Tangled Temptations

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.

Afterward, Ravenna teased with a sultry look and a delicate touch across Gunner's chest, "Veronica could come back any minute. Are you not worried about her finding out?"

Gunner kissed Ravenna passionately, his voice sounding husky. "As long as Eloise is around, Veronica doesn't see me. And so what if she finds out? It's not like she's as charming as you."

Fired up by his own words, Gunner's enthusiasm soared.

Drenched in sweat, Ravenna knew Gunner's heart was set on Veronica. If

Veronica ever found out about them, it would mean the end of Ravenna's tuition payments. So, despite Veronica's harsh words, Ravenna never considered exposing their affair.

When they were done, Gunner left, tossing a card on the bed - Ravenna's allowance for the month.

...

Meanwhile, Veronica was comforting Eloise.

Eloise wasn't fragile. She patted Veronica's back. "You're always so tough on the outside but soft on the inside. You badmouth Ravenna, but you still secretly top up her meal card with a grand every month."

Veronica squirmed uncomfortably. She laughed it off. "Well, she's asking for it, and I have to set her straight."

They chatted a bit more before realizing Gunner had vanished.

Eloise couldn't help but feel amused. "You should mind your own beeswax. Stop fussing over me. I'm totally fine."

She went on with her life, focusing on her studies. Deep down, she harbored a dream to further her studies in Britain, the home of Griffin, a famous pianist.

Thinking of Griffin, Eloise remembered the Louis XII piano. Was it really at Harvey's? Would he actually let her touch it?

Meanwhile, Harvey had made a trip to Italy. He'd bought that very piano. It cost a pretty penny, but he knew Eloise would love it.

On Friday, Harvey returned home. Back at the office, Denise stepped into his office. "Attorney Horigan, there's a Mr. Velona here to see you."

Mr. Velona? Max?

Harvey poured himself a glass of water and drank half before saying, "Let him in, will you?"

He then added, "And call Ms. Laurent, tell her I'm inviting her over to see a piano, and see if she's interested."

Denise was no fool. She knew her boss was serious and gave a knowing smile.

A moment later, Max entered the office. He was a golden boy with a good background and good looks, but next to Harvey, he paled in comparison.

As he entered, Harvey stood by the window, sipping his water. The 22-year-old Max couldn't hide his impatience next to the accomplished Harvey. His voice was

a low growl. "I haven't signed that billion-dollar investment document yet."

Harvey didn't turn around, still gazing out the window with a cup in hand. He casually asked, "Max, do you like Eloise?"

Max didn't respond. He was silent for a long, long time.

Finally, Harvey turned to face him.

Max gazed wistfully at the half-empty pint of ale resting before him. The golden liquid reflected the dim light of the office. Across the worn oak table sat Harvey, his brooding eyes meeting Max's with a mixture of challenge and resignation. "You can't even admit you fancy her," Harvey murmured. "What ground do you have to stand on? A proper rival should be an equal, at least in the sense that we're both mad about her, both desperate to have her."

Max felt a 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 clear Harvey was really invested.

Harvey caught the shift in Max's expression. He offered a wry smile, tinged 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 dream-like confrontation, Max sensed no malice from Harvey.

Harvey leaned back in his chair and gestured for Max to also sit down.

The blinds rolled up, and the sunlight streaming in cast Harvey's profile in a halo

of soft gold, as if anointed by some divine presence.

It took a moment for Harvey to

speak again. "Max, sign the papers, give up on Eloise, and get the billion-dollar deal. It's a solid offer don't you think? It'll see Velona Corp through this rough patch, and you won't be shackled to a woman who truly loves you."

"And Angus," he added with a slight uptick in his voice, "you won't have to exploit

him."noveldrama

Max's face drained of color. It was as if Harvey had laid bare his soul, his plans, his very thoughts.

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

Harvey, lighting a cigarette and taking a slow drag, regarded Max with a hint of amusement. "You know exactly what I mean. No need to ask how I know, Max. I'm not your enemy."

At most, Harvey was a love rival. Harvey figured that at 22, Max would choose power and prestige over Eloise.

"Got a smoke for me?" Max asked suddenly, a rough edge to his voice.

"Certainly," Harvey replied with a gracious wave of his hand.

Max took a cigarette, lit it with a flick of his lighter, and inhaled deeply. He knew Harvey was right. Any man would see a clear choice. Not only would he secure a billion-dollar investment, but he'd also gain the favor of the Horigan family.

A win on all fronts.

Max finished his cigarette in silence, then stood, his voice steady as he said, "Thanks, Attorney Horigan. Pleasure doing business with you."

Harvey remained seated for a moment, then looked up at the vibrant, young Max with a touch of melancholy. In reality, Max was no longer alive.

Max mistook Harvey's pause for arrogance, but Harvey stood and shook his hand,

his voice low. "Max, I owe you thanks."

Max was puzzled. He didn't understand what Harvey meant until Harvey's expression softened, and he mentioned with a slight smile, "I'm rather fond of a

kid in the Velona family, Jeffrey."

Max was even more confused.

Harvey's smile lingered as he said, "Jeffrey must be around 13, right? When Eloise and I tie the knot, I'll take him as my godson."

Max was taken aback by Harvey's forwardness and the odd sense of claiming an advantage. As Max mumbled a vague goodbye and turned to leave, the door swung open, and a breeze carried in the scent of fresh lilacs. A stunning girl burst into the room.

Max recognized her immediately as the Horigan heiress, Orlena. Orlena's eyes lingered on Max for a long moment. He nodded to her and slipped out the door.

"Harvey, who was that?" Orlena dashed over and playfully wrapped her arms around Harvey's neck.

Harvey glanced at her and teased, "Fancy him, do you?"

Orlena blushed, her fair cheeks glowing with a rosy hue. Harvey seemed contemplative before pulling up a news clip from Brockville featuring a younger Mr. Brett. His youthful elegance and charm were enough to captivate any girl, including Orlena, who was visibly entranced.

Harvey asked, "Isn't he a better catch?"

Orlena pouted. "But he'd never fall for someone like me."

Harvey wanted to lecture her, but his affection prevailed. He gently stroked her

hair, murmuring, "Orlena, to me, you're the best. No one compares."

"

She stuck out her tongue playfully. "Better than Eloise?" she teased. Harvey wasn't shocked by her question, and fiddling with a paperweight, he

replied with a half-smile, "It's different. One's my future wife, and the other's my precious sister."

Orlena's cheeks warmed with affection and dependence on her brother. She

snuggled closer and whispered, "As long as your wife's nice, I'll treat her well." Harvey tousled her hair affectionately.

At that moment, Denise walked in, smiling at their sibling antics. "Attorney

Horigan, Ms. Laurent... she refuses to come."

Harvey wasn't angered. He knew Eloise's stubbornness better than anyone, so he tossed his phone to Orlena. "Call her for me, will you?"