Tangled Temptations

Chapter 244

In the depths of night. In the rundown houses of a narrow alley.

Harvey stared at his sister, Orlena, who had been a constant worry in his heart for many years. He looked at her plain clothes, then at the dilapidated house behind her. His eyes ached and his fingers, clutching a cigarette, trembled slightly. After taking a deep drag, he walked in, looking around, "Where's the kid?"

Orlena was taken aback, "Did Eloise tell you?"

Harvey snapped angrily, "Do you think she would help you hide and let you continue living in this dump? Whose child is it?" So far, he really didn't know who the child's father was.

Orlena wouldn't let him into the room.

Harvey stubbed out his cigarette, exhaling the last puff of smoke, "Who is it?" No matter who it was, within a day, he would make sure the man lost his teeth!

Orlena stood in the doorway, pleading softly, "I'm doing fine with Daniel! Harvey, I can support him myself, don't ask anymore!"

Harvey's eyes reddened slightly. He was just a step away from her. He stretched out his hand, pulled her behind him and entered the bedroom.

The bedroom was shabby. Aside from an old bed, there was only a small desk, covered with dozens of magazines.

Harvey thumbed through the cheap magazines, all featuring Orlena, the belle of the Horigan family.

His throat tightened, and then he turned to the old bed.

A small child, fast asleep, rosy-cheeked, with a mop of brown hair. The familiar features and hair color made Harvey's eyes even redder. He didn't ask again who the child's father was, because there was no need to ask!

Harvey spun around, glaring at his sister. Orlena's lips trembled and her face twisted with fear. She pleaded cautiously, "Harvey, don't look for him! Please. We've split up."

Harvey reached out, gently touching the little one.

He was taken aback for a moment, then softly asked, "Who? Which 'he'? Orlena, who are you talking about?"

Orlena covered her mouth. Her brother already knew, who the child's father was.

Harvey suppressed his voice, "When did you get together with him? Do you know what you're doing? He's more than a decade older than you. A man of his status, unmarried in his 40s and who's met so many people, how could he fall for a young girl like you?"

Orlena was extremely embarrassed. She knew, it was her who had overestimated herself.

Harvey didn't ask any more questions. He took off his jacket, put it on Daniel, then carefully picked him up.

"Harvey!" Orlena grasped his arm, pleading.

In the dim light, Harvey looked as calm as still water, "Either you come back with me now, or I call Brett right now to come pick you and your son up. Choose one!"

Orlena had no choice. She packed a few clothes and followed Harvey out.

When they were going downstairs, Daniel woke up. He looked at Harvey in confusion. He was a bit scared, but he didn't cry. Harvey stroked his head, saying gently, "I'm your uncle! Mommy's here too!"

and closed his

they reached the car, he carefully put the little guy into the child seat, then looked at his sister. Orlena silently got into the car, whispering, "Let's not

the driver's side. He was so angry he wanted to smoke, but he held back because of the child. After

but she was already restless. The sound of opening and closing doors woke her up. She draped a robe over herself and got up. Standing on the stairs, she saw Harvey carrying Daniel,

with Linda tonight. You stay with Orlena for

She walked back upstairs to open the

gently placing the little boy in the bed Eloise had just vacated. Perhaps the bed was too soft, Daniel didn't wake up. Linda stirred a little, opening her eyes to a slit,

soft feeling washed over Harvey. He touched Linda, then Daniel, whispering, "This kid

Eloise felt guilty.

voice soft, "You probably guessed who the old bastard is, didn't you?"

"Don't let the child hear you.

Eloise would be scared of him, but now she wasn't. As she walked out of the bedroom, she bravely said, "You shouldn't take

expression softened somewhat. He squeezed her hand, "Stay with Orlena. I'm going to the study to have a

Eloise nodded.

were still unresolved issues between them. There was still resentment, but when it came

What should they do?

called him brother and her

to the guest room, whispering, "Your brother's angry, don't mind him! Take a

tightly. Eloise felt a wave of melancholy. She patted Orlena's hand, murmuring, "You

Orlena whispered, "Eloise!"

sort out her hair, "I'm going to make something to eat. You go take a shower!

Orlena hummed in agreement.

She was wearing the pajamas she had brought, made of cotton. They were so

noticed. She didn't say anything, just said in a

sat down to eat. Silence hung in the air, as Orlena sat quietly, unlike

sat

with tears, "Eloise, I'm scared. He couldn't marry me back then,

had been struggling to raise her child alone, scraping by to afford baby formula and rent.

him in the newspapers. He was still the same dignified, vibrant Mr. Brett. But she, Orlena, was no longer the youthful and dewy girl she once was. Time had worn

will have to settle this. But he won't hurt Daniel." Orlena nodded,

heavy door of the study, she found it dim inside, only a small wall lamp was lit. Harvey

and opened the window. She murmured, "You're smoking too much! You're going

watched her. Tonight was unlike any other night, as Eloise took the initiative to

raspy voice, "Eloise, am I a failure? If I hadn't insisted on going to Britain back then, your uncle and Orlena might not have ended up together. Brett's

quietly, "Would you have

to think I'm easy to talk to, so

was hot. After a while, he asked softly again, "Are you

her voice soft and gentle, "Neither! I'm doing

Harvey didn't speak.

thinking. Indeed, he was angry with both Orlena and that old guy, but the only one he truly cared for was the child. Eloise tactfully played the child card, hitting him where it hurt most. Eloise cradled his handsome face, and lightly kissed him, "No matter what, let's give Daniel the utmost respect,