Tangled Temptations

Chapter 183

After getting discharged, Eloise hopped on a plane to Switzerland. She stayed there for a week, keeping Vanessa

company, but Vanessa eventually shooed her back home.

"There's a ton of stuff waiting for you to deal with in Peterborough. You shouldn't just be here with me. I'm living

it up here - sunshine, handsguys everywhere. Even the doctors are eye candy," Vanessa winked.

Eloise smiled. "Alright, I'll head back then."

Vanessa drove her to the airport. As they said their goodbyes, she held Eloise's hand and whispered, "You've

grown up. You've changed."

Eloise had just returned to Peterborough. Veronica called demanding souvenirs and invited her to Riley's birthday

party.

Eloise had barely unpacked. Sitting on the couch in her apartment, she laughed. "I brought back sgifts, but |

might have to pass on the birthday bash."

Veronica said quietly, "Riley didn't invite him."

Eloise knew who "him" referred to. She thought for a moment, then agreed.

On Friday evening, Eloise changed into a dress and took a cab to the club. The party was already in full swing in

the private room. Most of the people were Riley's friends. Swere Veronica's classmates. Eloise knew them

all.

She brought gifts. A fancy pair of watches for men and women, straight from Switzerland. Not cheap.

Veronica's eyes welled up when she saw them. She kept exclaiming, "This is way too expensive, Eloise. You're

too generous!"

She called Riley over.

Riley had always admired Eloise. Eloise had been part of the high society circles but eventually walked back. He

saw how Harvey was desperately trying to win her back. If he were a woman, he would definitely have caved,

but Eloise held firm. That was why he respected her.

Riley, with his arm around Veronica, grinned. "Told you I didn't invite him, right? I'm fed up with him too."

Eloise gave a small smile. "Riley, it might be better if you didn't bring it up."

Riley joked, "There are a lot of attractive people here tonight. Eloise, take your pick!"

Veronica pinched him. "What are you blabbering about?"

Riley quickly apologized and motioned for Eloise to sit next to Callum. Eloise didn't expect to run into him at a

party like this. But they were adults now. Avoiding each other would be petty. So Eloise greeted him warmly,

"Long tno see, Callum."

In the small circle of Peterborough, the story between Eloise and Harvey was an open secret. Callum looked at

Eloise's face, a mix of emotions crossing his mind. He couldn't forget the ten days he spent with Eloise, or the

moment they watched the fireworks together.

Now, she was single again, and he was about to get married. They exchanged a few words, and then Callum, his

voice a little hoarse, said, "I'm getting married next month."

Eloise offered her congratulations, "I'm happy for you, Callum."

A bitter taste filled Callum's mouth. He had no feelings for his future wife. The woman he loved was right in front

of him, but they could never be together. He gave a small smile. "Thanks."

They didn't talk much after that. Eloise watched quietly as Riley confessed his love to Veronica, and everyone

else sang happily. Veronica and Riley made out full of passion.

She was a bit envious of Veronica, who dared to love and hate. As for herself, she had becwary of love after

one failed relationship.

Later, Gunner caused a scene. He had too much to drink and was causing a ruckus with a bottle in his hand,

wanting to toast Riley.

"Riley! I'm not jealous of you! You're holding Veronica now, but I've got Ravenna... Ravenna is carrying my child!

I'm very happy and comfortable now! No woman controls when | drink or who | hang out with, as long as | give

enough money to Ravenna, she keeps her mouth shut and serveseven while she's pregnant!"

Veronica's face turned pale instantly. Gunner stared at her and said, "Ravenna will give birth in a few months. We

should divorce soon, so you can clear out." Veronica replied coldly, "Don't worry, | have no attachment to that

place of yours!" Gunner pointed at her. "Alright, make sure you handle it when you have time!"

Gunner finally left.

Veronica hid in the bathroom to cry. Eloise wanted to comfort her, but when she got to the door, through the

crack, she saw Riley holding Veronica, whispering, "Don't cry! It's my birthday, weren't we supposed to be

happy?"

In the end, Eloise didn't go in. She picked up her purse, ready to leave early.

"I'll walk you out!" Callum stood up instantly.

Eloise shook her head gently. "No need! I'll get a cab. Callum... You're getting married soon, treat your partner

well. Don't have ambiguous relationships with others, or your wife will be unhappy."

As she spoke, her nose turned slightly red. She was speaking from personal experience.

Callum realized, retracted his hand and smiled lightly. "I will! Be safe on your way home!"

Eloise nodded. "Please let Veronica know for me."

She was feeling down. She originally planned to take a walk after leaving, but as soon as she stepped out of the

club, she saw a familiar off-road vehicle parked outside. The man in the car immediately got out when he saw

her.

It was Landon! He was wearing dark blue jeans and a black leather jacket. From the side, his legs were long and

straight, a real lady killer.

Eloise smiled. "Landon, what brings you here?"

Landon approached her, a deep look in his eyes. "Just got back from a business trip. Heard you were here...

having fun? Wantto drive you home?"

Eloise looked at his young and handsface. She knew Landon had the hots for her. He liked her and wanted

to pursue her.

After a moment of thought, Eloise finally said, "Landon, I'm not looking for a relationship right now. Don't waste

your time."

A slender finger was gently placed on her lips. Landon looked at her earnestly. "Chasing after a girl is about

romance, not wasting time. Eloise, | know you're not into dating right now, and maybe you'll never be into me.

But | want to give it a shot. How else would we know if we're right for each other?"

Eloise looked up at him. In that moment, Landon seemed particularly mature and attractive. His voice was a bit

husky as he said, "I like you! | want to be with you! I'm not like Callum. My entire family likes you, there's nothing

standing in our way. All you need to do is enjoy the chase! Eloise, be with me!"

The night wind lightly lifted Eloise's skirt. She stood with Landon in what could only be described as a romantic

scene.

Landon gently held her shoulders and leaned in. He wanted to kiss her, but Eloise dodged, and his kiss landed on

her nose, making it look rather affectionate.

Eloise admitted that Landon's proposal stirred sfeelings within her. A new relationship could indeed be a

good way to heal, but she didn't want to. Landon was a special friend to her and she didn't want to hurt him

easily.

She whispered, "Landon, can | have stto think?"

Landon looked at her, then asked softly, "This isn't a rejection, right?"

Eloise's response was carried away by the wind.

Not far away, a gold Bentley was parked.

Harvey sat in the car, silently observing them. The streetlight cast on his face, his expressions unreadable. He

watched as Eloise tenderly looked at Landon. He watched as Landon opened the car door, helped Eloise in, and

gracefully settled her into the passenger seat.

Did Eloise accept Landon? Were they going to be together?

Harvey's car was parked below Eloise's apartment for the entire night.