Tangled Temptations novel 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.

Draping herself in a towel, she leaned on his shoulder, her breath alluring with seduction. "There's a piano recital at the school anniversary. Such a spotlight is rare."

Gunner 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? They're in a league of their own. And you want me to snatch something from Harvey? Are you trying to ruin me?"

Ravenna was skeptical.

Gunner dressed and casually remarked, "No one dares cross Harvey these days."

Patting Ravenna's cheek, he left a stack of bills behind. She threw them at him in fury, unwilling to give up what she saw as her chance to shine, especially after witnessing Eloise's rehearsal.

The grand piano, once played by the legendary Louis II, was adorned with roses, and the crystal chandelier above cast a dreamlike glow. Eloise, already talented, would gain renown with this performance, while Ravenna would remain in her shadow.

Then, an idea struck. As a maintenance worker checked the lights, the chandelier flickered. If it were to fall, to crash down upon Eloise, Ravenna would have no rivals.

With only two days until the anniversary, Ravenna shadowed the maintenance worker. He was a solitary man in his twenties with no real friends to speak of. Ravenna knew how to play to her strengths.

She knocked on his door, and the young man, expecting a delivery, was surprised to find a striking woman instead. Ravenna feigned innocence. "I'm a student at the Music College, not a call girl."