Tangled Temptations

Chapter 197

After Griffin left, Eloise remained alone for quite some time.

By the time she made an appearance at the reception, she had managed to regain her composure.

Dwight sidled up to her with a smirk on his face. "That old codger come knocking again? What, did he drain his retirement savings and now he wants you to foot his nursing home bill?"

Eloise lifted a glass of champagne to her lips. "This is a formal occasion, Dwight. Gossip is hardly appropriate."

Dwight huffed, "I'm just lookin' out for you, babe."

Eloise knew exactly what was on his mind. He was just trying to ruffle Harvey's feathers. She wasn't so narcissistic as to believe that a playboy like Dwight was truly smitten with her.

But she did owe Stuart a debt of two million dollars. She was obliged to keep Dwight in line.

Eloise socialized with Dwight, carrying herself gracefully and confidently, while Dwight also behaved well without causing any disruptions.

In the distance, two of the city's wealthiest men were engaged in leisurely conversation.

Stuart chuckled, "I must say, Parker, my two million was money well spent. Just over a month, and Dwight has transformed into a different person."

Parker joined in the laughter, "And our dear Eloise has matured quite a bit.

There's something about being with a younger man that brings out the mother hen in a woman, don't you think?"

With that, he let out another hearty laugh.

Stuart's face stiffened slightly, "Your Eloise?"

A look of surprise crossed Parker's face, "You didn't know, Stuart? Eloise and Harvey nearly tied the knot. They're just dealing with some minor issues at the moment."

Stuart's heart skipped a beat. Eloise was indeed an exceptional woman, but could his son truly compete with Harvey? The man was known in legal circles for his cunning and ruthlessness. There was nothing he wanted that he didn't eventually get.

Stuart felt truly concerned for his son.

But he was a man who valued his dignity in front of people more than anyone, so

he forced a laugh, "When it comes to love, may the best man win."

Parker raised his glass in toast.

As if on cue, the man of the hour arrived.

Harvey crashed the party uninvited, his high-profile presence drawing many curious glances.

Eloise turned around and there he was.

She was resplendent in a pristine white gown.

He looked dashing in a classic black and white suit.

They were in the prime of their lives, with their best looks, gazing at each other across the crowd. In that moment, it was as if everyone else disappeared, and all the sounds fell silent.

Harvey slowly approached her, stopping just in front of her, "Congratulations."

Eloise was taken aback.

Dwight, standing by her side, was clearly not pleased. Seeing her with a look of lingering affection made him jealous.

Eloise only came back to her senses when he nudged her. Harvey smiled softly.

hate him, Eloise could never resist his charm. Her gazes

gentle, "Eloise, I promise you that

lose her composure in front

to Dwight and spoke softly, "Attorney Horigan, your words are

that, she gave him a small nod and turned towards the crowd, with Dwight

tow.

she chatted with the other guests, even as she danced. Every now and then, their eyes would meet unintentionally, but she

and Eloise

she

had had a bit

night, she splashed cold water on her face

resist teasing her, "Ever since Horigan showed up,

cold, "My personal matters are none

like this. What, did he hurt you so bad that you're

in her

she

Dwight!

again. Everyone thought she might fall for Landon, but she didn't dare. She wasn't as free-spirited as she thought she was. Eloise didn't let Dwight drive her home. She hailed a cab and left.

leaning against his car,

still looked handsome. But Eloise knew she

She hailed a cab.

out his cigarette

frown on his face, "Where's Dwight? Why

down her

in front of her, her voice barely above a whisper, "Harvey, can you please give me a break? For someone like you, a breakup is just a minor setback. But I'm just a regular person.

outstretched hand froze in

not. If I were to marry you, I might wake up one day to find that my husband doesn't love me. At most, he just likes me. You like my body and my

when you say

just leave it

Eloise

left standing alone in the

His heart sinking slowly.

that winning back Eloise was going to be harder than

returned to her

to think about Harvey anymore. She was determined to erase him from her

her. He didn't

at her apartment.

they were finally

Saturday night, she had just

went to open

looking visibly unwell and clearly worn

a cup of coffee, her voice soft as she asked, "What's wrong?

in the

before, and only got closer because of Veronica.

cup, Riley finally spoke, "Veronica is

taken aback, but

watched her. He knew Eloise's life had just

choice but to seek her help. "Gunner refuses to sign the divorce papers. Plus, Ravenna's child isn't his, which gives him an upper hand. There's a cooling-off period for divorce now, and he won't let go. This divorce

Eloise was stunned.

cigarette, lit it up after asking

deep drag.

The baby

much, but

the divorce, her reputation