Tangled Temptations novel Chapter 281

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."