Tangled Temptations novel Chapter 290

Eloise lingered, without replying.

She was aware of Harvey's fondness for her, but it was unreliable. Joan's shadow lurked in his heart, and he had crossed her boundaries, which Eloise couldn't overlook.

He had her too easily. Marriage and children were his bargaining chips.

...

She tidied up her office and left to pick up Linda. The bouquet Harvey had sent remained untouched.

Upon reaching the lobby, she found it quite chaotic. A couple of security guards were barring two girls from entering. They insisted on seeing Eloise, causing quite a ruckus.

Natalia whispered, "Shall I send them away? This scene is rather ugly."

Eloise's gaze fell on Monika. Monika’s gaze met Eloise’s gaze, and an invisible standoff was occurring across the crowd. After a moment, Eloise quietly instructed, "Bring her to the guest lounge."

Five minutes later, Monika and her friend Ana walked into the large, extravagant guest lounge. They were a little overwhelmed by the grandeur of the room. Ana, in particular, nervously tugged at Monika's sleeve, whispering, "Maybe we should back out. Mrs. Horigan seems formidable."

Monika bit her lip.

Eloise sat on the sofa as Natalia served her herbal tea.

Eloise’s gaze was fixed on Monika. Despite her leg not being fully healed and her hand wrapped in bandages, she was still out to compete for a man.

Eloise’s eyes dropped; Monika must’ve been desperate.

Monika also looked at Eloise, who was beautiful, elegant, and had an excellent figure. But what did that matter? She was younger.

With a show of bravado, Monika didn't sit but placed a stack of cash on the coffee table. "Mrs. Horigan, I've come to repay the debt."

"Attorney Horigan covered my 300,000 dollar medical expenses, and there's an excess of over 60,000. I believe I should return it to you."

She said much, and Eloise listened quietly, sipping her tea. Setting down her cup, Eloise smiled lightly. "Ms. Monika, you've miscalculated."

Monika was taken aback.

Eloise took the stack of cash and counted it. "Shouldn't you owe me 300,000? I remember you just mentioned that my husband covered your 300,000."

Monika didn't expect her to quibble over this. Her pride shattered, her lips trembling. "Mrs. Horigan, that was Attorney Horigan's contribution, and you have no right to claim it."

Eloise laughed. "Is that so? But that was our marital property. I have the right to reclaim it. Besides, how would I know about this 300,000 if you didn't show up? Now, tell me, did you two hook up?"

Monika's lips trembled, unable to lie.

Eloise casually tossed the cash back on the table, scoffing, "If you two did have sex, I'll forget about this money. Consider it as Harvey's payment for a hooker. But if nothing happened, I'm sorry, Ms. Monika, please return the 300,000 within a month."

Monika was utterly humiliated. Her friend, noticing Eloise's fury, whispered, "I told you not to come. Apologize to Mrs. Horigan. She won't make things difficult for you."

Monika stood straight, deciding to throw caution to the wind. "Mrs. Horigan, I love Attorney Horigan. I think he also has feelings for me, otherwise. He wouldn't have stayed with me at the hospital for days. I know this makes you uncomfortable, but I want to tell you, that even if you try to stop us, it's useless. Mrs. Horigan, I don't ask for a title, I just want to stay by Attorney Horigan's side. You can't be that petty, can you?"

...

Natalia was astounded. This girl was fearless.

Eloise lowered her gaze, and her eyes were filled with coldness. Monika had indeed crossed her line. It wasn't about Harvey anymore, Monika purely disgusted her.

When Eloise looked up again, she smiled slightly. "Of course, I can be that generous. From now on, not only will I not hate you, Ms. Monika, but I will also treat you well."

Monika was flabbergasted.

As Eloise raised her hand slightly, Natalia asked gently, "What can I do for you, Ms. Laurent?"

Eloise's tone was light. "Assign a few top-tier bodyguards to protect Ms. Monika day and night, ensuring her safety until she can repay my 300,000. And this Ana, she seems quite capable..."

Eloise had already stood up. "Send the recording we made to their school. It seems they are unfit to stay at the school, don’t you think?"

Natalia nodded. "Yes, Ms. Laurent."

Monika was stunned. She didn't expect Eloise to be so ruthless. Was she not afraid that Attorney Horigan would be angry with her?

Eloise had already left.

Monika, dragging her injured leg, chased after her. "Mrs. Horigan, you have no right to treat us this way. You are a cold-hearted person and cannot understand my feelings for Attorney Horigan. Do you genuinely love him? No, you just love that he gave you Everest Technologies."

Eloise stopped in her tracks. Her voice was icy. "Monika, I've been very restrained."

She disappeared through the door.

Monika stood there, dazed. She had come today to provoke and annoy Eloise, and to create a rift between her and Harvey. However, she had underestimated the power of influence. Eloise didn't play into her hands.

Monika clenched her fists in disbelief, refusing to believe that Eloise could actually harm her.

At that moment, Natalia approached. She pointed at the two burly security guards standing nearby and politely said, "Ms. Monika, from today, these two gentlemen will accompany you everywhere. Whether you're eating, sleeping, or even going to the restroom, they'll be right by your side to ensure your safety. Please cooperate, and don't disappoint Ms. Laurent's good intentions."

Monika was livid. She made to knock over the vase beside her.

"This vase is a genuine collection piece from the 17th century, worth 2.16 million dollars," Natalia kindly reminded her.

Monika's eyes were bloodshot as she spoke with the last shred of her pride. "I don't need your protection. She just wants to keep an eye on me, to get me."

Natalia laughed lightly. She looked down at the girl in front of her. True, she was pretty, but what gave her the confidence to compare herself with Eloise? Yes, Everest Technologies was a gift from Attorney Horigan to Eloise, but she had to be capable enough to run it. Since Eloise took over, Everest Technologies' business had been booming. All the shareholders were satisfied.

Natalia pulled out a voice recorder from her pocket, a faint smile on her face. "If you have anything to say, just speak with your school leaders."

Disgusted, Monika stormed out of Everest Technologies. Bystanders gossiped as two bodyguards followed closely behind her.

Ana was the first to break down. She regretted crossing Eloise.

Monika took out her phone and started calling Harvey repeatedly. Unfortunately, his line was always busy, and unreachable. Ana realized that Attorney Horigan had blocked Monika.

Harvey was in Rossland. He was at a celebration, clinking glasses with others. Normally, he enjoyed such events, but that night, he was out of sorts. He had sent a Facebook message to Eloise, and she hadn't replied.

Even as he accepted people's congratulations, he couldn't help thinking about Eloise, remembering how she looked playing the piano with her eyes closed.

Their principles were at odds, but she still attracted him. Was it just because she was his wife?