Tangled Temptations

Chapter 286

With a few deft movements of her slender fingers, Eloise had added Monika's number to Harvey's block list. Having done so, her mood took a slight hit, and she seemed somewhat absent-minded when Harvey spoke to her.

This continued until the car pulled up in front of the mansion. Unbuckling his seatbelt, he turned toward her, questioning with a hint of tenderness, "Why the silence?"

Men always loved making assessments. Harvey pondered for a moment before asking, "Did I make you uncomfortable in the car?"

Eloise shook her head lightly. Exiting the car, she avoided his question. "Your dad's waiting for us."

She had barely taken two steps when Harvey caught her hand from behind. Her body fell into his embrace.

Snowflakes fell from the sky, soaking their coats, but neither of them cared. On such a freezing night, having such a long-awaited embrace was a rare treat.

"Eloise. Maybe, I can be a good husband." He whispered softly into her ear.

He had cast aside his previous prejudices, wanting to sincerely accept her. Whether it was because of masculine desire, or her good nature, he thought she would make a good lover, wife, and mother.

Eloise leaned into his shoulder, whispering with a hint of greed in her voice, "Really? Harvey, what do you like about me?"

...

Harvey playfully patted her. "I'll tell you tonight."

Eloise continued to mumble, "It's too soon."

Harvey gently stroked her back, relishing in her softness. He was more than willing to indulge in her.

At the mansion's entrance, Parker and Brett were smoking. Suddenly, Parker squinted. "Do you think that's Harvey and Eloise over there in the parking lot?"

Brett took a long drag from his cigarette, his demeanor exuding masculinity. After a glance, he replied, "Obviously, it is."

Parker lost his composure. Clutching his cigarette, he braved the snow and strode towards them, shouting, "Harvey, are you out of your mind? Playing romantic in this snowy weather? You're thick-skinned, but your wife just had a baby two months ago, and you're letting her out in the snow with you?"

Brett nearly burned his hand with the cigarette.

Eloise bashfully pushed Harvey away. "Parker's coming."

Harvey also sensed the awkwardness, quickly removing his coat to drape it over

her shoulders. "Alright, let's go in. I told you Dad loves you the most."

By then, Parker had arrived, handing Eloise a black umbrella before launching into a tirade at his irresponsible son. Harvey lit a cigarette in the falling snow, then cast a teasing glance at Eloise.

Truth be told, Eloise found this side of Harvey rather attractive. But with Parker present, she was too embarrassed to flirt back, and quickly entered the mansion.

Parker then gave his son a lecture on postnatal care. At the end, he waved his hand dismissively. "Go take care of your wife. I'm sick of looking at you."

Harvey finished his cigarette at a leisurely pace before heading inside. As he entered, he saw Eloise removing her coat and drying her hair with a towel. She was wearing a soft wool dress that highlighted her skin.

Harvey spoke with a hint of tenderness, "There's still half an hour until dinner. Go take a shower. I'll go check on Darrien."

Linda tugged at his hand, eager to tag along. "I want to go with you and see my brother, Daddy."

Harvey bent down to pick up the little girl, planting a kiss on her forehead. Linda wrapped an arm around his neck, overjoyed.

Eloise watched father and daughter, and her expression softened. Pauline took the towel from her, whispering, "He'll come around eventually. You two already have such a deep connection."

Eloise hummed in agreement. Whether he could remember was not the most important thing. What mattered was the future.

She headed upstairs to take a shower, while the first floor of the Horigan Mansion was bustling with activity. Servants were bringing out plates of sumptuous dishes, and the room was warm and lively, with the festive atmosphere of holiday.

After checking on Darrien, Harvey brought Linda downstairs.

It was now 7:30 in the evening. In the suburbs of Peterborough, fireworks had started to light up the sky.

pretty little dress, was running around Harvey, whose heart softened, and decided to pick up his daughter. He lost focus while reading the Financial Times, finding himself

was

under his gaze, twiddling her fingers. "Daddy, even though you're very

Linda blushed even more, leaning into

Parker walked in, and upon seeing them, Brett's eyes darkened. He had never been this close with Daniel, who

been doing well recently. With her parents helping her out, she didn't have to worry

he wasn't in a position to do anything about it. He bent down, telling the

run over. Brett handed her a

always finding Brett to be a strict person. Orlena lightly patted his shoulder.

mustered up his courage, walking up to Brett.

in the room became

affectionately ruffled the child's hair, giving him

not

voice was crisp. "Great-uncle Brett

and Aunt Orlena are a couple, and

you should call him

patted Linda's head. Such a smart girl. Just

Daniel away to

from his pocket, offering it to her. "A New Year's

Orlena declined.

Accept it. I've come all this way, and I have to leave tomorrow morning. Who

Inside was an emerald necklace, clearly worth a small

was nothing. What he didn't tell her was that it was a family heirloom of the Noland family. Only the matriarch of each generation

sister, he knew the weight of the emerald necklace. But he didn't comment... just then, his phone

an unknown

to start working. Today, it started snowing, and she lives in an area surrounded by mountains, she slipped and fell off a cliff. Right now, rescue is difficult. Attorney Horgan, I know she's made mistakes, and she's offended

called you several times, but

Horigan, I'm begging

named Ana

missed... So, it

stake. Without any hesitation, Harvey agreed. He asked about the situation in detail, and

up the phone

the

pale as

out?" She quietly watched him. He was already holding his coat, looking like he was about to

said, "It's somewhat related to us, Eloise. I'll be back once I've

leaving tomorrow morning." Eloise held onto the railing, slowly descending the staircase.

reached him. "Let Uncle Brett arrange it. Using his connections to get a

Brett took a slow drag from

face. "With Uncle Brett's help, you should be able to rest easy. Harvey, you promised me you would no longer interfere with Monika's affairs. So,

as a coincidence in this world.

really was ruthless, willing to risk everything and even trapping herself at the foot

life, but she had

relatively gentle. "Uncle Brett has come all this way to have dinner with us, I'll be back by

leave. Eloise grabbed his hand, her voice soft. "All our relatives and this great atmosphere can't keep you here. Or do you not trust me? Do you think I

that." Eloise lowered her eyes with a light laugh.

husband, and have a life with me... it's only been a short while. How are you going to take care

just let go

Finally, she voiced

stifled his expression. "Eloise, don't make

him. The moment she let go, she felt a

a brave face, walked over to hug Linda, and sat

has some business to attend to, let's

a

didn't look at Harvey again. In the end, she was

it any longer, his voice stern. "Harvey, if