Tangled Temptations

Chapter 396

Eloise had a hunch that something was off with Harvey. Normally, he couldn't hold his patience for long, but now he was unusually calm.

She tilted her head slightly, exposing the graceful curve of her neck. The delicate lines drove him crazy, and her soft, fair skin was simply irresistible. "Delicious." Harvey whispered, his aristocratic nose gently brushing against her skin, barely containing his desire.

Eloise felt his skin burning against hers. She gently pushed him away.

"What's wrong?" Harvey asked, his hands softly caressing her belly. "Is the baby giving you trouble?"

Eloise wrapped her arms around his shoulders. She looked down and murmured, "It's you who's troubling me."

Harvey leaned in closer, his nose touching hers as he asked in a low voice, "Don't you want to?"

Eloise, accustomed to their intimacy, didn't hide her desire. She nibbled on his lip playfully. "I'm a little tempted, and yet I'm a bit hesitant."

Harvey chuckled softly, restraining himself but still holding her close. They exchanged the sweet nothings of a married couple and had conversations about the baby, Orlena's wedding.

He talked a lot until finally, Eloise couldn't help herself. "Harvey, do you want to bring up Jacob?"

Harvey paused for a moment, then smiled, "Jacob's not significant enough to concern me."

Eloise knew then that it was Landon on his mind. With a little thought, she figured out it must have been Linda who tipped him off.

Despite how Eloise raised her, Linda was always in Harvey's corner - a fact that both irritated and warmed Eloise as a mother. What could be more wonderful than nurturing a lovely little life together? This feeling even surpassed the love between a man and a woman.

Eloise gently pushed him away and settled at the vanity, slowly brushing through her brown hair, which she took great care to maintain its lustrous sheen.

Harvey didn't pester her further. He lounged lazily at the head of the bed, watching her.

As Eloise combed her hair, she spoke softly, "It was just a chance encounter. Why are you still concerned about it? Besides, we only talked business."

She explained the situation with Landon.

Harvey's smile carried a hint of tease. "Seems like it was a private chat, though." He added, "You even texted each other in private." With that, he pulled her back into his arms.

Eloise found herself helplessly beneath him like a young fawn. Her cheeks flushed. "Harvey!"

He didn't speak again, nor did he interrogate her; he just teased her, tormenting her with a slow, maddening intensity. Finally, he lay beside her, damp with sweat, and whispered, "Eloise, I'm jealous."

Eloise looked up at her husband. At that moment, Harvey was indescribably sexy...

As the holidays approached, Harvey was busy with the company's year-end party.

Everest Technologies wasn't planning anything extravagant this year, and as CEO, Harvey would just say a few words and have dinner with the employees.

Eloise didn't attend. She was at the Horigan Mansion, helping Orlena pack her things.

housekeeping skills have improved

up at

soon to be married, Orlena's gaze was enchanting as she said softly, "You're starting to sound

help but

"Especially when

felt a softness in her heart. She stood up and embraced Orlena gently. "The soon-to-be bride

she protested half-heartedly,

quietly, "Is Uncle

lost her previous bravado, falling silent before softly admitting, "Sometimes he's wonderful, sometimes not so much...

But she loved him.

loved someone, you compromised

more and just tenderly stroked her

this tender moment, Veronica

"You take the call, and I'll

"Veronica, what a surprise

banter, Veronica exclaimed,

"What happened?"

it? She wants to invite us for coffee as if she's trying

prestigious Velona family, Ravenna

scoffed, "As if we'd want to sip coffee with

"I'll go."

"What?"

believe her ears and asked again, "Eloise, are you serious? Since Max's

Eloise's smile remained gentle.

well, Veronica lowered her voice. "You suspect... she's behind that

confirmed with a soft

moment before saying with a hint of resolve, "I'll work with you, Eloise. After all the things she's

at her. "You're meeting Ravenna? Harvey

blouse, smiling. "The bride-to-be shouldn't worry so much. Relax... I'll talk

deceive me, okay?

race coming up in a few days. I'll take

She then called Harvey in front

agreed. He said,

tagged along with Eloise to the coffee

Veronica had arrived first. The two women clearly didn't get along, and Veronica had an extremely sour face.

Eloise, her tone soft and considerate. "Pregnancy must be weighing you

a light

nemesis, and yet Eloise

eyes. "Eloise, you still don't trust me, do you? Brought someone along

about to speak up. Eloise gently stopped her, her smile untroubled. "It was

wanted to curry favor with

If Eloise