Tangled Temptations

Chapter 366

Harvey not only posted a pic but also added a cheeky, "Like what you see?"

Eloise blushed with fury. The nerve of that guy.

And how on earth did he find her on Facebook? He had no shame. But... she couldn't help sneaking another peek at the photo. She had to admit, if there was ever a charming pervert, Harvey was it.

Eloise deleted the photo. She figured it was high time she set things straight with him. Just because things with Max were a no-go didn't mean she was open season for harassment. Plus, her dad mentioned he was heading to work at Horigan Inc., which unsettled Eloise. She had a gut feeling Harvey was targeting her specifically.

In the middle of the night, the heat was unbearable. Eloise couldn't stand it any longer; she threw off her covers and headed to the bathroom. Stripping down to her pale pink lingerie, she examined her reflection. Slim, with all the curves in the right places, and topped with a cascade of brown hair - she was a knockout.

But she was convinced her looks weren't enough to sway Harvey.

He had mentioned the piano. Was it her talent he was after? At 20, Eloise still dreamt of becoming a concert pianist.

Still, she had to make things clear to him.

...

The next day at the Music College.

Eloise kept things low-key but was still the center of attention wherever she went, especially with Ravenna always ready with a snide remark.

"Eloise, aren't you about to marry into high society? Why bother with school? I thought you were so into Max. It turns out you're just another opportunist."

Eloise wasn't one to back down and retorted, "What's it to you?"

Ravenna was at a loss for words, unable to formulate a response.

Just then, Veronica and Gunner walked up, catching the tail end of the exchange. Veronica always had Eloise's back and didn't hesitate to snap at Ravenna. "Looks like you got what you wanted, right? You've been pining for Max, so why don't you make a move?"

Ravenna's face turned sour. Max didn't give her the time of day despite her attempts to get his attention.

Veronica, never one to let it go, was about to lay into Ravenna again when Gunner stepped in, playing peacemaker. "C'mon, we're all classmates here. Chill, Veronica, that's enough."

As striking as a rose in full bloom at 20, Veronica huffed, "Why are you defending her, Gunner? Are you into her or something? Does her sultriness get to you?"

Gunner was clearly exasperated.

Meanwhile, despite the insults, Ravenna just smirked and winked at Gunner before walking away.

The girls' dorm was usually quiet, but not today.

Ravenna, barely clothed, was enthusiastically in sync with Gunner's advances. In broad daylight, their passionate encounter was intense and uninhibited.

In a haze of desire, Gunner held Ravenna in his arms tightly, biting his cheek as sweat dripped onto the blue and white sheets, soaking them through.

Ravenna wasn't as pretty as Veronica, but she was wild and uninhibited, willing to do the things Veronica wouldn't.

a delicate touch across Gunner's chest, "Veronica could come back any minute. Are you not worried about

Eloise is around, Veronica doesn't see me. And so what if she finds out? It's not like she's as

by his own words,

Gunner's heart was set

mean the end of Ravenna's tuition payments. So, despite Veronica's harsh words, Ravenna

they were done, Gunner left, tossing a card on the bed - Ravenna's allowance

...

Veronica was

the inside. You

she's asking

a bit more before realizing

your

on her studies. Deep down, she harbored a dream to

Was it really at Harvey's? Would he actually let her

Italy. He'd bought that very piano. It cost a pretty penny, but he knew Eloise would

at the office, Denise stepped into his office. "Attorney

Mr. Velona? Max?

drank half

Ms. Laurent, tell her I'm inviting her over to see

boss

Max entered the office. He was a golden boy with a good background and good looks, but next to Harvey, he

his water. The 22-year-old Max couldn't hide

signed that billion-dollar

window with a cup in hand. He casually asked, "Max, do you like

silent for a long,

turned to face

resignation. "You can't even admit you fancy her," Harvey murmured. "What ground do you have to stand on? A proper rival

Harvey, a guy of his stature, as someone who saw Eloise as little more than a fling, but

in Max's expression. He offered a wry smile, tinged with a bit of bitterness. Deep down, Harvey was grateful to Max for leaving behind someone like Jeffrey to look after Eloise, should the worst happen. In this dream-like

his chair and gestured for Max to also

up, and the sunlight streaming in cast Harvey's profile

gold, as if anointed

moment for

again. "Max, sign the papers, give up on Eloise, and get the billion-dollar deal. It's a solid offer don't you think?

he added with a slight uptick in his voice, "you won't have

him."

as if Harvey had laid bare his soul,

"What's this all about, Horigan?" he asked,

and taking a slow drag, regarded Max with a hint of amusement. "You know exactly what I mean. No need to ask how I

that at 22, Max

for me?" Max asked suddenly, a rough edge to his

a

man would see a clear choice. Not only would he secure a billion-dollar investment, but he'd also