Tangled Temptations

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."noveldrama

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."

The man hesitated but let her in.

Ravenna eyed the room and then made her proposition. The man rejected the offer immediately, even pushing her out of the door with the money. "I won't do such vile work."

Ravenna left her number, urging him, "Call me if you change your mind. Opportunities like this don't come often."

After she was gone, the man pondered over the note. His mind flashed back to

the beautiful young pianist from the rehearsal.

Suddenly, there was another knock. Annoyed, he opened the door, ready to refuse again, but stopped short at the sight of a stranger in a business suit and overcoat, exuding an air of distinction.

The stranger, Harvey, entered and spotted Ravenna's number on the table. His tone was light. "Someone visited you? Offered money for a job?"

Harvey smiled, "You didn't agree?"

The young man stayed silent, overawed by the presence that filled his humble

room.

Harvey fished a check from his pocket, the amount printed boldly across it – eight million dollars. "This is enough to snag you a decent condo in Peterborough. All I'm asking is for you to make this call and agree to her terms."

The young man was taken aback. Eight million was tempting, but his conscience wasn't for sale.

Harvey offered a slight smile. "I'm not asking you to hurt anyone. That pianist, she's my girlfriend. I love her, and she won't be showing up on stage."

Suspicion clouded the young man's eyes. Yet, when Harvey standing across from him, spoke of his girl, his eyes softened with affection. It was compelling.

After a lengthy hesitation, he took the check, still unsure, and asked, "You sure nothing bad will happen?"

"I give you my word."

The young man dialed Ravenna's number. He stuttered through the conversation. "The thing you asked for, I'll do it. Are you really gonna give me a hundred grand?"

On the other end, Ravenna sneered. She knew it - no down-on-his-luck guy could resist the lure of money.

She went back to the man's place promptly, and handed him the money. Still, Ravenna wanted more assurance and considered seducing the young man.

He clutched his shirt tightly, face flushed. "Back off, lady. I'm saving myself for my future wife, you know?"

Ravenna left, disappointed.

Late into the night, she clacked away in her high heels from the drab apartment, slipping into a taxi. As the car drove off, a tall figure emerged from behind a tree.

It was Harvey. He watched the taxi disappear into the night, his expression turning cold as ice.