Tangled Temptations

Chapter 363

Eloise froze in shock.

She quickly logged onto the campus network, and there, the image of Harvey kissing her was dominating the homepage.

It was Eloise's first kiss. The impact on her was immense.

After a moment of stunned silence, she flung back the covers and dashed out of her room. The guy from last night was still at her place. The living room was eerily quiet.

Michelle had returned from the grocery store and was busy making breakfast burritos. Hearing Eloise's footsteps, she called out, "Lou, breakfast is on the table. Eat up and get to school."

Eloise stood in the kitchen doorway. She ran her fingers through her disheveled auburn hair and said softly, "Michelle, the guy from last night isn't my boyfriend."

Michelle clearly didn't buy her story. If he wasn't her boyfriend, how did he end up at their place? How had he even played chess with Angus until one in the morning?

Eloise couldn't explain. She quickly finished washing up, grabbed breakfast, and headed downstairs, Michelle's resigned sigh following her. "He seemed like such

a nice young man. Much better than that Velona family boy."

...

Eloise asked Veronica to dig up some info, and soon enough, she had the address for Harvey's law firm.

9:30 AM. Prestige Legal Advisors.

Though only a year old, the firm was already prominent, occupying the entire 12th floor of a 22-story building. The receptionist greeted her with a professional smile. "How may I help you, miss?"

Eloise bit her lip. "I need to see Attorney Horigan."

The receptionist dialed an extension. "Denise? There's a young lady here to see Attorney Horigan... Is he available?"

After a moment, the receptionist looked at Eloise with heightened regard, covering the receiver. "Are you Ms. Laurent? Attorney Horigan is available. I'll show you to his office."

Eloise was puzzled. The receptionist led her through the halls with practiced ease.

The 12th floor was home to just one large office and a small conference room. Harvey stood by his office window, gazing down at the cityscape. Denise, his assistant, approached with a light step. "Attorney Horigan, Ms. Laurent will be here shortly."

Without turning around, Harvey ordered softly, "Prepare a Millstone coffee and some snacks."

Denise paused, a hint of surprise showing on her face. It seemed Ms. Laurent was someone special to her boss. She excused herself without prying further.

Once alone, Harvey pulled the blinds shut. The room darkened. His expression was unreadable.

The thought of meeting the 20-year-old Eloise was thrilling, but his dream was burdened with memories. He knew the real Eloise lay in a hospital bed, comatose, carrying their third child.

He had to bring Eloise back. He had to make her his before Max.

As Harvey was lost in thought, the office door opened. Denise ushered in Eloise before setting down the refreshments with a gentle smile. "Ms. Laurent, please take your time."

After Denise left, the heavy door closed with a soft click.

Eloise had prepared a barrage of questions, ready to confront Harvey fiercely, but as she entered the dimly lit office, her confidence waned. Perhaps it was the subdued lighting, or maybe it was the man before her, dressed in a classic black and white suit, exuding sophistication and regarding her with piercing dark eyes.

Her knees felt weak.

Harvey seated himself first. Even though the young woman before him was his beloved wife, and despite their intimate history, he knew he couldn't frighten her. He had to take it slow, to gradually make her his own. He opened the newspaper in front of him, seeming distracted as he spoke, "Are you here about our little scandal?"

Eloise's cheeks flushed with embarrassment. "Scandal? Who says we're involved in a scandal?"

Harvey looked up, a light smile playing on his lips. "Quite the temper. You remind me of Linda."

frowned. Who was

softening. "Here's your coffee. But you know, you really should cut back on caffeine. Milk is better

She wasn't naive. His concerned facade couldn't mask his true intentions – he was no good. Otherwise, why would he have stolen

made Harvey chuckle. His gaze turned tender as he teased, "You

mustered her courage and retorted, "Why did you kiss

I wanted to,"

was at a loss for words. Outclassed and outmaneuvered, she knew someone of his standing could ruin her in an instant,

eyes. She turned away, muttering defiantly, "I was only trying to be helpful. And

up, closing the distance between

He whispered near her ear, "How is kissing you an act of betrayal? Am I that unattractive, or do I pale in comparison

but he wouldn't let her. His hands found

I'm not what you think. I'm not someone who plays games. My family

graced Harvey's lips. "I won't clear up our supposed relationship.

"We hardly even know

had a soft spot for him; otherwise, no girl would let a man get so close. But her fondness was superficial,

bit of a sucker for handsome faces, though she'd never admit it. He released her. "Aren't we getting to

with amusement as Eloise felt a warmth spread through her. She was at a loss, and it took

fierce as a kitten's paw swipe. Harvey found her utterly endearing. "You're quite forgiving with

Harvey's expression softened just a fraction before he saw her push against him

he gently lifted her, placing her on the expansive desk. He stood between her

any shame, let his hand glide up her slender thigh. His voice was now husky. "Didn't I tell

and Eloise was scared. She wanted to scream for help but couldn't bear the

cry," Harvey ordered, holding her head gently, forcing her to look up at him as

holding back tears. She regretted

slightly, his lips barely touching hers in a teasing manner that frightened her

what a kiss feels like? You've never been kissed before,

...

probed her mouth, entangling with her timid response. For Eloise, who had never dated, it was an overwhelming sensation. Frozen in fear, she could only stare at

do this anymore," she sobbed, wrapping her arms around his neck, but her words only made the situation seem more dire. Harvey stopped. He struggled to calm himself, thinking about how Eloise couldn't possibly realize that in the future, he'd have his way with her countless times-this was

back gently, soothing her with a soft.

of anger and embarrassment.

"Denise, handle the situation

taken aback by

up, turning on his charm. "Happy

gathered her courage. "You... whatever happened just

her, he laughed softly. "Afraid Max will be angry and

Eloise pursed her lips.

out his cigarette and spoke lightly, "Eloise,

make a move? Why

required reciprocation. Eloise's eyes

for her and instead suggested, "Rather than

find a man who

liked her? Eloise eyed him

hard for her to resist. She quickly caved, whispering, "I'm leaving." Harvey reached for the door before she could. Towering over her, he

when bullied, too gentle to survive beside

Max."

decline. The Laurent family would soon

pushed past him. "It's

to watch her, his voice growing

weekend. I'll cook you dinner. I have a grand piano there; don't you

one King Louis XII had played? That was a

struggle, Harvey smiled and backed off. "It's

did his apartment really house that piano? She'd heard

up her unfinished coffee

it.