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

smoked in silence, his thoughts 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, we all play the game, but status matters. The Horigan family?

Ravenna was skeptical.

casually remarked, "No one dares cross Harvey these

in fury, unwilling to give up

the crystal chandelier above cast a dreamlike glow. Eloise, already talented, would gain

If it were to fall, to crash down upon

maintenance worker. He was a solitary man in his twenties with no real friends to speak of. Ravenna knew how to play to her

the young man, expecting a delivery, was surprised to find a striking woman instead. Ravenna feigned innocence. "I'm

but let

rejected the offer immediately, even pushing her out of the door

urging him, "Call me if you change your mind. Opportunities like this don't

was gone, the man pondered over the note. His mind flashed

beautiful young pianist

ready to refuse again, but stopped short at the sight of

entered and spotted Ravenna's number on the table. His tone was light. "Someone visited

"You didn't

stayed silent, overawed by the presence

room.

check from his pocket, the amount printed boldly across it – eight million dollars. "This is enough to snag you a decent condo in Peterborough. All I'm asking

aback. Eight million was tempting, but