Tangled Temptations

Chapter 365

Max brooded, his features cast in a stormy gloom.

With a soft sigh, Michelle guessed the reason and let the visitor in.

Just then, Eloise emerged from her bedroom and caught sight of Max, momentarily taken aback. Their families were close, and she had always been fond of Max, but they had never been particularly close themselves.

Eloise stood frozen for a moment before asking in a hushed voice, "Are you here to see my dad?"

Max's gaze was fixed on Eloise. It was an intense scrutiny, as though he were seeing her for the first time, taking in every inch of her from head to toe.

At home, Eloise was dressed in a short nightgown. Her arms were slender, her legs slim and long, and her thick chestnut hair was cascading over her shoulders, framing her coffee-colored round glasses that accentuated her youthful tenderness.

She was undeniably attractive, but Max had only ever assessed her for her beneficial value. Now, with a suitor on her heels and the Velona Corporation's troubles sorted, it seemed he was finally ready to see Eloise for who she was- the girl who had always been by his side.

In the past, he found her too plain, too uninteresting, but now, someone else was about to enjoy this tender morsel of cake, and Max found himself reluctant to let go. Perhaps this was the inherent flaw of men.

"Let's talk," Max said softly, still staring into Eloise's face.

Eloise was bewildered.

At that moment, Angus sensed the tension and stepped in with a gentle tone. "Max, the company stuff has nothing to do with Lou."

Max's eyes were still on Eloise. "I want to discuss a personal matter with her," he said, each word deliberate.

loss for words, unsure

over her shoulders and whispered, "Alright,

...

the bottom of the stairs than Max took hold of her arm. "Do you like

time, and her affection for him was no secret, yet he had never reciprocated. She had

theory, who she was with should be of no concern to him, especially since she harbored no such intentions now. Eloise tried

Velona Corporation, but only if Angus takes a job at Horigan Inc. Is

wounded, and he

and that's why he had sought her out. But what were they to each other? What right did Max have to treat her

"What about you, Max? What do you think? You know I like you, but

...

eyes met, and the air between the two young adults crackled with intensity. After a long silence, Eloise's voice was hoarse as

He felt exposed and awkward. His original plan had been to date Eloise, to gain Angus' complete trust, and

now. The crisis at the Velona Corporation had been averted. He should have been elated, should have been able to congratulate Eloise warmly, but he

manner in

hadn't even known what he wanted. Eloise had awakened him to the

dim streetlights, Max stood rigidly, and after a long moment, he

cardigan tighter around herself

red and heating her eyes. She cried. Her unconfessed crush had ended before it had even

Max's figure stretched long and lonely. He watched Eloise's retreating back. For a moment, he wanted

the end, he remained silent,

...