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.

could never resist his charm. Her gazes were a giveaway, betraying her true feelings. Harvey handed

promise you that I won't miss any more of your

want to lose her composure in front of

words are

small nod and turned towards the crowd, with

tow.

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

party went on, and Eloise

she knew how fragile she was, and

a bit too

the end of the night, she splashed cold water

since Horigan showed up, your look has completely changed. What's so great about him? If

from the restroom, her voice cold,

What, did he hurt you so bad that you're scared to love again? You're only 25 and you're living like a nun. Don't tell me you're planning to live the rest

in her

felt as if she had been struck by

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

his car, smoking

lights, he still looked handsome. But Eloise

She hailed a cab.

out his cigarette and

Dwight? Why isn't he taking you

down

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. I can't handle another heartbreak. So regardless of how serious you are now, I

outstretched hand froze

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

I believe you when you say

leave it

cab arrived. Eloise opened the door

was left standing alone in

His heart sinking slowly.

realized that winning back Eloise was going to be harder than he thought. He was starting to feel

to her

want to think about Harvey anymore. She was determined to erase

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

at her apartment.

they were finally

she had just returned home

to

looking visibly unwell

a cup of coffee, her voice

in the

exactly close with Eloise - they were barely acquaintances before, and

Riley finally

taken aback, but

He knew Eloise's life had just recently

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 hand. There's a cooling-off period for divorce now, and he

Eloise was stunned.

pulled out a cigarette, lit it up

deep drag.

The baby is over three months

didn't say much, but Eloise

Veronica couldn't get the divorce, her reputation would be