Tangled Temptations novel Chapter 305

A week later, Eloise was attending a movie premiere.

Instead of strutting down the red carpet, she slipped in through the back door and entered the theater. But what she hadn't expected was to run into someone familiar, someone she wasn't exactly thrilled to see.

Monika!

Monika had lost a significant amount of weight in just a short period. Despite being in her early twenties, her skin had a dry, yellowish tone, an exhaustion that no amount of foundation could hide. Her light pink gown only accentuated her frailty.

She was accompanied by a man in his thirties, who was not bad looking, but with a hint of smarminess. Eloise frowned, feeling like she’d seen him somewhere before.

Just then, Ruby rushed over. She was very respectful towards the man, addressing him as Mr. Livio.

Livio.

Eloise remembered – this man was Joan’s ex-husband. Seeing Monika holding his hand made her feel slightly sick.

Ruby, ever the diplomat, introduced them, “Mr. Livio, this is Ms. Laurent from Everest Technologies.”

The man extended a hand towards Eloise, quite the gentleman. “I am Livio. I believe Ms. Laurent and I have some common acquaintances.”

Eloise disliked his touch. But she knew her uncle was investigating this man, so she put on a polite smile and shook his hand lightly.

Livio stared at Eloise's face, praising her, “Ms. Laurent, it's a shame you're not in showbiz. You'd make a beautiful star.”

He turned his head and pinched Monika's cheek. “Even prettier than your sister.”

His treatment of Monika was no better than that of a well-behaved pet. Although Monika felt humiliated, she responded in a submissive tone, “You're absolutely right.”

Livio patted her, giving her a nod. Across the room was a man in his forties, a potential business partner. Monika immediately walked over, linking arms with the man and leaving.

Such scenarios were not uncommon in the entertainment industry. Ruby wasn't surprised. Being an actress of her status, she didn't have to resort to such actions. She only had to flatter Livio. With a coquettish voice, she chimed in.

Eloise gave her a nonchalant glance and headed to the restroom.

Ruby, feeling awkward, forced a chuckle. “Ms. Laurent isn't part of our industry; she's different from us.”

.

Eloise headed to the restroom, where a sign reading “Closed for Cleaning” hung on the door. Just as she was about to head upstairs, a janitor came by, grumbling about someone hanging up the sign unnecessarily, and removed it.

Eloise stepped inside.

Inside the restroom, a scene was unfolding.

Monika's light pink dress was ruffled around her waist, her body shaking and trembling. A man was on her, panting and thrusting.

This was a shocking sight even for someone like Eloise, who had seen it all.

The man quickly finished and left, even patting Monika's head on his way out.

Eloise left the restroom. Two bodyguards immediately approached, “Ms. Laurent, are you okay?”

Eloise shook her head.

Just then, Monika, having straightened her dress, walked out. Her face was flushed in the afterglow of their encounter, looking healthier than her previous ghostly pallor.

She called out to Eloise, “Can we talk?”

The bodyguards immediately stepped forward to block her. Monika bit her lip, defiantly staring at Eloise, her eyes filled with envy. She was envious of everything Eloise had.

After that encounter, Eloise was not in the mood to watch the premiere. She walked over to the sink and turned on the faucet.

“Do you look down on me?”

Eloise looked up, her eyes meeting Monika's in the mirror.

Monika lit a slim cigarette, almost trembling. She took a deep drag.

Monika looked back at Eloise, and there was a fierceness in her eyes. “Yes, I used to be a bad girl. But was it my fault? I was taken to a mountain, do you know who my first man was? It was that old beast who was supposed to care for me.

“I finally had a chance to change my fate, but you ruined everything.”

Eloise gave a faint smile. “Your opportunity? You mean throwing yourself at Harvey, wrecking his marriage, and becoming the other woman?”

She had no sympathy for Monika. The genetic makeup of Monika and Joan was identical. They only cared for themselves, even at the expense of others.

Monika laughed, her eyes welling up. “I wouldn't have taken the 200k, and he would've softened eventually. But you, you were ruthless. If it wasn't for Gunner tempting me, how could I have easily.been with someone else?”

She thought she could have Gunner. After all, he was young and rich.

Eloise turned off the faucet, giving a light smile. “Do you think of yourself as a virtuous woman? Yes. I did it on purpose. I despise you and your sister for life.”

.

Eloise decided not to engage with her further and left the restroom.

Outside, Harvey was leaning against the wall, smoking leisurely. The light cast on his handsome features, made him look even more attractive, but his expression was unreadable.

Eloise paused. She was surprised to see him, wanted to say something, but then left without uttering a single word.