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 for a young

facade couldn't mask his true intentions – he was no good. Otherwise, why

turned tender as he teased, "You came here to confront me, right? Why

her courage and retorted, "Why

wanted to," he

loss for words. Outclassed and outmaneuvered, she knew someone of his standing could ruin

in her eyes. She turned away, muttering defiantly, "I was only trying to be helpful. And you repay me

stood up, closing the distance

tangible. He whispered near her ear, "How is kissing you an act of betrayal? Am I that

her. His hands found her waist, preventing

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

lips. "I won't clear up our supposed relationship. In fact,

face turned crimson. "We hardly even

let a man get so close. But her fondness was superficial, based solely on

a sucker for handsome faces, though she'd

loss, and it took her a moment to remember her original purpose. She whispered, "I

kitten's paw swipe. Harvey found her

was on edge, and her eyes were welling up with tears that refused to fall. Harvey's expression softened just a fraction before he saw her

delicate wrist, pulling her back, and then he gently lifted her, placing her on the expansive desk. He stood between her legs, an

his hand glide up her slender thigh. His voice was now husky. "Didn't I

help but couldn't bear the thought of public

her head gently, forcing her to look up at him as he studied her youthful,

lips quivered, and her nose reddened from holding back tears. She regretted

his lips barely touching hers in

kiss feels like?

...

with her timid response. For Eloise, who had never dated, it was an overwhelming

He alternated between deep and shallow kisses, and, not satisfied, he pulled her close to feel his arousal. Eloise began to cry. "I don't want to 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

back gently, soothing her with a soft.

was embracing him, she snapped in a mix of anger and embarrassment. "Then clear up our rumors." Harvey chuckled lightly. Standing tall, he straightened his shirt, the very

call. "Denise, handle

taken aback

hung up, turning on his charm.

gathered her courage. "You... whatever happened just now... you can't

cigarette. Then, locking eyes with her,

Eloise pursed her lips.

cigarette and spoke lightly, "Eloise, love

mutual. If Max really cared, why wouldn't he make a move? Why would he keep you hanging? Are you sure such

required reciprocation. Eloise's eyes

for her and instead suggested,

find a man who

man who liked her?

features and aristocratic demeanor making it hard for her to resist. She quickly

speak up when bullied,

Max."

The

"It's none of

continued to watch her, his

I have a grand piano there; don't you want to

XII had played? That was

smiled and backed off. "It's up

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

Eloise left, Harvey picked up her unfinished

it.