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.

across Gunner's chest, "Veronica could come back any minute.

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

his own words,

Ravenna knew Gunner's heart was set on Veronica.

would mean the end of Ravenna's tuition payments. So, despite Veronica's harsh words, Ravenna never

Gunner left, tossing a card on the bed -

...

Veronica was

but soft on the inside. You badmouth Ravenna, but you still secretly top up her meal card with a grand every

"Well, she's asking for it, and I

bit more before realizing Gunner

but feel amused. "You should mind your own

she harbored a dream to further her studies in Britain, the home

XII piano. Was it really at Harvey's?

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

Friday, Harvey returned home. Back at the office, Denise stepped into his office. "Attorney Horigan, there's a Mr. Velona here

Mr. Velona? Max?

of water and drank half before

her I'm inviting her over to see a piano,

fool. She knew her boss was serious and gave a

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

Harvey stood by the window, sipping his water. The 22-year-old Max couldn't hide his impatience

low growl. "I haven't signed that billion-dollar

the window with a cup in hand. He

was silent for a long, long

turned to face

Across the worn oak table sat Harvey, his brooding eyes meeting Max's with a mixture of challenge and resignation. "You can't even admit you fancy her," Harvey murmured. "What ground

had pegged Harvey, a guy of his stature, as someone who saw Eloise as little more than a fling, but it was clear Harvey

shift 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

in his chair and gestured for Max to also

streaming in cast Harvey's

gold, as if anointed by

a moment for Harvey

the billion-dollar deal. It's a solid offer don't you think? It'll see Velona Corp through this rough patch, and you won't be shackled

uptick in his voice, "you won't have to

him."

It was as if Harvey had laid bare his soul, his plans, his

this all about, Horigan?" he asked, his voice edged with

amusement. "You know exactly what I mean. No need

a love rival. Harvey figured that at 22, Max would choose power and prestige

a smoke for me?" Max asked suddenly, a rough edge

with a gracious

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