Tangled Temptations

Eloise was swamped for a while. She met with Attorney Bowen, a sharp cookie who helped her get her head straight after just a couple of meetings.

In his spacious, bright office, Dominique went through Eloise's documents carefully, then smiled lightly and said, "You're a referral from Harvey, so let me be straight with you. Best case scenario, your dad might get two years."

Eloise's feelings were all over the place.

Dominique sat leisurely, hands clasped, and chuckled again. "Harvey came to me for help, but why didn't he take the case himself? If he was on it, there's a good chance of overturning the sentence."

Eloise was too bashful to tell the real reason, so she came up with a fib. "Attorney Horigan probably doesn't have the time."

Attorney Bowen just smiled and didn't say a word. He saw Eloise to the door politely. She was really grateful but knew all this special treatment was because of Harvey.

After leaving the elevator, Eloise was about to hail a cab home.

"Eloise." Someone called her. She turned around and recognized the face. It was Landon.

Landon was a friend of Max, a young entrepreneur who owned his own trading company. Eloise had met him a few times at parties when she was with Max.

He casually asked, "Are you here on business?"

Eloise didn't beat around the bush, "I came to see Attorney Bowen."

Landon laughed and said, "You mean my old man."

Eloise was taken aback. Landon was Attorney Bowen's son?

Landon, tall and handsome, said, "Eloise, let me take you out for a meal. We're no strangers. I'd be glad to help if I can."

Eloise hesitated but then accepted.

Landon pulled up in his car, a red Ferrari that was quite a sight. He said to Eloise, "You're the first girl to ride in my car, Eloise."

Eloise felt a bit uneasy around Landon. He was too friendly. They barely knew each other and had only exchanged a few words before. But Eloise didn't want to upset Dominique's son, so she got in the car.

After she fastened her seatbelt, Landon asked, "What do you feel like eating?"

Eloise didn't play hard to get. "Thai food, perhaps?"

Landon hit the gas.

Eloise was quiet in the car, her mind full of the details of the court proceedings. Landon didn't disturb her. But when waiting at the red lights, he would gaze at her quietly. He had always had a thing for Eloise, but no one knew. Not even Max, who had no idea that his ex-girlfriend had so many admirers. If it weren't for his consideration, someone would have made a move long ago!

Half an hour later, Landon parked outside a popular Thai restaurant. He got a table by the window. When it came to ordering, Eloise took the initiative. "This meal is on me."

Landon chuckled, "I didn't expect that, Eloise. You're quite assertive."

Eloise knew he was joking and replied while ordering, "Landon, quit pulling my leg. Treating you to a meal is no big deal."

Landon's smile faded. He knew Eloise was doing this as a favor to his father. He started looking for another opportunity to get her attention.

Just then, a handsome couple walked in. It was none other than Max and Orlena.

Eloise saw them, too. She quickly hid her face behind the menu, thinking that associating with Landon wasn't such a great idea after all!

But Landon didn't want to be overlooked by Max. He called out, "Max."

Max was about to say something when he noticed the girl sitting opposite Landon. Even with her face behind a menu, he recognized her immediately. It was Eloise. Max frowned, puzzled. What was Eloise doing with Landon?

Landon quickly explained, "Eloise hired my dad for her court case. I'm just here to get the lowdown."

Max got the memo from Landon's words.

-- Landon was into Eloise. This was a challenge for him!

Max scoffed, "Landon, since when are you such a good samaritan?"

He then said to Eloise, "If you trust him, you're setting yourself up for a fall."

Orlena, picking up on the tension, asked, "Max, do you know her?"noveldrama