Tangled Temptations

Back in the banquet hall, the atmosphere was lively and spirited.

Eloise was the center of attention, not only because of her status as the Horigan family's daughter-in-law, but also due to the recent news surrounding her. Everyone was watching her interactions with Harvey, looking for a hint or a clue of something more.

Yet, Eloise was unconcerned. Her demeanor was impossible to fault.

She sat next to Harvey, leaning against him in a relaxed manner, content to listen to his business conversations without trying to steal the spotlight.

Ravenna, on the other hand, was the star among a sea of men. Feeling smug, Ravenna wanted to tease Harvey a bit more, but saw him remove his jacket to cover his wife's legs. He whispered softly, "Are you cold? You should have dressed more warmly at home. Look at Ms. Ravenna, she knows how to take care of herself."

Everyone's gaze shifted to Ravenna. Wearing a fur coat, she was already sweating from the heat. She felt a bit embarrassed hearing these words.

Max, who was late to the party, heard this conversation. He gave a faint smile.noveldrama

When someone sees an old flame, jealousy is inevitable. Ravenna had many flings, but the only man she truly loved was Max. However, Max, the fool, only had eyes for Eloise.

Ravenna's lips quivered, as she forced out a sentence, "Mr. Velona, I have a big surprise for you today!"

Max glanced at Eloise. She was leaning against Harvey, keeping a low profile. However, Max immediately noticed the watch on her wrist. It was a match to Harvey's!

Suddenly, he understood Harvey's confidence. Perhaps Eloise had reservations about their marriage, or perhaps she was not entirely happy, but she willingly stayed. Her memories with Harvey anchored her to this relationship. As long as Harvey didn't mess up, she wouldn't leave him.

Max's eyes dimmed. He sat down, two seats away from Eloise. Coincidentally or not, those two seats were soon vacated as the occupants left to answer phone calls. Max subtly moved closer, sandwiching Eloise between himself and Harvey. On stage, the university's principal announced the names of distinguished alumni. Ravenna, with her $10 million donation, was at the top of the list and the center of attention. Applause filled the room. Ravenna stood up, giving a slight nod. She was confident. These accomplishments were her stepping stones into the Peterborough high society. She was determined to rise above everyone, even Eloise.

As she sat down, her gaze swept over Eloise. She had a big surprise for Eloise today too.

Just then, the main screen started playing a video about the university's history and significant events.

Most people in the room were busy networking and discussing business. Nobody was paying attention, but about 20 minutes into the video, someone exclaimed, "Isn't that Eloise and Max? They were so innocent back then!"

The hall fell silent. Everyone turned to look at the screen. There, on the giant screen, a 20-year-old Eloise stood under the sycamore tree.

The tree cast a leafy shadow. Sunlight filtered through the leaves, casting spots of gold.

A young woman in a white dress, stopped a similarly young Max. Her cheeks were flushed, but she bravely confessed, "Max, I like you!"

In the video, Max's eyes were dark and thoughtful. After a while, he pushed his bike towards Eloise and said, "Get on!"

Eloise bit her lip, and then climbed onto his bike. As Max pedaled off, she quickly grabbed onto his shirttail.

The next scene was in the library. It was noon and no one was there. Eloise was asleep at a table, with dark circles under her eyes. Max was sitting across from her, reading a book. When he noticed that she had fallen asleep, he set the book down and watched her quietly.

A minute later, Max leaned over and kissed Eloise.

...

The banquet hall was silent, with people whispering among themselves.

"Weren't they the most famous couple in the university?"

"Max must have been the one who fell first."

"Hush now! Did you notice the way Harvey's face darken?"

But Harvey wasn't the only one with a bitter expression. Max was too. These

scenes were so old that he had almost forgotten them. But now, they were playing right in front of him, forcing him to remember, to reminisce.

Any fool could see that he had liked Eloise! He had liked her without even realizing it.

Max was in anguish. His face was almost contorted with pain. It took all his self- control to keep his composure.

He loved Eloise. He had always loved her, but his love got lost in his pursuit of power.

He knew that these scenes must have affected Harvey, but he felt no satisfaction. Because, in the end, Max was the biggest loser.

Ravenna raised her glass to him. Her smile was sly. "Do you like the surprise I got for you?" It was a good one, enough to make Max suffer and cause a rift between Harvey and his wife.

Indeed, these scenes made Harvey very uncomfortable. Youthful love was the most touching. When Eloise liked Max, she didn't hold back. If not for what happened afterward, Harvey believed they would have ended up together, married and had kids. The couple cozying up at this party would be Max and Eloise.

And then there was the scene at that damned library.

Harvey had always been composed, but not this time. Composure was for those who swallowed their pride. He was Harvey, and he felt no need to hide his possessiveness of his wife!

He stood up, pulling Eloise along with him. Raising his glass, he said with a casual smile, “Everest Technologies will donate $100 million to demolish and rebuild the library!"

The hall fell silent. It was such strong jealousy, not hidden at all!

After saying his piece, Harvey left the banquet hall with his wife. As they reached the entrance, a hoarse voice called out, "Eloise!"

Harvey tightened his grip on Eloise's hand, but Eloise turned around slowly. She looked at Max silently, and he looked back at her... Ten years had passed, and many things had happened. They had chosen different paths in life.

However, he still owed her something.

Max's voice was raspy. "Eloise, if I could do it all over again, I would choose you." Money, wealth - they all meant nothing!

Eloise gave a faint smile. In this world, there were no 'ifs'...

Back at her table, Ravenna was stunned. She hadn't expected Harvey to react this way. Wasn't he supposed to maintain his composure, only to argue with Eloise later at home? How could he be willing to spend a hundred million bucks just to tear down the library? It was because Max had kissed Eloise there? So, he couldn't stand it, and he just... Was he that concerned about Eloise?

As Ravenna was seething with anger, her husband gave her a call. His voice was filled with anxiety. “Ravenna, you didn't make any trouble for me while you're out, did you?"

Something didn't add up. Ravenna immediately asked, "What happened? Any problem?"

The man huffed, "As long as you didn't cause me any trouble, that's all good. Some inspectors suddenly showed up at the mine today. They gave me such a hard time. It's as if they were skinning me alive. They said they're coming back tomorrow!"

Ravenna gently soothed him, "Then I'll see if I can pull some strings for you here in Peterborough, okay?"