Tangled Temptations

Eloise should have been happy, but she wasn't. She'd checked and found that Prestige Legal Advisors' financial support to Monika hadn't stopped. Her fingers traced the glass as she murmured softly, "Such a jerk! How should I deal with you?"

There was a knock on the office door. "Ms. Laurent!"

"Come in!"

The man who entered was Gerald, the Vice President of Everest Technologies, holding an important document. "This requires your signature, Ms. Laurent."

Eloise took it, read it twice, and signed.

Gerald didn't leave immediately, instead, he smiled. "Ms. Laurent, if it's not for the business dinner tonight, you really should relax. There's a play tonight featuring your favorite actor!"

A small twitch appeared on Eloise's brow. She wasn't fooled by Gerald's

intentions. After all, she was a mature woman. However, he never crossed the line, leaving Eloise with no reason to refuse.

She feigned ignorance and replied lightly, "Is it that young actor? She's particularly good at opera. Harvey also asked me out earlier, but unfortunately..."

Gerald gave a slight smile and left.

At 4:30 in the afternoon.

Harvey's car arrived punctually at the front of Everest Technologies. As he exited the vehicle, the passing employees respectfully greeted him. "Mr. Horigan!" Harvey nodded in acknowledgment but didn't say much. He found his way to the second-floor gym.

Snow was gently falling outside in Peterborough, but Eloise was drenched in sweat from her yoga practice, tiny droplets even formed at the tip of her nose.

Hearing footsteps, Eloise turned her face and quietly watched him. He was dressed in a black turtleneck and casual pants, covered by a gray coat.

Under the light, his handsome features appeared even more defined. He had an aura of luxury surrounding him. Compared to him, Eloise was dressed lightly, and her damp hair was adding to her allure.

She gave a soft smile. "Have a seat.'

As she continued her practice, Harvey was slightly dissatisfied, and casually

asked, "Where are your bodyguards and assistants?"

"They're in the office, no need for them to follow me here."

Eloise completed another set of exercises, leaned against the bar, and smiled. "How was it last night?"

Harvey's gaze darkened. His presence didn't seem to faze her, which was slightly aggravating. But it wasn't unattractive. Quite the contrary, it was enticing.

Eloise understood men too well.

Harvey wasn't a man in a hurry either. He suspected Eloise knew about Monika leaving the firm, but she kept her cool.

This composure, was it something he had taught her before?

Harvey approached her, holding her slim waist, whispering in her ear, "Are you really busy tonight? Eloise...what do I have to do for you to be with me, to go back to the mansion with me?"

Eloise was no longer an innocent girl. She knew better than to take men's words seriously. His interest in her was likely limited to the physical aspect, with little regard for anything else.

She patted his handsome face. "Maybe next time! I really have business to attend to!"

Harvey decided to take what he could get. After all, this was a company, not his home where he could do as he pleased. Moreover, he came here just to see her.

Last night, she really got to him, kindling a spark.

Eloise had her assistant serve him coffee, magazines, and newspapers to make sure he wouldn't get bored, but Harvey's gaze was fixed only on her.

Eloise was serious when she said she worked out. She practiced diligently. Just watching her was exhausting, but Eloise never stopped, demonstrating her perseverance.

Time flew, and an hour passed quickly.

Natalia entered, smiling. "Ms. Laurent, the car is ready!"

Eloise nodded, then turned to Harvey. "I'm sorry, but I have to get ready. I can't afford to be late!"

Harvey had driven an hour to get here. They'd hardly spoken before she was preparing to attend a business dinner.

Harvey, by nature, felt superior. He'd never chased after a woman, and there was no shortage of women pursuing him. He'd never heard of a man having to relentlessly pursue his wife just to sleep with her, and still not be guaranteed

success.

But when a man's competitive instinct kicked in, it was hard to resist. Rather than being annoyed, he was rather charming. "Alright, you go ahead. Just remember to drive safely."

After saying this, he pulled her closer and kissed her lips. "You look beautiful when you sweat."

Eloise blushed.

Harvey was rather satisfied. As he was leaving the gym, he crossed paths with a man at the door - it was Gerald.

"Mr. Horigan!"

Seeing Gerald dressed formally, clearly ready for a business banquet, Harvey felt somehow uncomfortable. He frowned slightly, merely nodding at his former subordinate.

Eloise was oblivious to their tension. She calmly said, "Gerald, wait for me in the car."

Gerald...

Now she was calling out "Gerald..."

...

Eloise took a shower and changed into a dress, throwing a white, broad coat over it. Her assistant accompanied her downstairs.

Standing by his black Maybach, Harvey was smoking. He saw Eloise, put out his cigarette, and said softly, "The snow is heavy. I'll drive you."

Eloise looked at the other car where Gerald was likely waiting. Then she looked back at Harvey. Was he jealous?

Soft snowflakes were falling from the sky.

Eloise walked toward Gerald's car and put her hand on the door. "I should take the company car. You should go home and spend time with Linda and Darrien. Darrien's vision has improved, and he can see objects more than 20 centimeters away now. You should play with him."

Harvey's hand covered hers. His dark eyes were intense. "The driver told me it's on my way!"

Eloise laughed and her face tilted slightly. Her smile soft. "For Attorney Horigan, everywhere is on the way."

Harvey knew she was teasing him. He stopped pretending. "From now on, don't ride in the same car with him. Mrs. Horigan, you need to avoid rumors!"

Eloise agreed, "Alright, Harvey."

A hardworking man deserved a treat every now and then. She got into his car, sitting right next to him. Harvey looked at her sideways and murmured, "You look nice in that outfit." Even her dress was appealing.

Eloise glanced down. "Harvey, you used to say that all the time."

Harvey's gaze darkened. After a moment, he chuckled lightly. "Seems like my taste hasn't changed."

Eloise turned her face away. "Well, I'm naturally beautiful!"

This statement had a little spoiledness to it. Harvey felt a slight ripple in his heart

but only offered a smile without a response.

Snowflakes were drifting from the sky, always romantic.

As Eloise sat by his side, she couldn't help but wonder how wonderful things

would have been if Joan hadn't been released for medical treatment, if that incident never happened, or if Harvey remembered everything.noveldrama

Unconsciously, her eyes moistened.

Suddenly, the car screeched to a halt. Harvey cursed under his breath, opened

the car door, and stepped out, walking towards the front of the car.

Taken aback, Eloise also got out of the car.

They had hit a young girl who was only wearing a thin cotton jacket in the freezing weather. Her long hair was scattered, covering most of her face.

When Harvey helped her up, the girl stuttered, "I'm sorry! I didn't mean to run into you."

She looked up after her apology...

Harvey and Eloise were stunned. It was Monika!

She appeared so pitiful, coincidentally running into Harvey's car. Luckily she was not being seriously hurt and just had a few scratches.

Eloise was not a cruel person and offered a small smile. "Ms. Monika, you're quite lucky!"

Monika shivered a little. She bit her lip. "I'm sorry, Mrs. Horigan! I didn't mean it!"

Eloise didn't feel like dealing with her. She quietly said to Harvey, "She's fine. Let's get back in the car."

But Harvey didn't move. His gaze was fixed on the pale green pendant around Monika's neck. It was a piece of turquoise crafted into a unique shape. He had seen an identical one on someone else before.

That person had said that she had a younger sister, who had been abducted and taken to the mountains.

Seeing this, Harvey thought of that person.

Eloise looked at him and saw a hint of nostalgia in his eyes, quickly replaced by disgust. That emotion was complicated.

Just then, a young girl came running up, helping Monika to leave.

The gentle snow fell silently.

Harvey turned and said softly to Eloise, "You take the driver's car. I have to go back to the office for a bit."

Standing in the soft snow, Eloise gave a small smile. Her complexion was even paler than the snow but Harvey didn't notice. He helped her into the black limo, then got into his own car.

In the backseat, Gerald pondered for a moment. "Ms. Laurent?" Eloise sat quietly, replying softly, "I'm fine."

The car started slowly. She saw Harvey sitting in his car, looking completely lost. She had some idea of what might have been happening and couldn't help but mock herself - How could she forget? The phrase Harvey used to say the most was – "Eloise, I won't let you down again!"

Harvey, you didn't allow me to give up, but have you ever considered whether or not I could bear much more?

Eloise cast her eyes down and her voice was icy. "Find out more about Monika's background."