Tangled Temptations

The following day, Harvey headed out to Brockville, unbeknownst to Eloise.

His private jet touched down at ten, and by noon, Harvey had reached the Noland estate. Upon seeing him, the butler was taken aback and scurried into the foyer to announce, "Ms. Tracey, your grandson-in-law has arrived."

Tracey's heart skipped a beat. Harvey's here again? She quickly asked, "What brings him here?"

Tracey had reason to be apprehensive. Brett had fathered a son with Harvey's sister and never made it right, so it stood to reason that the Horigans might harbor some resentment. Tracey hoped this wasn't about another confrontation with Brett.

Pondering for a moment, the butler added, "He doesn't look happy!"

Tracey's concern grew.

When Harvey entered, he greeted Tracey with due respect.

Tracey was puzzled. Harvey usually called her by her first name. Why the formality today? Before she could ask, Harvey was guiding her towards the garden, his tone gentle, "There are things I'd prefer to discuss privately with you."

Tracey's worry eased, and she chided him with a laugh, "Harvey, you're being all mysterious these days."

Harvey offered a faint smile.

In the privacy of Tracey's garden cottage, with no one else around, Harvey produced a photograph from his coat and placed it in front of her.

Tracey put on her reading glasses to take a closer look. "It's an old photo of me! Harvey, how come you have this...?"

When she flipped it over, Tracey's questions ceased, her expression revealing a complex mix of melancholy, pain, and nostalgia.

Her voice trembled slightly. "Harvey, I recognize this handwriting. Only one person remembered to call me by my maiden name."

Then, with a tear in her eye, "Who gave this to you?"

Harvey's voice was low, "It was given to me by an old gentleman to pass on to

you. He said... he said his biggest regret was never being able to apologize to you in person."

Tracey caressed the photograph, sighing, "Why bother with regrets! How is he, Harvey?"

There was a telling silence. Tracey sensed the worst was coming. Indeed, Harvey placed his hand over hers, whispering, "Master Lee has passed. You were the last person on his mind."

Passed away...

Tracey was stunned, yet she shed no tears, her fingers lingering over the words on the photo.

In their youth, she and Master Lee were well-matched, but feuding families and harsh words drove them apart. Tracey, headstrong as ever, married into the Noland family six months later. Master Lee left home, and she heard he had joined a monastery.

The bedroom was quiet, and Tracey sat alone. Her sorrow was palpable, though she made no show of it.

Harvey knew she was suffering. He recounted Master Lee's history with the Horigans, and Tracey listened with a detached expression, "He thought he had transcended it all, but in the end, he was still bound by thoughts of me."

As evening fell and Brett returned home to find Harvey present, he was surprised. He was even more puzzled when he heard that Tracey was upset and Harvey was with her. Without a moment's delay, he went to the garden cottage.

The bedroom door was locked. Brett called out tenderly, "Mom, why shut yourself away?"

The door creaked open, and out stepped Harvey, who quietly closed it behind him, advising, "Brett, please let Tracey be alone for a while."

Brett felt a pang of discomfort. After a few steps, he couldn't resist asking, "What happened?"

After a brief pause, Harvey replied, "An old friend of Tracey's has passed away."

Brett was skeptical, but then, having pieced together the clues, he had an inkling of who it might've been. After all, both families were well-known, and the scandal had been quite public.

Harvey intended to return to Peterborough that very night. His thoughts were on Eloise and the children. However, given the rare visit, Brett persuaded him to stay, "Tracey's upset, and it's better to have the family around, especially since she's so fond of you."

So Harvey agreed.

Brett whipped up a few simple dishes himself. As the evening air cooled, Harvey stepped outside to phone Eloise, updating her on his whereabouts.

Eloise answered, her voice soft, "Dinner's ready. Will you be coming back to eat?"

Harvey unbuttoned his coat, murmuring. You and the kids go ahead without me. I'm out of town on business and might not make it back. If you can't sleep, take Linda to bed with you; she loves being close toyou."

His mention of business left Eloise without a hint of suspicion. She simply reminded him to take care of himself.

Listening to her tender voice, Harvey yearned for her, and couldn't help but blurt out affectionately, "Eloise, I miss you already."

"Me too," she replied.

A swell of emotion rose in Harvey, and he was about to say more when Brett's voice intruded, "Can't handle a single night apart after being together all the time?"

Harvey hung up, chuckling. He and Brett enjoyed a little wine and conversation.

Relaxed by the alcohol, Harvey broached a delicate topic, "Brett, when do you plan to give Orlena and Daniel a proper home?"

Brett sighed, swirling his drink. He owed Orlena that much. He had put off his promises far too long. Thankfully, the danger had passed. Orlena perhaps out of modesty, was also less forward these days. As for Brett, he was always busy. He could only attend to personal matters before the holiday season.

"Perhaps over the holidays," Brett said softly, his gaze fixed on his glass.

Brett's commitment pleased Harvey, who poured him another drink. Their conversation flowed easily into the night.

Harvey retired to the guest room, while Brett brought wonton soup to Tracey, who had lost her appetite in her grief.

"Please eat something," Brett coaxed gently. "If you wish to visit him, I'll accompany you."

Tracey waved him off, content with

her memories and the quiet solace of the night. She gazed out the window at the silvery moon and

Venet

murmured softly, "He knew hownoveldrama

it

would end, yet he chose this path. That's his way of finding peace.

Brett, I won't disturb him anymore."

Brett nodded in agreement. "That's for the best!"

Brett was a devoted son, and that night, he had crashed on the sofa in Tracey's bedroom.

Early the next morning, Harvey was set to leave. Brett had entrusted him with a few items to deliver to Orlena and Daniel.

By the time Harvey reached home, it was nearly noon.

There were visitors at the house, one of them being Blake, Landon's sister and Dwight's wife.

Landon was Harvey's main rival in love. Harvey couldn't help but steal glances at Blake. She was a simple soul, somewhat intimidated by him.

She didn't stay long and soon hurried out the door.

As he watched the white sports car speed away, Harvey loosened his coat and feigned confusion, "She seems quite scared of me!"

Eloise gave him a sidelong glance. With his intimidating demeanor and Blake's simple nature, how could she not be?

Harvey was in no rush to head to the office. He pulled Eloise onto his lap, asking tenderly, "Did Blake come over for something specific?"

Eloise nodded. "She was delivering tickets on behalf of Dwight. He's got an race next weekend."

Harvey chuckled, "He's pushing 30 and still racing cars! I can tell Blake really indulges him."

Eloise stroked his handsome face gently, "Jealous? I indulge you plenty. When you had your amnesia, I even encouraged you to pursue law!"

Eloise became serious, "Harvey, I know you have a passion for law. After our baby is born..."

Harvey didn't let her finish. He whispered, "I'd rather be your husband."

As a man, providing the best life for his wife and children wasn't about the job title. Before meeting Eloise, his ambition lay in law, but now his entire life's ambition was about Eloise and their children. Besides, conquering the business world also brought him immense satisfaction.