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

his tone softening. "Here's your coffee. But you know,

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

His gaze turned tender as he teased, "You came

retorted, "Why did you kiss

to," he replied

loss for words. Outclassed and outmaneuvered, she knew someone of his standing could ruin her in an instant, not just her but perhaps even

brimmed in her eyes. She turned away, muttering defiantly, "I was only trying to

stood up, closing the

near her ear, "How is kissing

but he wouldn't let her. His hands found her waist, preventing

with temptation. "And I'm not what you think. I'm not someone who plays games. My family wouldn't stand for me spreading

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

"We hardly even know each

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

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

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

fierce as a kitten's paw swipe. Harvey found her utterly

up with tears that refused to fall. Harvey's expression

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

Harvey, devoid of any shame, let his hand glide up her slender thigh. His

but couldn't bear the

forcing her to look up at him

reddened from holding back tears. She

touching hers in a

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

...

angle, softly probed her mouth, entangling with her timid response. For Eloise, who had never dated, it was an overwhelming sensation. Frozen in fear,

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 calm himself, thinking about how Eloise couldn't possibly realize that in the future, he'd have his way with her countless times-this

soothing her with a

and embarrassment. "Then

call. "Denise, handle the situation

was taken aback by

on his charm. "Happy

"You... whatever happened just now... you

lit a cigarette. Then, locking eyes with her, he

Eloise pursed her lips.

snuffed out his cigarette and spoke

cared, why wouldn't he make a move? Why would he keep you hanging? Are you sure such

reciprocation. Eloise's

and instead suggested, "Rather than cling to

not find a man who truly likes

liked her?

gaze, his handsome features and aristocratic demeanor making it hard for her to resist. She quickly caved, whispering, "I'm leaving." Harvey reached for the

bullied,

Max."

timeline, Velona Corporation was in decline. The Laurent family

him. "It's

his voice growing tender.

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

one King Louis XII had

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

definitely wouldn't go, but did his apartment really house that

her unfinished coffee and slowly finished half

it.