Tangled Temptations

Chapter 373

In the quiet sanctuary of the library, Eloise sat with the poise of someone well- versed in the art of leisure. Her profile, a still life of serene beauty, suggested a tranquility that's graceful and elegant.

No stranger to the company of men, Ravenna sensed a change in Eloise. Once a pretty but unripe girl, Eloise now carried a hint of a woman's allure in her gaze. A new chapter had begun. Was Harvey the cause?

At the thought of Harvey, with his aristocratic bearing, Ravenna felt a flush of warmth course through her. Green with envy, her eyes narrowed.

Just then, Eloise looked up and caught Ravenna's gaze. The recent spat over Veronica had left a bitter mark, and without a word, Eloise returned to her reading.

Ravenna, wanting to confront her, was thwarted by the four vigilant bodyguards who rose to block her path. The eyes of the library patrons were upon them, and Ravenna, embarrassed and seething, spat out, "You think you're something, Eloise." before storming off.

Eloise watched Ravenna's retreating figure for a moment before returning her attention to her book.

After leaving, Ravenna dialed Gunner's number. "Where are you?"

Gunner, who Veronica had dumped because of Ravenna, was in a foul mood. "What the hell does my location have to do with you, Ravenna? I've made myself clear."

Ravenna's voice was a soft entreaty. "Let's meet."

Gunner hesitated but eventually agreed. They met at a five-star hotel, where, after their rendezvous, Gunner lounged in a bathrobe, smoking with an air of dissatisfaction.

Ravenna smirked, fully aware of his inner turmoil—a man still hung up on Veronica but unable to resist physical temptation. She found him contemptible. Yet, she needed him.

leaned on his shoulder, her breath alluring with seduction. "There's a piano recital at the school anniversary. Such a

his cigarette and offered a faint smile. "For your efforts today, I owe you. But you don't understand the Peterborough elite, Ravenna. Sure, we all

Ravenna was skeptical.

"No one dares cross

a stack of bills behind. She threw them at him in fury, unwilling to give up what she saw as her chance to shine, especially after

cast a dreamlike glow. Eloise, already talented, would gain renown with this performance, while Ravenna

idea struck. As a maintenance worker checked the lights, the chandelier flickered. If it were to fall, to crash down upon Eloise, Ravenna

He was a solitary man in his twenties with no real friends to speak

surprised to find a striking woman instead. Ravenna feigned innocence.

but let her

made her proposition. The man rejected the offer immediately, even pushing her out of the

him, "Call me if you change your mind. Opportunities

over

beautiful young pianist

Annoyed, he opened the door, ready to refuse again, but stopped short at the sight of a stranger in a business suit and overcoat,

stranger, Harvey, entered and spotted Ravenna's number on the table. His tone was light. "Someone visited you?

smiled, "You

man stayed silent, overawed by the presence

room.

fished a check from his pocket, the amount printed boldly across it – eight million dollars. "This is enough to snag you a decent condo

man was taken aback. Eight million was tempting, but his conscience wasn't