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.

"Let's go to

up to. He just

a low voice, she suggested, "Why not save

retorted, "Mrs. Horigan, waiting for a date with you might mean waiting until next

he added, "I can't

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

his coat, looking

we're going to have to get used to dating with a

of memories, transforming from a diamond bachelor to a father of

children, she maintained herself well. As she sat at the piano, hHer profile was exquisite, and her gown

then, out of the

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

lighting, his profile bore

moment before offering a slight smile. "Dining

stood and invited her to

mind chatting for a few minutes, so

elder spoke of you..." Eloise was surprised. Just as she was about to inquire further, it

had

and Max were related by blood. No wonder they both carried the surname Velona, no

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

that, he visited many times, but Eloise never noticed him. Later, he ventured into show business, appearing films, including hers. At 24,

had only stayed briefly, and when she left, her complexion was

towards Eloise, saying gently, "What were you two chatting about? You

a man, he could sense Jeffrey's special feelings for Eloise, but considering the young man's age and status, Harvey felt he should

still wet behind the ears, hardly

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

and felt an odd sense of seniority. She gave a faint

car, it wasn't the

Back at the villa.

returned to the bedroom to find Eloise had already bathed and was applying lotion onto her

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

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

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 mature charm that could

the charmer

She closed her eyes and savored the moment. After a while, she softly said, "You're just jealous of Jeffrey, aren't you? He's from a different generation, so what's there for you

...

silence. He made her open her eyes. Eloise was reluctant, but he had his ways, and eventually, she had no choice but

her emotions, he had to learn to accept it. He compromised, and she couldn't be entirely untouched. She

jealous tonight?"

"Yes."

"Very much."

"Extremely... jealous."

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

carried her toward the walk-in closet. Eloise

She clutched his arm, whispering, "Let's

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

a low voice,

tightly. After a long moment, he whispered in her ear, "Eloise, I

all. But Master Lee said this

Wear it from now on. It was

lowered her gaze. "Harvey, you trust

softly, then held her hand. "Wear it whenever

heart felt a warm flush. After everything they'd been through since his amnesia and knowing he would never remember, she thought she'd never

him lightly

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 in

their passion. They had just