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.

said in a calm voice, "Let's go to that French bistro of

He just wanted to watch her play the

voice, she suggested, "Why not save that for a night

waiting for a date with you might

her hushed tone, he added, "I can't

bistro. It was bustling on the weekend. Linda was with Luca, Harvey was carrying Darrien, and Eloise walked in with her hands- free, securing a prime table

his coat, looking youthful and dashing in his light

whispered, "Looks like we're going to have to get used to dating with a few kids in tow from now on.

her. He'd lost five years of memories, transforming from a diamond bachelor to a father

she sat at the piano, hHer profile was exquisite, and her gown was romantic. She

her seat. But then, out of the corner of her eye, she caught sight of someone

at a premium spot, a bottle of the bistro's finest red in front of him, and

doubt. Under the soft lighting, his profile bore an uncanny

offering a slight smile. "Dining

and invited

didn't mind chatting for a few minutes, so she asked

said, "A long time ago, an elder spoke of you..." Eloise was

elder had

related by blood. No wonder they both carried the surname Velona, no wonder there was a striking resemblance... She felt a tinge

him here, to watch her play the piano. The first

times, but Eloise never noticed him. Later, he ventured into show business, appearing films, including hers. At 24, Jeffrey's admiration

had only stayed briefly, and when she left, her

of cheesecake towards Eloise, saying gently, "What were you two chatting about? You seemed to get along well." Eloise tasted the dessert slowly. After a

taken aback. As a man, he could sense Jeffrey's special feelings for Eloise, but considering the young man's age and status, Harvey

still wet behind the ears,

opened the car door for Eloise, whispering, "Ms. Laurent,

over 30, looked at Jeffrey and felt an odd sense of seniority. She gave

kids in the car,

Back at the villa.

Harvey returned to the bedroom to find Eloise

and playfully threw her onto the bed. Eloise tried to look back at him, but he wouldn't allow it and took

and endured. She wasn't as horny as before, but she wasn't entirely without feeling

willing to hold her face and kiss her, licking away the tears from her cheeks. Eloise raised her hand, gently caressing his rugged face. The years had sculpted his features into a

Eloise voiced this, Harvey teased her mercilessly, whispering in her ear, "Who's the charmer here? From

she softly said, "You're just jealous of Jeffrey, aren't you? He's from a different generation, so what's there for you to worry about?" "He's only 7 years younger than you. Plenty of couples have more than a

...

he

learn to accept it. He compromised, and she couldn't be entirely untouched. She looked up

jealous tonight?"

"Yes."

"Very much."

"Extremely... jealous."

kissed the corner of her mouth, and after finishing, they kissed deeply, resuming their

the walk-in

his arm, whispering, "Let's wait

in the code, opening the safe to reveal

was surprised and asked in a

After a long moment, he whispered in her

at all. But Master

from now on. It was also Max's

lowered her gaze. "Harvey,

then held her hand. "Wear

would never remember, she thought

him lightly around the waist.

be doing, especially when he was willing and able. Vet, he wanted nothing more than to hold her, to kiss

initiated their passion. They had just