Tangled Temptations

In the private booth of an upscale Manhattan steakhouse, Angus leafed through the reports with rising alarm. The state of the Velona Corporation was far worse than he had imagined. Figures leaped off the page, making his heart race with anxiety.

He looked up, his eyes wide in shock, to meet Harvey's unnervingly calm gaze. The man sat across from him, exuding an air of aristocratic indifference as if discussing a trivial matter.

"Angus," Harvey began with a smooth, almost disarming tone. "I believe that if things continue on this trajectory, the Velona Corporation is going to hit a billion- dollar iceberg within four years. And someone will need to captain the ship when it starts to sink. Do you have anyone in mind?"

A billion dollars...

A cold sweat broke out on Angus' back. As the chief financial officer of the Velona Corporation, he knew he'd be the one to shoulder the blame. But he couldn't believe the Velona family would be so heartless. After all, he'd been loyal to them for decades. Surely that counted for something.

Harvey seemed to read his mind effortlessly. With a light chuckle, he leaned forward to pour two glasses of merlot, offering one to Angus. "Take a sip to steady your nerves, my friend. This isn't the end of the world-it's just the beginning. If we act quickly, no one needs to get hurt. The Velona Corporation will thrive, and you will have a bright future ahead. It's a win-win."

Harvey's words were persuasive, and Angus felt himself swayed, if just a little. Yet, the predictions were years away, and doubt lingered.

Sensing his hesitation, Harvey closed in, his presence imposing. "Angus, you hold a deep bond with the Velona family. Faced with this opportunity, you wouldn't turn your back now, would you?"

Provoked, Angus downed the wine in one gulp and fixed his eyes on the young man before him. At twenty-five, Harvey displayed a cunning far beyond his years.

Still, Angus maintained his integrity. "Business is business, and personal affairs are personal. Eloise's love life is her own affair, and her choices are hers to make."

Harvey merely smiled. "Of course. I'm not one to buy love with money."

Angus had to admit that Harvey had an edge over Max. His composure alone was something Max couldn't match. And as a father, he naturally wanted his daughter to find happiness. Women chasing men was a risky game.

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After much thought, Angus signed the contract, securing a billion-dollar deal for Velona Corporation. In return, he would be appointed as the Chief Financial Officer for Horigan Ine's subsidiary.

Once everything was settled, Angus made to feave. Harvey courteously opened the door for him, earning Angus silent respect. It was rare for a scion of high society to display such humility.

Pausing at the threshold, Angus couldn't help but satisfy his curiosity. "Harvey, I have to ask, when did you fall for Eloise? As far as I know, you two haven't crossed paths much."

Whether it was love at first sight or destiny, Angus didn't buy into such notions.

Harvey's response was a quiet smile. He looked at Angus, and after a long pause, he spoke softly, "Angus, you might not believe it, but I owe you something." Frowning, Angus knew better than to pry. He left, with Harvey standing silently behind him, owing Angus a debt that could only be voiced in his heart.

That evening, as Angus returned to his office to tie up loose ends, Eloise came home. He hesitated to speak with her just as the doorbell rang.noveldrama

Michelle went to answer it, and there stood a young man at the door-Max. His face was pale, and his expressions were strained but controlled. "I need to speak with Eloise," he said.