Tangled Temptations

Chapter 129

Landon's sweet talk would make any girl's heart skip a beat.

Eloise felt all mixed up inside. She didn't know when or how she ended the call. All she remembered was

Landon's last words, "Chasing a girl takes seffort and time, but what's the big deal. Eloise, I've been waiting

for you for a good while, and | don't mind waiting smore."

Eloise stopped the car. She gently ran her fingers over the steering wheel. She didn't know how to turn down

Landon, who was quite the catch and had no reason to wait for her.

She had a four-year relationship with Max, and now her relationship with Harvey was a bit in the grey area. She

wouldn't be his ideal partner.

Eloise let out a soft sigh, opened the car door, and got out.

Ahead of her was Velona Corporation, a place she never wanted to set foot in again.

She definitely didn't want to see Max. She handed the check to the receptionist, saying, "Please give this to your

president."

The receptionist had worked at Velona Corporation for six years. She knew Eloise and was aware that she was

Max's ex-girlfriend.

Everyone thought Max dumped Eloise, but rumor had it at Velona Corporation that Max had second thoughts

after getting engaged and tried to win back Eloise, but she turned him down.

Max had been a mess lately.

The receptionist was very polite to Eloise, "Ms. Laurent, rest assured, I'll pass it on to Mr. Velona." As soon as she

finished speaking, she looked past Eloise. "Greetings, Mr. Velona."

Eloise turned slowly. Max was standing right behind her; she had no idea how long he had been there.

Eloise said calmly, "Max, thanks for the gesture, | appreciate it."

They didn't need to exchange speaking.

easantries,

Eloise left as soon as she finished

But Max grabbed her hand. "Eloise." He sounded a bit frantic, like he was afraid she would suddenly disappear.

Eloise shook off his hand, "Max, please. Don't do this."

Max gave a bitter smile. He let go of Eloise and said quietly, "Just sit in the lobby for a bit. I'll have my secretary

bring scoffee over. Eloise, there are people coming and going. You don't want to make a scene, do you?"

Eloise looked around. Sure enough, there were quite a few employees sneaking glances. If she didn't hear Max

out, he might do something.

Five minutes later, Eloise sat with him in the coffee room in the lobby. Max personally made Eloise a cup of

coffee, asking gently after he finished brewing, "How many sugars?"

"One."

Max handed her the coffee and then sat across from her.

Eloise watched him. Max had lost a lot of weight recently; life wasn't treating him well. The old Eloise would have

been heartbroken, but now she felt nothing.

All of this only happened within a year. Eloise felt somewhat emotional.

Max was always gentle, "Eloise, try it, if it's not good, I'll make another one."

Eloise was very cold. "Max, if you have something to say, just say it. I'm not here to reminisce about the past."

"I know." His tone was a bit downcast.

When he looked up at Eloise again, he said, "That $500,000 gift was just a way forto show my concern.

Eloise, don't reject me. | just want to make up for you and treat you better. Won't you even givethat

chance?"

Eloise had a terrible night, and her head still felt dizzy. But within the hour, she had received confessions from

two men, one of whom was her unfaithful ex- boyfriend. Eloise had no desire to get entangled with him again.

Max had been pining for her. She stood up and said politely but with sstiffness, "Thank you for the

hospitality, Mr. Velona, | have things to do. I'll be leaving now."

Max stopped her. He looked into her eyes and asked, "Eloise, will you get back together with him?"

Eloise's face stiffened slightly. In front of Max, she felt a bit awkward, but she managed to squeeze out a slight

smile, "This has nothing to do with you."

Max knew the opportunity was rare. He lowered his voice and said, "I know you want to acquire the former

Crescendo Sound Workshop, Eloise, lethelp you." He clarified quickly, "I don't mean anything by it. | just

want to lend you a hand."

Eloise wasn't that naive. She gave a faint smile, "I appreciate Mr. Velona's gesture." And with that, she left.

Max watched her retreating figure, staring for a good while. He noticed the redness in the corners of Eloise's

eyes. Had she been crying over Harvey? He felt uncomfortable, after a while, he picked up his phone and made a

call. "Judson, doa favor. Get in touch with the person in charge of Crescendo Sound Workshop. I'll cover the

cost. When it's done, you can pick any of my projects."

Max hung up, his gazes intense. He yearned to see Eloise, who was different from before, more charming. Even if

she just sat and talked with him, he would feel better.

After leaving Velona Corporation, Eloise found a real estate agent and rented a 50 square meter apartment. After

signing the contract, she checked the time. It was about 11 o'clock, and Harvey was surely not home. Eloise

planned to swing by and grab her stuff.

But to her surprise, Harvey was hon a weekday morning. When Eloise walked in, Harvey was sitting on the

couch reading a magazine, dressed casually. He saw Eloise, his eyes held a hidden flame. But he didn't say

anything, as if he was waiting for her to make peace first.

Eloise felt a bit uncomfortable. She cleared her throat lightly, "I cto get my stuff."

Harvey ignored her, kept reading his magazine, his indifferent attitude made Eloise feel even worse. She hurried

into the master bedroom.

As she was packing up, she realized she really didn't own much. Most of her clothes and skincare products were

gifts from Harvey. She didn't want to take those. She only packed a small suitcase, which was easy to carry since

it was so light.

Just as she was about to leave, Harvey was standing by the door. He looked at her, "Ms. Laurent, you sure you

haven't forgotten anything?" Eloise left the keys on the nightstand. The bank card that he'd given her was still in

her wallet even though she hadn't used it in a while. She took it out and handed it back to him.

Finally, she said softly, "All the jewelry and clothes you bought forare still here. You can have Denise come

and check if you want."

Harvey looked really upset. He said coldly, "So you're not planning on feeding the dog downstairs anymore?"

Eloise thought about the little white puppy. She was really fond of it and might sneak back to feed it later. But

she responded, "I'm not feeding it anymore. I'm not familiar with it."

Harvey didn't say anything.

Eloise felt it was tto leave. She picked up her suitcase and prepared to go.

Harvey stood at the door, blocking her way. He lowered his head, and his nose was so close to her that their

breaths mixed together.

Eloise looked down. She turned her head and said a bit awkwardly, "If Attorney Horigan needs me, you can call