Tangled Temptations

Chapter 167

The atmosphere was a bit tense.

Even though Eloise had a good understanding of Harvey, she still worried that he might get upset.

To her surprise, Harvey didn't seem upset at all. Instead, he cover to her and gently asked, "What's wrong?"

Eloise shook her head, her eyes full of trust as she looked at him.

Harvey gave a slight smile and turned to Parker, he said, "This is Eloise."

Then, he gently wrapped his arm around her.

Parker was already in his fifties, but he looked much younger. From his appearance, it was clear that Harvey had

inherited many of his traits.

Eloise greeted him respectfully, saying "Hello."

Parker slowly descended the stairs.

Pauline also cover, and seeing Parker silent, she gave him a nudge. "Lou is greeting you, aren't you going to

respond?"

Parker looked conflicted.

He knew that Harvey had brought a girl hon Orlena's birthday.

But Harvey hadn't introduced her to him that day, so he didn't pay much attention to it.

Surprisingly, their relationship had progressed to such a point.

Parker scrutinized Eloise.

She was beautiful, seemed very dignified, and he had heard that she was very successful in her career.

Parker liked such a woman, but he kept a nonchalant attitude, simply nodded, and turned to Pauline. "It's her

first there, where's your welcgift?"

Pauline brought out a jewelry box.

Inside the box was not only a gold water bottle but also a significant amount of cash. It was quite a hefty gift.

Eloise was a bit puzzled.

Pauline kindly explained, "You're an Aquarius, so | prepared this for you."

Eloise thanked her with a smile.

Harvey glanced at her. His expression was somewhere between a smile and a smirk, which irritated Eloise, but

also made her feel a bit sweet.

Orlena also ran in.

In the hall, only Max was unhappy. He knew that Harvey and Eloise's relationship was now official.

During dinner, Parker was in a good mood and drank quite a bit of wine.

Pauline didn't stop him.

Eloise was a bit nervous at first, but Harvey took special care of her.

"Eloise, this soup is really good."

"This dish is your favorite."

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Eloise was touched at first, but seeing Max's gloomy gaze, she understood Harvey's intentions.

He was showing off to Max!

Eloise was both angry and annoyed, but she was helpless.

Under the table, Harvey's hand was on her leg, gently touching it.

From where Max was sitting, he could clearly see it.

Eloise moved Harvey's hand away, but he immediately put it back, and even added a few strokes.

She looked at him.

Harvey's eyes were full of the charm of a mature man.

He was discussing stocks and finance with Parker, no one would've known his indecent behavior under the table.

Eloise quietly put her hand on his, preventing him from making any more inappropriate movements.

After a while, he gently held her hand, their fingers intertwined.

Max suddenly looked pale.

He never thought that one day, the woman he had abandoned would make him feel so heartbroken...

After dinner, everyone was having coffee and chatting.

The men talked about work and business, while the women chatted casually.

Pauline was very happy. She planned to take Eloise and Orlena out for shopping and then sit in a coffee shop

they frequented.

Harvey brought his girlfriend home, that means she can show her off, right?

When Pauline went upstairs to change clothes, a servant cto report. "Mr. Griffin is here."

Parker was a bit surprised, "Griffin? Isn't he in Britain?"

Despite his surprise, he still went to greet him immediately.

Griffin looked haggard and seemed to be in a bad state.

As soon as he entered the hall, he saw Eloise. His expression tightened, and he struggled to speak.

Parker ordered the servant to make a cup of coffee.

After Griffin had the coffee, he seemed a bit better.

But he still hesitated to speak. After all, it looked like Harvey was about to get married... it seemed a bit too

much to ask such a favor.

But Joan was his only daughter. No matter how difficult it was, he had to speak. "Joan is getting a divorce."

"Her husband abused her. She broke two ribs and is in a bad mental state. Diana and | took her back to

Peterborough to recover. She's definitely getting a divorce, but the other party has a high status. | hope Harvey

can help with the lawsuit... and | hope he can talk to Joan. She will listen to him."

After Griffin finished, his eyes were full of pleading.

Parker didn't immediately agree to this.

Today was Eloise's first official visit. He couldn't hurt this young girl's heart.

Parker thought long and hard about it... but Griffin couldn't wait any longer.

He looked at Harvey, tears in his eyes, "Harvey, please, do it for me. Diana and | only have this one child. If

anything happens to Joan, Diana won't be able to handle it."

Harvey hadn't spoken yet, but Eloise was already feeling cold all over.

Harvey glanced at her.

He smiled and said, "Griffin, do you think it's appropriate forto help with this lawsuit?"

In his desperation, Griffin blurted out, "Harvey, | know you still have feelings for Joan."

The atmosphere froze instantly.

No one expected Griffin to say such a thing in front of Eloise.

Just as Harvey was about to speak, Pauline cdown from the second floor. She had clearly heard everything

and said with a smile, "Griffin, | understand your feelings as a father. But Harvey is now with Eloise. It's really not

appropriate for you to say such things."

Griffin opened his mouth, but no words cout.

At that moment, Orlena couldn't help but chin, "If Joan's gonna sue, we can help with the money. Why does

Harvey have to get involved? If Griffin's gonna

use past favours as leverage, let Joan take a dive too. My dad would surely save her."

Griffin turned pale, visibly embarrassed.

Parker scolded sternly, "Orlena, apologize."

Orlena reluctantly muttered an apology.

Parker softened his tone, "Orlena is just being naive, Griffin, don't sweat it. As for

the lawsuit, I'll have a talk with Harvey. I'll update you later."

Griffin had no choice but to accept.

As he left, he glanced at Eloise, a pleading look in his eyes.

Eloise remained distant and aloof.

It wasn't that she lacked compassion, but she was not that generous. She chose

to avoid Griffin.

Griffin was inevitably disappointed.

After he left, the room fell into a stifling silence. Everyone felt uneasy.

Parker slowly sipped his coffee.

He looked at Harvey and Eloise and said, "You two, cwithto the study."

After a while, Eloise and Harvey went upstairs to the study.

Parker was not in a good mood either.

But he was gentle with Eloise, his tone casual, as if treating a family member.

"Eloise, have a seat."

Eloise was slightly surprised.

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She wasn't naive. She guessed Parker's kindness would cwith sstrings

attached.

Arguing wouldn't solve anything right now, so Eloise silently took a seat...

Parker didn't speak. He quietly looked at the girl.

Polite, well-mannered... way better than Joan!

Parker really liked Eloise.

He'd been young, he'd been in love, so he didn't want to hurt a nice kid like Eloise.

But Griffin had risked his life to save Orlena!

That favor had to be repaid!

Harvey's gaze fell on Eloise, "This isn't right, Parker."

Parker gestured for him to wait, "Harvey, letfinish."

He lowered his head, as if lost in memory.

"When Griffin saved Orlena, there was no need to repay him with money. But

what you don't know is that Griffin and Diana Lynch only have Joan, their adopted child. Apart from Diana being

unable to conceive, there's another reason. Griffin was in the icy water for too long, his fertility was damaged. He

can never have

children again."

Both Harvey and Eloise were shocked.

"You never mentioned this," Harvey said, somewhat reluctantly.

Parker gave a bitter smile.

Such personal matters, unless absolutely necessary, how could he let others

know?

He sighed softly, "Griffin has a missing child, but it's impossible to find her. And even if he did find her, with his

status, could he admit it?"

Harvey said nothing.

Parker chuckled helplessly, "Harvey, it's only right for you to help with this lawsuit."

He turned to Eloise, his tone gentle, "Eloise, this might be a bit unfair to you. I'm willing to make it up to you in

other ways. But rest assured, there's no chance between Harvey and Joan."

Eloise wasn't ungrateful.

Given Parker's status, his friendly attitude meant he saw her as part of the family.

If she continued to resist, she'd be the one looking foolish.

Although Eloise was reluctant, she had no choice but to be magnanimous!

She looked at Harvey, and he looked back at her.

After a while, Eloise said softly, "I trust Harvey."

Parker really liked Eloise and felt guilty about the situation. He offered her a house

as compensation, but Eloise didn't accept it.