Tangled Temptations

The storm was quelled, thanks to Harvey's heartfelt speech.

His intention was clear. Even if Eloise was mentally disturbed, even if their relationship encountered obstacles, he was willing to stand by her side, no matter

what.

The tide turned, and Harvey was hailed as the epitome of a good man. Shares of Horigan Inc. and Everest Technologies, against all odds, began to rise.

Harvey was not pleased though. After the press conference, he locked himself in his office, replaying Eloise's inner monologues over and over again. She said...

"My husband lost five years of memories.

"I know he likes me. But maybe because of too many disappointments, I dare not easily accept his kindness. I always feel that when I let my guard down and love him again, misfortune and betrayal will once again befall me.

"He helped a woman I really disliked. I generously forgave him..."

Harvey listened to the recordings numerous times. He remembered that night when he helped Monika, and the last time he saw Joan. He was bidding farewell to his past. He thought that from then on, there would be no barriers between him and Eloise, but he did not know that Eloise's forgiveness was a form of compromise, a compromise that tormented her. Their life together was devoid of happiness.

Harvey closed his eyes, the corners of which were slightly moist.

Just then, his cell phone on the office desk rang. It was the clinic. He picked up.

The clinic's director apologized, "Mr. Horigan, I'm sorry for the breach of Mrs. Horigan's privacy due to our internal issues. We have already fired the employee..."

Harvey responded calmly, "I will sue her."

After hanging up, he checked the clock. It was almost time for picking up Linda. He drove himself to get Linda.

At the entrance of the kindergarten, Linda waved reluctantly to Luca, before her father lifted her into his golden Bentley.

Harvey buckled her in.

Linda suddenly hugged her father's neck and whispered, "Today the kids said that Luca's dad has a mistress. What's a mistress, dad?"

Harvey was taken aback. He ruffled Linda's hair. "You'll understand when you're older."

Linda, with her curly brown hair and sparkling eyes, asked, "Dad, do you have a mistress?"

Harvey tapped her head lightly.

Sensing her father's displeasure, Linda stopped asking and quietly sat in the backseat.

He promised to buy baby food for Darrien, so he drove to a well-known baby store in the city center. With Linda in tow, he carefully selected suitable items.

Linda, in her beautiful puffy dress, followed him diligently. She was surprisingly familiar with Darrien's preferences and gave rather good suggestions.

Harvey looked at her fair little face and suddenly bent down to pick up Linda, giving her a kiss.

Amidst the crowd, Linda was a little embarrassed. She hugged his neck. "Dad, what are you doing?"

Harvey pretended to continue browsing, and casually asked, "Linda, has daddy ever told you that he likes you very much?"

Linda nodded. "Countless times." She was tired of hearing it. It was nothing new.

After thinking about it, she added, "Daddy's favorite is mommy." Then it was her, followed by Darrien.

Feeling a bit spoiled in her father's arms, she tightened her grip around his neck and took advantage of the situation. "Daddy, you should give me a bath tonight. I saw you bathing mommy."

Harvey, having selected the items, gave her a little spank. "Wait till you grow up. Your husband will bathe you."

Linda clenched her little fist. "Then Darrien should also bathe himself. Or wait till he grows up, his wife will bathe him."

The people around them laughed upon hearing this.

Harvey felt a hint of paternal pride, as he placed two boxes of baby food on the counter.

Several young mothers recognized Harvey's identity, and coupled with today's explosive news, the women blushed, too shy to look at him.

Linda thought her dad seemed pretty famous.

pon getting home before dinner, Harvey carried Linda into the living room. Inside, Orlena was holding Darrien, with Daniel curiously watching from the side.

His mother was in the kitchen with Eloise, preparing dinner under the warm, yellow light. Eloise's side profile looked particularly soft, and her light purple dress accentuated her slim waist.

Harvey walked over, wrapped his arms around her waist, and presented her with a bouquet, a bouquet of champagne roses.

Eloise was a bit surprised. But no woman would refuse flowers. She quietly thanked him, and then found a crystal vase to carefully place the flowers. Harvey watched her bustling around, and took out a

cigarette to play with.

He casually chatted with her. "I bought some carrot-flavored baby food for Darrien."

Eloise blinked. "Was it Linda's choice?"

Harvey laughed. "How did you know? Do you have a radar on me?"

Eloise chuckled, continuing to prepare the food. She softly said, "Darrien doesn't like carrots. But Linda always tells him not to be picky. I'm not sure if Darrien understands."

Pauline also laughed.

Harvey just kept watching Eloise. After a while, his voice was a bit hoarse. "I'll buy a couple more flavors tomorrow."

Eloise nodded.

After dinner, Linda took out her fairytale book and began to play teacher. In front of her, Darrien and Daniel sat neatly in a row. It was quite a sight.

Eloise and Orlena were learning some needlework with Pauline. The atmosphere was warm, as if nothing had happened today.

However, Harvey knew that Eloise cared a lot. She just didn't say it.

At half-past eight, the sound of a car engine echoed in the yard. After a while, two people walked in.

It was Brett and Donny.

Upon entering, Brett gaze immediately fell on Orlena.

Donny smiled. "We heard about today's incident. Mr. Brett was quite upset and

came to see if there's anything he could help with."

Orlena's lips trembled, unable to utter a word.

At this point, Harvey spoke, "I invited Brett here. There might be some things we need his help with."noveldrama

Brett nodded. He took off his coat and crouched down in front of Daniel. "Why don't you call me dad?"

Daniel was shy and timid. It took him a while before he dared to hug Brett, whispering, "Mom said I shouldn't call you dad outside."

Brett glanced at Orlena. His eyes were somewhat inscrutable. When he spoke to his son again, he was gentle and soft-spoken. "This isn't 'outside'."

Daniel obediently called him Dad.

Brett pulled out a few candies from his pocket and handed them to the kids to munch on. These candies were from Switzerland, Orlena's old favorite. He had gotten into the habit of always carrying some with him.

The men went upstairs for a chat. In the study, the housekeeper brought some lemonade and then excused herself.

Brett took a sip of his tea, frowning. "What's going on? Why is someone suddenly having a problem with Eloise?"

Harvey pulled out a recording. After

watching it, he spoke slowly.

P

"Ravenna is Eloise's college classmate. She used to have an affair with Veronica's husband, and now she's attached to some ich

guy.

She's the one who bribed the

nurse."

Having heard this, Brett was enlightened. He smiled lightly. "So you can't handle

the rich guy, and that's why you came to me, right?"

Harvey admitted it. "That guy's in the southwest, out of my reach. But you, Brett,

you have influence in that region. Your intervention would be much more effective than mine."

Donny chipped in with a grin, "Mr. Horigan, you've come to the right person."

Brett shot him a glance, and then said to Harvey, "I'll handle this."

Harvey refilled his lemonade.

Brett finished his lemonade and stood up, somewhat exuding an air of seniority. "I'll take care of the outside business, but as for Eloise's emotions at home, that's not something I, as an uncle, should be dealing with. Harvey... you need to put in some effort."

Harvey nodded and escorted them downstairs.