Tangled Temptations

Chapter 355

Eloise's heart skipped a beat.

Master Lee smiled warmly. "Life is a mix of illusion and reality, ever-changing and unpredictable. No one knows what tomorrow will bring. So why not live a life that's truly free and easy?"

Eloise, recognizing the depth of his wisdom, nodded earnestly in agreement.

Master Lee was particularly intrigued by Darrien, continuously patting his head affectionately for quite some time. The child didn't take after his parents, and was blessed with a life of fortune and wisdom.

...

On the drive back, Harvey glanced at his wife in the rearview mirror.

Darrien was strapped into his booster seat, laughing with a row of pearly white teeth as Eloise patiently read him a picture book.

Harvey checked the time and thought it was about right to pick up Linda. "How about we pick up Linda and grab some dinner at a restaurant?" he suggested.

They had been getting along well recently, and Eloise didn't want to dampen his spirits, so she agreed with a soft "Mhm" and added, “Let's invite Luca too. I heard from Linda that things have been pretty rough at his place lately. It's not good for a child's development." Her voice was gentle.

Harvey smiled faintly at her reflection. "If you really care that much, why not have him stay at our place? Linda would have some company, too."

Eloise was pleasantly surprised.

Harvey smoothly turned the steering wheel. "I see you're pretty fond of him."

Eloise didn't say yes or no. Such a matter wasn't just about the child's wishes; Mrs. White's feelings had to be considered as well. They couldn't just snatch someone else's son.

Unexpectedly, when they arrived at the daycare, they saw Luca with a tense little face, holding hands with a woman in her early thirties, reportedly his aunt.

The connection between the Horigan and White families was special.

Harvey and Eloise got out of the car and approached them. Luca's aunt had tears in her eyes as she spoke softly, "The boy's mother... she couldn't take it and... and now she's at the funeral home. Mr. Harvey, thank you for your care for Luca these past two years. I'm going to take him to live in Greenfield now. It's a small place, but it's not bad."

She prompted Luca to say goodbye. Luca, reeling from the loss of his mother, managed a forlorn, "Goodbye."

Linda was reluctant to let go. She clung to Luca's hand, then looked up at her father. Eloise, too, watched Harvey in silence.

Harvey crouched down and gently ruffled Luca's hair. "Your aunt just mentioned that she'd like you to come stay with us. Would you like that? We've got Linda and Darrien, and who knows, maybe a new brother or sister will join us soon. It'll be fun."

Luca's aunt was stunned. She hadn't expected Harvey and Eloise to offer to take in Luca. Though her heart ached to let him go, she knew that with her means, she could only ensure that Luca had enough to eat and wear. The Horigans, on the other hand, could afford him the finest education and opportunities.

She stayed quiet, letting the child decide.

Luca looked between Harvey and Eloise before finally asking in a small voice, "Would you ever get divorced?"

Harvey stroked his head. In a soft and gentle tone, he replied, "If she ever gets mad, I'll just take you and Darrien to crash on the couch. So let's try not to make her mad, okay?"

Luca, his voice breaking with emotion, agreed.

His aunt began to cry. Over and over, she thanked Mr. Harvey, "You're such a good man."

Harvey just smiled modestly. He wasn't trying to be a hero. He was doing it because both Eloise and Linda had taken a liking to Luca.

After sorting out the formalities, Luca inherited a fortune. Harvey set up a trust for him and then brought the little guy home.

Luca's father didn't dare utter a peep.

Back at the mansion, the children's room was still being tidied up. Linda took Luca to her bedroom, holding him tightly like a cherished doll, and they slept together for several nights until he felt at home.

When Luca settled in, the family went out to eat together. With three kids in the house now, Harvey thought they might have another one soon, so he went ahead and bought a new, spacious car that could comfortably fit all the children.

Eloise suggested having a potluck-style dinner.

found it unsafe and, steering the car, said in a calm voice, "Let's go to that French bistro of yours. You haven't been there

up to. He just wanted to watch

"Why not save

waiting for a date with you might mean waiting until next Valentine's

her hushed tone, he

was with Luca, Harvey was carrying Darrien, and Eloise walked in with her hands- free,

of Harvey shedding his

dating with

transforming from a diamond bachelor to a father of

the piano, hHer profile was exquisite, and her gown was romantic.

played just three pieces before planning to return to her seat. But then, out of the corner of her eye, she caught sight of

alone at a premium spot, a bottle of the bistro's finest red in front of him, and a single white rose in a vase on the table-a personal

bore an uncanny resemblance to Max

for a moment before offering a slight smile.

and invited her

for a few minutes, so she

elder spoke of you..." Eloise was surprised. Just as she was

had

never expected that Jeffrey and Max were related by blood. No wonder

What he didn't tell her was that when Max reminisced about the past, his curiosity led him here, to watch her play the

but Eloise never noticed him. Later, he ventured into show business, appearing films,

only stayed briefly, and when she

towards Eloise, saying gently, "What were you two chatting about? You seemed to get along well." Eloise tasted the dessert slowly. After a while, she said, "Jeffrey is

for Eloise, but considering the young man's age and status, Harvey felt he should be more

behind the ears, hardly a threat, but jealousy gnawed at

Jeffrey followed them out. He opened the car door for

and felt an odd sense

in the car, it wasn't the time to confront her,

Back at the villa.

Harvey returned to the bedroom to find

around her from behind and playfully threw her onto the bed. Eloise tried to look back at him, but he

wasn't as horny as before, but she

kiss her, licking away the tears from her cheeks. Eloise raised her hand,

Harvey teased her mercilessly, whispering in her ear, "Who's the charmer here? From 20 to over 40... Mrs. Horigan, your allure is

she softly said, "You're just jealous of Jeffrey, aren't you? He's from a different generation, so what's there

...

me. Harvey, I'm not like you; I'm not that constant." Harvey tenderly kissed her in silence. He made her open her eyes. Eloise was reluctant, but he had his ways, and eventually, she had no choice but to slowly open them, revealing eyes

to learn to accept it. He compromised, and she

jealous tonight?"

"Yes."

"Very much."

"Extremely... jealous."

word, Harvey kissed the corner of her mouth,

carried her toward the walk-in closet. Eloise thought

whispering,

the safe. From behind, he hugged her and keyed in the code, opening the safe to reveal an amulet

surprised and asked in a low voice, "What does

tightly. After a long moment, he

bother me at all. But

now on. It was also Max's last

"Harvey, you trust

then held her hand. "Wear it whenever

amnesia and knowing he would never remember, she thought she'd never see this day. But Harvey, in

and hugged him lightly around the

to him. At such times, there was something else they should be doing, especially when he was willing and able. Vet, he wanted nothing more than to hold her, to kiss her head as if she were the most precious treasure

passion. They had just