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.

her breath alluring with seduction. "There's a piano recital

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 play the game, but status matters. The Horigan family?

Ravenna was skeptical.

and casually remarked, "No one dares cross

him in fury,

cast a dreamlike glow. Eloise, already talented, would gain renown

worker checked the lights, the chandelier flickered. If it

days until the anniversary, Ravenna shadowed the maintenance worker. He was a solitary man in his twenties with no real

a delivery, was surprised to find a striking woman instead. Ravenna feigned innocence. "I'm a student at the Music College, not a call

but let her

rejected the offer immediately, even pushing her out of the door with the money.

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

gone, the man pondered over the note. His mind

beautiful young pianist from

opened the door, ready to refuse again, but stopped short at the sight of a stranger in a business

number on the table. His tone was light. "Someone visited you? Offered money

"You didn't

young man stayed silent, overawed by the presence that filled his

room.

boldly across it – eight million dollars. "This is enough to snag you a decent condo in Peterborough. All I'm asking is for you to make this call and agree

aback. Eight million was tempting,