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.

she leaned on his shoulder, her breath alluring with seduction. "There's

unclear. Eventually, he stubbed out his cigarette and offered a faint smile. "For your efforts today, I owe you. But you don't understand the Peterborough elite, Ravenna. Sure,

Ravenna was skeptical.

dressed and casually remarked, "No one dares cross Harvey these

left 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

legendary Louis II, was adorned with roses, and the crystal chandelier above cast a

an idea struck. As a maintenance worker checked the lights, the chandelier flickered. If it were to fall, to crash

anniversary, Ravenna shadowed the maintenance worker. He was a solitary man in his twenties with no real friends to speak of. Ravenna knew how

find a striking woman instead. Ravenna feigned innocence. "I'm a student at

hesitated but let

the offer immediately, even pushing her out of

me if you change

the man pondered over the note. His mind flashed

beautiful young pianist from the

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

table. His tone was

"You

overawed by

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

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