for some fresh air. She was afraid that Eloise would be angry, so she whispered, "Don't be mad."
Eloise felt both annoyed and amused. Eloise shouldn't meddle in this matter, so she vaguely commented, "Well, at least it was for free....Hmm, he has a good figure."
Orlena's cheeks flushed. She couldn't believe that Eloise could be so bold. Just as she was about to speak, someone appeared at the door, having probably heard everything.
It was Harvey.
He had clearly just woken up, wearing a set of comfortable loungewear.
Eloise was surprised. She had thought he had been living in his apartment or villa these past days, but he was still here.
Following her gaze, Harvey looked at himself. He casually remarked, "I’m living at home, so there are people who can vouch for my chastity." There was a hint of flirtation in his words.
Eloise walked out.
Orlena's room was a mess, and Eloise didn't want Harvey to see it. After all, he was a man. However, Eloise had to pay the price for her decision. As soon as she stepped out, Harvey pinned her against the wall, his warm breath caressing the soft skin behind her ear. "Do you want it for free?"
Eloise put her hands on his chest, saying in a restrained manner, "Stop harassing me."
Harvey's gaze darkened. He was a normal man, and she had practically delivered herself to him early in the morning. It would be abnormal if he wasn't interested.
But he held back. His long fingers traced her lips softly, as he murmured, "Are you really going to the premiere? Who are you walking the red carpet with, hmm?"
"I haven't decided yet."
"I'll be there too. Why don't you walk with me?"
Eloise turned her face away. "Not appropriate."
Who ever heard of divorced couples walking the red carpet together?
He insisted on hearing her decision, and Eloise, in a bid to annoy him, finally retorted, "Maybe Gerald."
Harvey was so angry that he nipped at her neck. "I dare you."
Eloise wasn't afraid. Just as she was about to provoke him further, she caught sight of Brett from the corner of her eye. She cleared her throat, "Let's talk in the study."
Harvey saw him, too. He gave a cold smirk. "You do seem willing to make a sacrifice."
He said that, but once they reached the study, he lit a cigarette and smoked quietly. Eloise could tell something was bothering him. Since their divorce, they had to be careful about what they said to each other, unlike before when they could simply speak their minds. Hence, she hesitated before asking, "Did my uncle tell you something?"
Harvey held the cigarette casually between his long fingers, looking rather appealing. He squinted at her, and after a while, he flicked off the ash. "Do you know Livio?"
Of course, Eloise knew Livio. He was Joan's ex-husband. Why was Harvey bringing him up?
Harvey's handsome features seemed even sharper in the dim light of the study. He exhaled smoke leisurely, exuding an intense masculine charm.
After a while, he finally said, "Your uncle's main purpose of coming to Peterborough was because of Livio."
Eloise's heart raced. Had Harvey remembered?
He wasn't doing well, actually. Sometimes, he didn't even know who he should hate or who he should blame.
The atmosphere was quite somber, and Eloise didn’t feel great either. When he talked to her in such a low voice, she had an illusion of going back to their past. But it was easier said than done. They had already ended up like this.
Eloise gazed at Harvey, her eyes moist. "The way we are now. It's good."
Harvey was not one to pity women often. But now, the sight of Eloise stirred a tenderness within him. He was no stranger to the language of desire, and he could tell that Eloise yearned for him, yet there was fear in her eyes.
He didn't encroach on her space, but gently stroked her long hair, "I've got your diary and voice recorder here for you."
Eloise looked at him, baffled.
Harvey stood up to fetch them, returning shortly with a small box which he placed in her hand. Eloise tilted her head back slightly, her red lips parted, and her expression was one of innocent desire.
He had a strong urge to kiss her, to just lean in and devour her. At this moment, Eloise would surely be obedient. In her heart, she was always unable to let him go.
Harvey leaned in closer to her, causing her long, fluttering eyelashes to tremble with panic. He did not kiss her after what felt like an eternity.
Eloise felt utterly mortified.
He chuckled softly, gently brushing her tender, red lips with his fingers. "Don't think about using me as a substitute. If you want to kiss me, call me Harvey."
Harvey was insufferable. Eloise clutched her belongings and fled.
Harvey did not chase after her. He sat quietly, reminiscing about his conversation with Brett the previous night.
After a while, his thoughts drifted back to Eloise. He reconciled that he must have liked her quite a lot. Otherwise, why would he be willing to let his sister be with that old man, Brett?
The events of last night were so intense. Harvey wasn’t deaf, so how could he not have heard?
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