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 sultry look and a delicate touch across Gunner's chest, "Veronica could come back any

see me. And so what if she finds out? It's

his own

sweat, Ravenna knew Gunner's

Ravenna's tuition payments. So, despite

done, Gunner left, tossing a card

...

Veronica was

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

she's asking for it, and I have

bit more before realizing Gunner had

help but feel amused. "You should mind your own beeswax. Stop fussing over

Deep down, she harbored a dream to further

Griffin, Eloise remembered the Louis XII piano. Was it

made a trip to Italy. He'd bought that very piano.

home. Back at the office, Denise stepped into his office. "Attorney Horigan, there's a

Mr. Velona? Max?

water and drank half

added, "And call Ms. Laurent, tell her I'm inviting her over

knew her boss was serious and gave

boy with a good background and good looks, but next

his water. The 22-year-old Max couldn't hide his impatience next to the accomplished Harvey.

growl. "I haven't signed

around, still gazing out the window with a cup

didn't respond. He was silent for

Harvey turned to

a mixture of challenge and resignation.

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

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

and gestured for Max to also sit

up, and the sunlight streaming in cast Harvey's

soft gold, as if

moment for Harvey

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

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

him."

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

first time, Max's composure wavered. "What's this all about, Horigan?" he asked, his voice edged

amusement. "You know exactly what I mean. No need to ask how I know, Max. I'm not

figured that at 22, Max would choose power and prestige over

Max asked suddenly, a rough

replied with a

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