Tangled Temptations novel Chapter 291

Eloise was distant. "It’s not neccessary."

She tried to get out of the car, but Harvey was quicker, blocking her way. His gaze was intense as he locked eyes with her. "I was wrong last time. I shouldn't have treated you like that, but Eloise... don't give me the cold shoulder, and stop saying things that provoke me, okay?"

Eloise laughed lightly, her voice devoid of warmth. She looked out at him, her voice soft. "Monika came to see me today; she said she wanted to stay by your side. She said she doesn't need a title. Harvey, do you know how disgusted I am? If you hadn't insisted on rescuing her yourself, and if you hadn't stayed at the hospital for two or three days, where would she get the audacity to challenge me?"

This was all his doing.

Harvey was visibly taken aback. He had not expected Monika to be so persistent. After paying her medical bills and ensuring that she was not in danger, he cut off all contact with her and blocked her number.

Harvey lowered his voice. "I will handle it, okay?"

Eloise chuckled lightly. "No need. I'll take care of it."

Harvey thought it was just a catfight that would end with Monika leaving, so he didn't interfere. He was feeling a bit moved tonight, and he wanted to be with Eloise. He softly asked, "Stay in my room tonight? I won't do anything to upset you."

Eloise was not in the mood. Even though she had the same needs as any woman, she just couldn't get past the mental hurdle. She flatly rejected him.

Under the pale moonlight, Harvey leaned in, about to kiss her.

Eloise retreated into the car. She got out from the other side, but Harvey quickly followed her, grabbing her arm and pushing her into the back seat, trying to kiss her. Outside the car, a cough sounded. Then, the voice of Parker sounded. "What's going on, Harvey?"

Harvey froze. He looked down at Eloise in his arms, and his handsome face showed signs of frustration.

Eloise’s slender throat tightened, her voice hoarse. “Parker, let’s go for a walk.”

Parker was waiting outside the car.

Harvey let go of Eloise, allowing her to compose herself and get out of the car.

Noticing the couple’s unhappiness, Parker chuckled. “Lou, come walk with your old man.”

Eloise put on a coat and followed Parker. They had a great relationship, as close as father and daughter.

After a while, Parker spoke in a gentle, loving voice, “Pauline and I know you’ve been hurt, Harvey... oh, you know what he’s like before. It’s hard for us parents to control.”

Eloise’s voice was slightly nasal. “Yeah, it’s a bit tough.”

Parker patted her shoulder as he walked with her. He knew well that Eloise was unhappy. If not for their past relationship, Eloise, now a mother of two, wouldn’t have to put up with this.

...

The days passed uneventfully.

A week later, in the evening, Eloise was playing the piano in the living room. The butler quietly informed her that Ana was here again, asking to see her.

Eloise said calmly, “Let her in.”

This was the second time Ana had come to the Horigan Mansion. She dared not sit down and stood beside Eloise, pleading cautiously, “Mrs. Horigan, please spare Monika.”

Eloise continued to play the piano.

Ana’s voice was tinged with a sob. “Monika has been expelled from school. Your bodyguards follow her all the time, she’s suffocating. Mrs. Horigan, she had a pitiful past. I beg you to show mercy.”

Eloise stopped playing. She looked at Ana, her smile cold. “Tell her, as long as she returns to her hometown, I won’t pursue the 300 thousand.”

Ana turned pale. She whispered, “Monika worked so hard to come to Peterborough, she can’t go back. If she goes back, her life will be over. Please, have mercy.”

Eloise scoffed, “It’s her fault. Can she blame anyone else for her own doings?”

Ana wanted to plead further, but footsteps sounded from the hallway. It was Harvey. His face was grim, and no one knew how much he had heard.

Ana pleaded with him, but Harvey didn’t agree and asked Ana to leave first.