Tangled Temptations novel Chapter 267

As evening fell, the mansion was aglow.

Eloise hadn't forgotten that she was Linda's mom. Her heart was in turmoil, yet she remained patient and gentle with Linda.

Linda was terrified and curled up on Eloise’s lap. She asked in a pitiful voice, "When is Daddy coming home?"

Eloise was about to answer when they heard the sound of a car pulling up. She immediately took Linda's hand, and they rushed outside. Her face was marked with a level of anxiety she'd never experienced before.

Harvey stepped out of the car. His and Eloise’s eyes met. They locked gazes. After a long moment, Harvey slowly approached, picked up Linda, and kissed her gently. But his words were for Eloise. "I'm fine. Don't scare Linda."

Eloise's eyes glistened with tears as she continued to stare at him.

Harvey wrapped an arm around Eloise’s shoulders, pressing his forehead against hers. "Really, I'm fine! Eloise, I came back safe and sound!"

Her lips trembled. She knew she had to hold herself together, but she couldn’t help but lean into his shoulder. Her silent sobs made his shirt damp and uncomfortably warm...

"Eloise." He gently patted her, and his tone was tender as if he were soothing a child.

At that moment, Parker walked over and signaled for the maid to take Linda away. Harvey always had a soft spot for Eloise, but with the current situation at home and Orlena being unreliable, Eloise had to step up and shoulder the responsibility for Harvey.

Parker said in a soft voice, "From now on, you'll have to take care of everything at home."

Harvey couldn’t bear to let her go, but he knew better. He knew that he had to let go. His father was getting old and wouldn’t be able to hold on forever. The only hope for their family now lay with Eloise.

Harvey, not wanting to put too much pressure on Eloise, gently touched her cheek and mumbled, "We'll talk about this later."

Eloise has calmed down. She took his hand and whispered, "Go see Mom. She's been in the kitchen all day. I know she's been secretly crying."

Harvey grunted in response. He changed into a fresh set of clothes and headed to the kitchen.

Pauline stood by the kitchen counter, quietly wiping away tears. As Harvey approached, he gently placed a hand on her shoulder and softly said, "Mom, I'm fine, see?"

Pauline was truly heartbroken. If only they had cut ties with the Lynch family years ago, Harvey wouldn't have had that affair with Joan, and they wouldn't be in this situation now...

Harvey and Eloise were just starting their happy life together. They just had another kid.

Dinner was a somber affair; the food was tasteless. In the end, Harvey sent his parents home.

The night was silent.

Eloise lay in the master bedroom with Linda nestled in her arms, lulling her to sleep. Perhaps due to the shock, Linda woke up several times.

Harvey smoked a couple of cigarettes in his study and returned to the bedroom. As he gently shut the door, he asked in a low voice, "Is she asleep?"

"Yes."

Harvey lay down next to Eloise, fully dressed, and gently wrapped an arm around her waist.

Eloise shivered slightly. She closed her eyes, taking in his warmth. Harvey started to kiss her neck, and was loving her as he always had, but a sense of sadness lingered in their hearts. They didn’t know what tomorrow would bring.

Their intimacy didn’t progress any further.

Harvey whispered into Eloise's ear, "Eloise, don't be afraid."

Eloise suddenly turned around and clung to him. Her body was soft against his sturdy form, like a vine entwining a robust tree trunk, depending on each other for survival.