Tangled Temptations novel Chapter 276

At ten in the morning.

Denise headed to the law firm. Harvey's assistant ushered her into the office, greeting her with a warm smile. "Denise, welcome back!"

But Denise felt an edge of anxiety. She closed the door behind her, taking in the sight of Harvey sitting behind his desk. Harvey didn't even glance up as he was engrossed in his paperwork. He spoke casually, “Eloise sent you?”

Denise didn’t deny it, nodding. “Yes! Ms. Laurent thought I was familiar with this case and could help you, Attorney Horigan."

Harvey gave a light chuckle. He closed the file and began engaging in small talk. Finally, he asked casually, "What about Mr. Gerald from Everest Technologies? Is that his name, Gerald?"

Denise was taken aback. "Oh, yes, that's him."

Harvey's voice grew softer. "Is he married?"

Denise didn't understand his interest, but she answered honestly, "Mr. Gerald is 35 and quite attractive, but he's never been married. I heard he doesn't even have a girlfriend."

Unmarried, no girlfriend...

Harvey's lips thinned slightly. "Alright, I get it. You can go now."

As Denise reached for the files to leave, Harvey suddenly asked, "When is Eloise's prenatal checkup and at which hospital? Send me the details..."

Denise couldn't help but chuckle. "Sure! I'll send it to you later."

...

When Harvey reached the hospital, it was nearly eleven.

Eloise had already finished her checkup. She sat alone on a bench, quietly examining the ultrasound results.

Harvey slowly approached. He saw her alone, with no sign of Mr. Gerald. He knew then that Eloise had played a little trick on him. He wasn't annoyed, instead, he sat next to her, stretching out his body, and asked, "Let's see it."

Eloise handed him the ultrasound. "It's almost been five months now! You decided on the name Darrien."

Harvey looked at the ultrasound. "Is it a boy?"

Eloise nodded, her gaze falling on his face. How she wished he could suddenly remember, and tell her, "Eloise, I'm sorry I'm late."

But that didn't happen...

Harvey, who had lost part of his memories, was only playing the role of a husband. He was here merely doing it out of fear that she might cheat on him.

Sure enough, after seeing the ultrasound, he politely escorted her downstairs, not even bothering to invite her for lunch. They went their separate ways at the entrance of the hospital.

In the following days, Harvey lived as if he were single, always out socializing, and rarely coming home.

Private detectives sent photos to Eloise of Harvey attending one social event after another, surrounded by countless socialites.

A month later, in the president's office at Everest Technologies.

Eloise stood quietly by the floor-to-ceiling window. Her desk was littered with photos.

Gerald walked in, catching sight of the photos. He pretended not to see, suggesting considerately, "Ms. Laurent, why don't I go to Gregory's private dinner alone tonight? You should go home early and rest."

Eloise shook her head lightly. "Gregory has done us a great favor. It's only right we show him some respect."

Gerald didn't insist further, and he left the room.

At nine-thirty in the evening, at the most high-end business club in Peterborough.

After dinner, Eloise prepared to leave. Gerald escorted her out and planned to return for a second round of drinks. They chatted about work as they walked. Suddenly, Eloise's gaze froze.

By the elevator, a private room door was half-open. Inside, the scene was clear.

There were about five or six men, half of whom Eloise recognized, including her husband. The most notable thing was that each man was accompanied by a young woman. Harvey was no exception.

Although he wasn't behaving inappropriately, the girl was coyly leaning against him. And he didn't push her away.

Eloise watched in silence. Perhaps he felt her gaze, because Harvey looked up and met her eyes, creating a somewhat awkward atmosphere...

Inside, there was a man named Mr. Hughes, who was familiar to them all, the owner of a six-star hotel.

Mr. Hughes immediately put out his cigarette, quickly standing up. "What a coincidence, Eloise! Don't misunderstand Harvey. We're just discussing business. He's as clean as a whistle. You know that better than anyone!"

He invited Eloise in.

Inside, there were five or six other girls. In such a situation, if Eloise entered, it would seem like she was lowering herself. Gerald also suggested, "Ms. Laurent, why don't you head home?"

Eloise wanted to leave, but she found herself unable to move. She stared hard at Harvey.

The girl at Harvey's side, oblivious to the situation, muttered, "Mrs. Horigan is so interesting. She can't control her husband but still wants to keep up appearances."

Mr. Hughes was worried. He knew Eloise's temper was not to be trifled with.

But Eloise went in anyway. She moved gracefully to the girl's side, her baby bump visible at six months. She smiled faintly. "You're a student at Northernfield Art School, aren't you? Instead of practicing your craft, you're out here accompanying men to drink. Do you believe that if I say a word, you'll have no acting opportunities after graduation?"

The girl didn't believe her. She thought Harvey would protect her. But she waited in vain. Harvey remained aloof, not intervening.

The girl's smile froze.

Eloise felt no joy in her victory because she knew what Harvey used to be like. Such girls would never catch his eye. He was just trying to upset her.

Finally, Harvey moved. He gazed at Gerald's hand on Eloise's shoulder and said, light yet firm, "I'll take you home."

With that, he took Eloise's hand.

Mr. Hughes attempted to lighten the mood, saying purposefully, "See? Harvey and his wife are very loving!"

The girl was embarrassed, but Eloise felt even more embarrassed. She remained silent all the way to the black car. Her face turned to look out the window.

The darkness was thick. The night, like a winged monster, swallowed everything, including their past love.

Harvey picked up a phone call in the car, from his old man, Parker, whose tone was as cold as an Alaskan winter. He spoke to his son fiercely; he must've heard about the shenanigans at the club.

Harvey responded nonchalantly, glancing at Eloise with intense eyes.

Half an hour later, the car pulled into their suburban manor. Harvey stepped out of the car and opened the passenger door for Eloise, gesturing for her to get out.

Eloise lifted her eyes slowly. Her gaze was moist and exhausted. Without hesitation, Harvey scooped her up and carried her into the grand entrance hall of the manor, making his way to the master bedroom on the second floor.

Since she was pregnant, he wasn't brutal, merely pressing her against the foot of the bed and quickly removing her bulky winter coat to reveal a thin red cashmere dress that highlighted her glowing and enticing skin.

Realizing what was happening, Eloise began to resist. "Harvey, what are you trying to do?"

"Sleep with you!"

He tossed a pile of photographs next to her face. Each one was of him, in various places but mostly at the club.

The sharp edges of the photos scratched her delicate skin, but Eloise felt no pain. He knew all along and deliberately stayed away from home, lingering outside. He was resisting their marriage.

"There's plenty more! Mrs. Horigan, you had someone tailing me, taking photos. Isn't this what you wanted? Now that you got it, why are you crying instead of being happy...hmm?"

Harvey began to unbutton his shirt, his slender fingers deliberately moving slowly and showing off his muscular form.

Terrified, Eloise cried out, "Harvey, I'm pregnant!"

"Six months is fine! I heard that it feels different with a pregnant woman! I'm curious to try it. You can also see if I'm better than before!"

...

His words were vulgar, and in no time, he claimed her.

It hurt! Eloise's small face was trembling, and her fingers clenched the sheets as she endured wave after wave of his anger.