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.

despite everything or how much she may hate him, Eloise could never resist his

promise you that I won't miss

want to lose her composure in front of

Dwight and spoke softly, "Attorney Horigan, your words are too heavy. Our relationship doesn't warrant such promises. Enjoy

nod and turned

tow.

her as she chatted with the other guests, even as she danced. Every now and then, their eyes would meet unintentionally, but she would quickly look away, choosing to ignore

on, and

only she knew how fragile she was, and how vulnerable

a bit

splashed cold water on

resist teasing her, "Ever since Horigan showed up, your look has completely changed. What's so great about him? If he's so amazing, why did

the restroom, her voice cold, "My personal matters are none of your

I just can't stand seeing you like this. What, did he hurt you so bad that you're scared to love again? You're only 25 and you're

in

felt as if she had

Dwight!

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

leaning against his car,

neon lights, he still looked handsome. But Eloise knew

She hailed a cab.

stubbed out his

frown on his face, "Where's Dwight?

down her

a minor setback. But I'm just a regular person. I can't

outstretched hand froze in

rings on their middle fingers, pretending to be in love when they're 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 company, but how long can I stay

should I believe you when you say you love

leave it

then, the cab arrived. Eloise opened the door and got

standing alone in

His heart sinking slowly.

that winning back Eloise was going to be harder than he

to her

She was determined to erase him from her life. She needed

next week, Harvey didn't bother her. He didn't call,

at her apartment.

they were finally

she had just returned home when her doorbell

went to open the

outside was Riley, looking visibly unwell and clearly worn

the door gently and brewed a cup of coffee, her

slumped in the

barely acquaintances before, and only got

his coffee cup, Riley finally spoke, "Veronica is

aback, but not entirely

knew Eloise's life had just recently returned

had no other 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

Eloise was stunned.

it up after asking Eloise's

deep drag.

baby is over three months

much, but

her reputation