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.

how much she may hate him, Eloise could never resist his charm. Her gazes were a giveaway, betraying her true

I promise you that I won't

want to lose her composure in front

handed the gift to Dwight and spoke softly, "Attorney Horigan, your words are too heavy. Our

gave him a small nod and turned towards the crowd,

tow.

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

went on, and Eloise was the perfect

only she knew how fragile she was,

had a bit too

splashed cold water on her face in the

with his phone, and while waiting for her, he couldn't resist teasing her, "Ever since Horigan showed up, your look has completely changed. What's so great about him? If he's so amazing,

from the restroom, her voice cold, "My

like this. What, did he hurt you so bad that you're scared to love again? You're only 25 and you're living

stopped in

if she had

Dwight!

happened between her and Harvey, Eloise was afraid to love 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. As

his car,

neon lights, he still looked handsome. But Eloise knew

She hailed a cab.

was waiting, Harvey stubbed out his cigarette and walked

face, "Where's Dwight? Why

down

me a break? For someone like you, a breakup is just a minor setback. But

hand froze

like you treat marriage like a game, wearing engagement 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

when you say you love

leave

cab arrived. Eloise opened the door and

was left standing

His heart sinking slowly.

winning back Eloise was going to be harder than

returned to her

was determined to erase him from

her. He didn't call, and he didn't show

at her apartment.

they were finally

just returned home

went to open

outside was Riley, looking visibly unwell and clearly

the door gently and brewed a cup of coffee, her voice soft as she asked, "What's wrong? Is

in

wasn't exactly close with Eloise - they were barely acquaintances before, and only got closer because of Veronica. They had

coffee cup, Riley

was taken aback, but not

Eloise's life had just recently

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.

pulled out a cigarette, lit it up

deep drag.

The baby is

say much, but Eloise

couldn't get the divorce, her reputation