Tangled Temptations

Eloise froze in shock.

She quickly logged onto the campus network, and there, the image of Harvey kissing her was dominating the homepage.

It was Eloise's first kiss. The impact on her was immense.

After a moment of stunned silence, she flung back the covers and dashed out of her room. The guy from last night was still at her place. The living room was eerily quiet.

Michelle had returned from the grocery store and was busy making breakfast burritos. Hearing Eloise's footsteps, she called out, "Lou, breakfast is on the table. Eat up and get to school."

Eloise stood in the kitchen doorway. She ran her fingers through her disheveled auburn hair and said softly, "Michelle, the guy from last night isn't my boyfriend."

Michelle clearly didn't buy her story. If he wasn't her boyfriend, how did he end up at their place? How had he even played chess with Angus until one in the morning?

Eloise couldn't explain. She quickly finished washing up, grabbed breakfast, and headed downstairs, Michelle's resigned sigh following her. "He seemed like such

a nice young man. Much better than that Velona family boy."

...

Eloise asked Veronica to dig up some info, and soon enough, she had the address for Harvey's law firm.

9:30 AM. Prestige Legal Advisors.

Though only a year old, the firm was already prominent, occupying the entire 12th floor of a 22-story building. The receptionist greeted her with a professional smile. "How may I help you, miss?"

Eloise bit her lip. "I need to see Attorney Horigan."

The receptionist dialed an extension. "Denise? There's a young lady here to see Attorney Horigan... Is he available?"

After a moment, the receptionist looked at Eloise with heightened regard, covering the receiver. "Are you Ms. Laurent? Attorney Horigan is available. I'll show you to his office."

Eloise was puzzled. The receptionist led her through the halls with practiced ease.

The 12th floor was home to just one large office and a small conference room. Harvey stood by his office window, gazing down at the cityscape. Denise, his assistant, approached with a light step. "Attorney Horigan, Ms. Laurent will be here shortly."

Without turning around, Harvey ordered softly, "Prepare a Millstone coffee and some snacks."

Denise paused, a hint of surprise showing on her face. It seemed Ms. Laurent was someone special to her boss. She excused herself without prying further.

Once alone, Harvey pulled the blinds shut. The room darkened. His expression was unreadable.

The thought of meeting the 20-year-old Eloise was thrilling, but his dream was burdened with memories. He knew the real Eloise lay in a hospital bed, comatose, carrying their third child.

He had to bring Eloise back. He had to make her his before Max.

As Harvey was lost in thought, the office door opened. Denise ushered in Eloise before setting down the refreshments with a gentle smile. "Ms. Laurent, please take your time."

After Denise left, the heavy door closed with a soft click.

Eloise had prepared a barrage of questions, ready to confront Harvey fiercely, but as she entered the dimly lit office, her confidence waned. Perhaps it was the subdued lighting, or maybe it was the man before her, dressed in a classic black and white suit, exuding sophistication and regarding her with piercing dark eyes.

Her knees felt weak.

Harvey seated himself first. Even though the young woman before him was his beloved wife, and despite their intimate history, he knew he couldn't frighten her. He had to take it slow, to gradually make her his own. He opened the newspaper in front of him, seeming distracted as he spoke, "Are you here about our little scandal?"

Eloise's cheeks flushed with embarrassment. "Scandal? Who says we're involved in a scandal?"

Harvey looked up, a light smile playing on his lips. "Quite the temper. You remind me of Linda."

Eloise frowned. Who was Linda?

Harvey gestured for her to sit, his tone softening. "Here's your coffee. But you know, you really should cut back on caffeine. Milk is better for a young woman."

Eloise refused to sit. She wasn't naive. His concerned facade couldn't mask his true intentions – he was no good. Otherwise, why would he have stolen that kiss?

Her reaction made Harvey chuckle. His gaze turned tender as he teased, "You came here to confront me, right? Why aren't you saying anything?"

Eloise mustered her courage and retorted, "Why did you kiss me?"

"Because I wanted to," he replied simply.

Eloise was at a loss for words. Outclassed and outmaneuvered, she knew someone of his standing could ruin her in an instant, not just her but perhaps even her family.

Tears brimmed in her eyes. She turned away, muttering defiantly, "I was only trying to be helpful. And you repay me like this."

Harvey stood up, closing the distance between them.

Eloise tensed, unsure of his intentions. He stepped behind her, his presence almost tangible. He whispered near her ear, "How is kissing you an act of betrayal? Am I that unattractive, or do I pale in comparison to others?"

Eloise tried to escape, but he wouldn't let her. His hands found her waist, preventing her from retreating.

At 35, Harvey knew women, especially Eloise. He leaned in, his breath warm on her ear. His voice was filled with temptation. "And I'm not what you think. I'm not someone who plays games. My family wouldn't stand for me spreading scandals." Eloise stammered, "What do you want?"

A faint smile graced Harvey's lips. "I won't clear up our supposed relationship. In fact, I'll solidify it."

Eloise's face turned crimson. "We hardly even know each other."

Harvey knew she had a soft spot for him; otherwise, no girl would let a man get so close. But her fondness was superficial, based solely on his good looks.

Eloise had always been a bit of a sucker for handsome faces, though she'd never admit it. He released her. "Aren't we getting to know each other now?"

His eyes twinkled with amusement as Eloise felt a warmth spread through her. She was at a loss, and it took her a moment to remember her original purpose. She whispered, "I already like someone else. What you're doing isn't right."

Her protest was as fierce as a kitten's paw swipe. Harvey found her utterly endearing. "You're quite forgiving with me."

Eloise was on edge, and her eyes were welling up with tears that refused to fall. Harvey's expression softened just a fraction before he saw her push against him and bolt for the door.

With a swift turn, Harvey caught her delicate wrist, pulling her back, and then he gently lifted her, placing her on the expansive desk. He stood between her legs, an embarrassingly intimate posture.

Eloise was mortified, and Harvey, devoid of any shame, let his hand glide up her slender thigh. His voice was now husky. "Didn't I tell you last night to stop wearing those ridiculously short skirts?"

His touch seemed to electrify her, and Eloise was scared. She wanted to scream for help but couldn't bear the thought of public humiliation, and she was on the verge of tears once again.

"Don't cry," Harvey ordered, holding her head gently, forcing her to look up at him as he studied her youthful, fresh-faced countenance.

Eloise's lips quivered, and her nose reddened from holding back tears. She regretted coming here. He was just waiting to trap her.

Harvey leaned in slightly, his lips barely touching hers in a teasing manner that frightened her beyond reason.

"Ever wonder what a kiss feels like? You've never been kissed before, have you?"

...

Harvey, shifting his angle, softly probed her mouth, entangling with her timid response. For Eloise, who had never dated, it was an overwhelming sensation. Frozen in fear, she could only stare at him.

Harvey was far more invested in the kiss. He alternated between deep and shallow kisses, and, not satisfied, he pulled her close to feel his arousal. Eloise began to cry. "I don't want to do this anymore," she sobbed, wrapping her arms around his neck, but her words only made the situation seem more dire. Harvey stopped. He struggled to calm himself, thinking about how Eloise couldn't possibly realize that in the future, he'd have his way with her countless times-this was child's play.

He patted her back gently, soothing her with a soft. "I'll stop."noveldrama

Eloise felt utterly vulnerable. Suddenly aware that she was embracing him, she snapped in a mix of anger and embarrassment. "Then clear up our rumors." Harvey chuckled lightly. Standing tall, he straightened his shirt, the very image of a charmer.

Returning to his desk, he made a call. "Denise, handle the situation online... Yeah, Eloise is upset."

Eloise was taken aback by his ambiguous words.

Harvey hung up, turning on his charm. "Happy now?"

Eloise gathered her courage. "You... whatever happened just now... you can't tell anyone."

Harvey looked down and lit a cigarette. Then, locking eyes with her, he laughed softly. "Afraid Max will be angry and won't want you?"

Eloise pursed her lips.

Suddenly, Harvey snuffed out his cigarette and spoke lightly, "Eloise, love needs

to be mutual. If Max really cared, why wouldn't he make a move? Why would he keep you hanging? Are you sure such one-sided affection is love?"

Love required reciprocation. Eloise's eyes reddened.

Harvey felt pity for her and instead suggested, "Rather than cling to a hopeless

love, why not find a man who truly likes you?"

A man who liked her? Eloise eyed him warily.

Harvey met her gaze, his handsome features and aristocratic demeanor making it hard for her to resist. She quickly caved, whispering, "I'm leaving." Harvey reached for the door before she could. Towering over her, he said softly,

"Too timid to speak up when bullied, too gentle to survive beside the wolf-like

Max."

By the timeline, Velona Corporation was in decline. The Laurent family would soon fall into Max's schemes.

Eloise pushed past him. "It's none of your concern."

But Harvey continued to watch her, his voice growing tender. "Come to my place

this weekend. I'll cook you dinner. I have a grand piano there; don't you want to play it?"

A grand piano? The one King Louis XII had played? That was a massive temptation for Eloise.

Sensing her struggle, Harvey smiled and backed off. "It's up to you."

Eloise thought to herself and decided she definitely wouldn't go, but did his apartment really house that piano? She'd heard it was worth over twenty million.

After Eloise left, Harvey picked up her unfinished coffee and slowly finished half of

it.

Denise walked in.

Harvey spoke softly, "Contact the auction house. I want to buy that grand piano,

no matter the cost. Have it delivered to my Peterborough apartment before the weekend."

Denise was fairly certain her boss was in love.

Hadn't he just been heartbroken? And now, how was he back in the game so quickly?

Harvey glanced at her. "Is it a problem?"

Denise hurriedly assured him. "No. I'll find a way."

With coffee in hand, Harvey strolled to the floor-to-ceiling window, his tone deepening. "Check Velona Corporation's finances for anything incriminating. Also, arrange a meeting with Velona's financial advisor, Angus."

Denise was puzzled. Harvey gestured for her not to question further.

Alone now, Harvey stood silently, a hint of loneliness in his posture. In a dream

from ten years ago, he alone knew the past and future. He yearned for the woman

before him, yet he had to scheme to get close to her.

The kiss earlier was impetuous. Moreover, he owed Max something. In this dream, he'd settle it.

And then there was Angus...

Harvey closed his eyes, eager to see Eloise again, eager to make her his by any

means necessary because he wanted to end the dream quickly and take her

home.

With ten years of additional experience, Harvey was ruthless. He took swift action

to get things done. By four in the afternoon, Angus arrived at the steakhouse as scheduled, pushing open the doors of the private room. Harvey sat in the quiet room, alone at the table with a thick stack of papers

spread before him. His expression was reserved, a stark contrast to the jovial junior he'd been the previous evening.

Angus offered a casual smile. "I wonder what urgent matter brings you to me today, Mr. Harvey."

Harvey looked up, his demeanor shifting to one of warmth and approachability. He

rose to his feet with a smile. "Just call me Harvey. There's something I'd like to discuss with you, Angus. Hope I'm not being too forward."

Angus wasn't born yesterday. With a chuckle, he approached, engaging in a bit of verbal sparring akin to playing it cool.

Once seated, Harvey cut to the chase with a smile. "I've got some financial information on the Velona Corporation here. As the CFO, you're undoubtedly familiar with this. You see... Eloise and I are quite close, and she's quite fond of

Max. So, in a way, their friends become my friends. I'd like to assist the Velona Corporation."

The concept of extending goodwill to a romantic rival? Angus was floored. Who in the world would be such a fool?

The hotshot lawyer before him was no stranger to Angus. He knew Harvey's reputation as a tough cookie. Believing Harvey liked Eloise was one thing, but to extend favors to a rival? Either Angus had lost his marbles, or Harvey was off his

rocker.

Yet externally, Angus kept his composure, sipping his tea as if all was well. With a

pleasant demeanor, Angus replied, “Harvey, that's not how things are done, you know."

Harvey slid another document across the table. "I'm personally ready to inject a billion into the Velona Corporation. But there's a condition - you would need to leave Velona and come work for Horigan Inc."

Angus was visibly taken aback. A billion dollars tossed into the wind, all for one

old chap?