Tangled Temptations

The moment she asked, things got super awkward. Eloise felt pretty mortified.

Max was about to let loose some harsh words when Landon laughed softly. He assured Orlena seriously, "Eloise is my friend, of course, Max knows her! Don't worry. Max is totally loyal to you!"noveldrama

As he said this, he shot Max a glance, his eyes full of mockery. Max's face turned sour, and he left the table with Orlena.

After they left, Landon said to Eloise, "What are the odds of bumping into them in Peterborough, eh? Eloise, next time, I'll pick a spot where Max can't find us. Save you the trouble."

Eloise ordered food, speaking softly, "There's no need to avoid him. Should I hide from him forever just because we broke up? Besides, I didn't do anything wrong."

Hearing this, Landon's brow twitched. He suddenly said, "I'll be right back, I need to use the restroom. If the food arrives, start without me."

Eloise didn't suspect a thing. After Landon left, she pulled out her phone and coordinated with some parents about scheduling the next class.

Ten minutes later, Landon still hadn't returned, and Eloise was starting to wonder where he was. Suddenly, a woman's scream came from the direction of the restroom. The whole restaurant descended into chaos.

Landon and Max were brawling, the reason unknown. By the time Eloise got to the scene, there were traces of blood on the walls and floor, and Max was glaring at Landon.

An hour later, two men and two women were sitting in the police station; Landon and Max were detained for fighting.

Orlena made a call, her voice shaky. "Harvey... Max got into a fight. We're at the police station. You need to come here! Max is pretty hurt."

Hearing this, Eloise's mind went blank. Harvey was coming?

Orlena hung up. All she could think about was Max. She felt heartbroken as she tended to his injuries, "You've split your lip! ...Landon, you went too far!"

Landon had a bruise on his face. He shouted in pain, "His punches were even harder, okay? All I did was say his wife keeps him on a short leash, and he flips out on me!"

Orlena suddenly seemed very sweet, and she scolded her fiancé, "Landon's one of us. How could you fight with him and make a joke of it in front of Eloise? How's Landon supposed to make a move on her now?"

Max lit a cigarette, watching Landon darkly as he smoked. This guy always loved to play the victim! What was he doing provoking him at the restaurant?

Landon said at the time, "You broke up with Eloise, so why can't I go after her? If I don't, someone else will! You can't have your cake and eat it too."

...

Max sneered. He had underestimated Landon!

Eloise had no idea about any of this, she was just worried about offending Harvey when he arrived. She had no backup, and she couldn't afford to piss him off.

Eloise was looking for a chance to leave, but Landon was sticking to her like glue. "Eloise, you'll have to take me to the hospital later. My face is a mess. How am I supposed to show my face tomorrow?"

Eloise was getting a major headache. Just then, there was the sound of footsteps, and Eloise looked up instinctively. It was Harvey. He was dressed impeccably in a custom-tailored British suit, looking every bit the model from a fashion spread.

He came in and went straight to the police to talk. "I'm here to bail out Landon and Max."

The police recognized his status and politely offered him a cigarette. "Attorney Horigan, sorry to have to call you in! The problem is these two started fighting over jealousy. It's not a good look."

Jealousy? Harvey glanced over. His eyes landed on Eloise.

Eloise was dressed very conservatively today, in a champagne silk blouse with a fishtail skirt. Her whole body was covered, but this attire only added to her allure.

Orlena defended Max. "Landon was just joking with me, and Max only fought with him because of that... it's not about a quarrel."

Harvey took his eyes off Max and asked casually, "Really?"

"Of course! Max loves me so much, why would he fight over another woman? Besides, Landon and Ms. Laurent aren't strangers!" Orlena muttered.

Harvey ignored her and started handling the paperwork.

Max was the first to leave, getting in the car. Orlena quickly followed.

Landon coughed lightly. "Harvey, thanks, I owe you dinner." Then he tried to leave with Eloise.

Harvey watched them, slowly exhaling a ring of smoke. His voice was casual. "Landon, you go ahead, I have something to discuss with Ms. Laurent."