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

coffee. But you know, you

his true intentions – he was no good. Otherwise, why would he have stolen that

he teased, "You came here to

and retorted,

wanted to,"

his standing could ruin her in an instant, not just

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

up, closing the

of his intentions. He stepped behind her, his presence almost tangible. He whispered near her ear, "How is kissing you an act of betrayal? Am I that unattractive, or do I pale

wouldn't let her. His hands found her waist,

his breath warm on her ear. His voice was filled with temptation. "And I'm not

faint smile graced Harvey's lips. "I won't clear up our

face turned crimson. "We

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

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

it took her a moment to remember her original purpose.

protest was as fierce as a kitten's paw swipe. Harvey found her utterly endearing. "You're

and her eyes were welling up with tears that refused to fall. Harvey's expression softened just a fraction before he saw her push against him and

turn, Harvey caught her delicate wrist, pulling her back, and then he gently lifted her, placing her on the expansive

her slender thigh. His voice was now husky. "Didn't I tell you last night to stop wearing those

seemed to electrify her, and Eloise was scared. She wanted to scream for help but couldn't bear

to look up at him as he studied

tears. She regretted coming here. He

hers in a teasing manner

a kiss feels like? You've

...

response. For Eloise, who had never dated, it was an overwhelming sensation. Frozen in fear, she

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

patted her back gently, soothing her with a

aware that she was embracing him, she snapped in a mix of anger and embarrassment. "Then clear up

call. "Denise,

taken aback by his ambiguous

hung up, turning on his charm.

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

eyes with her, he

Eloise pursed her lips.

cigarette

make a move? Why would he keep you hanging? Are you sure such one-sided affection is

reciprocation. Eloise's

instead suggested, "Rather than

find a man who

who liked her?

to resist. She quickly caved, whispering, "I'm leaving." Harvey reached for the door

timid to speak up when bullied, too gentle

Max."

the timeline, Velona Corporation was in decline. The

"It's none of your

his

you dinner. I have a grand piano there;

piano? The one King Louis XII had played? That was a massive temptation for

smiled and backed off.

herself and decided she definitely wouldn't go, but did his apartment really house that piano? She'd heard it was worth over twenty

left, Harvey picked up her unfinished coffee

it.