Tangled Temptations novel Chapter 234

Harvey was intentionally vague, causing Eloise to feel a mix of anger and amusement. He cast her a long look, acknowledged Diego with a reserved nod, then climbed into his car. Linda, peering from the window, silently mouthed, "You're dead meat!" at him. Her dad's vengeful spirit was renowned.

Standing in the night, Eloise watched the luxury car slowly drive off. Dealing with Harvey, she mused, was as tiring as handling a kid. Diego, though, was not one to ignore the obvious. He stared at the piece of candy in his hand, realizing he didn't stand a chance. Not just because of Harvey, but also due to that extraordinarily bright kid.

Eloise snapped out of her thoughts, offering Diego an apologetic smile. Diego returned the smile, watching the direction Harvey's car had taken off in. After a long pause, he finally asked, "You... you're still in love with him, aren't you?"

...

When Harvey returned home with Linda, he sat quietly on the couch, his gaze as deep as the ocean. He knew there was no chance between Eloise and Diego, yet he couldn't help his jealousy.

He couldn't resist himself, so he picked up his phone and texted Eloise. [Eloise, are you into younger men now? They're inexperienced... can they satisfy you?]

Eloise read the text, sure it was from Harvey. He must have been gone mad holding himself back for these past three years. Eloise didn't want to indulge him, so she replied, [Thanks for your concern. I think I'll try it out!]

Harvey, upon reading this, immediately tossed his phone aside. They were both annoyed.

...

After her bath, Linda, dressed in a onesie, ran out. She nestled into Harvey's arms. Harvey masked his emotions and started to dry her hair. While Linda was on the brink of sleep, she didn't forget to console her dad, "Mom won't fall for that mister!"

At this, Harvey's heart leaped, though he feigned indifference. "Oh?"

Linda yawned. "Mom is so pretty, it's normal for men to like her! Just like me... there are so many boys in kindergarten who like me, I can't even count!"

Harvey felt a soft warmth in his heart. He kissed Linda, murmuring in a hoarse voice, "Am I too dominant?"

Linda hummed in response.

Harvey seriously considered his actions. Had he been too controlling with Eloise, causing her resentment? Their relationship included Linda, so it was unlikely that she would consider dating anyone else right now.

He'd been too anxious and worried. He was about to send an apology to Eloise when Linda, almost asleep, mumbled, "Actually, dad, you have a right to be worried. Today, in the car, mom got a call and she seemed excited..."

Harvey's hand trembled. Linda's eyes opened slightly. "Mom called him Landon!"

Harvey tossed his phone aside, seething in silence. Linda turned comfortably in his arms, fast asleep.

Harvey spent the night grappling with his jealousy.

The next morning, when Eloise came to pick Linda up, Harvey acted aloof. He didn't mention Diego. If he didn't bring it up, neither would Eloise. She took the small suitcase from the housekeeper and glanced at Harvey, who sat on the couch. "I'll bring her back tomorrow evening," she said. Harvey, engrossed in a financial magazine, seemed indifferent.

Eloise thought he was being hormonal but didn't mind. She was about to leave when he called her back. Harvey told Linda to get into the car first, then gestured to the couch across from him. "I have something to ask you."

Handing the suitcase to the housekeeper, Eloise waited for the living room to quiet down. Harvey then nonchalantly brought up, "I heard you're still in touch with Landon."

Eloise wasn't surprised he knew; Linda was like a little spy.

In truth, Landon had called her about a matter related to Blake. Plus, since Dwight had collaborated with Landon, it was routine for her, as the boss, to communicate with him. Moreover, Landon seemed to have a girlfriend in Rossland. But Eloise didn't feel the need to explain all this to Harvey. She simply hummed in response, countering with, "You're not going to intervene, are you?"

Harvey stared at her for a long time, then suddenly laughed. "Of course not, we're exes!"

Wishing to avoid any further unpleasantness, he quickly changed the subject. "By the way, have you heard from Orlena?"

"Orlena?"

Harvey lit a cigarette, then immediately put it out, "She's been away from home for two years."

Eloise was taken aback. She remembered Orlena as a delicate and innocent girl. How had she been gone for two years?

From Eloise's reaction, Harvey knew she was unaware. He chuckled. "When you have time, come home with me. My parents, they miss you. We can bring Linda along and let them see her."

Eloise clutched her cup, feeling uneasy. Harvey understood her concerns. He looked at her and said, "You are Linda's mom. It's normal even if we're just visiting."

Eloise smiled lightly. "Alright. I'll visit your parents when I have time."