Tangled Temptations

Chapter 356

Jeffrey recognized the woman immediately. Her name was Ravenna, a former flame of his uncle, Max.

He closed the car door behind him and approached. "What brings you my way, Ms. Ravenna?"

Ravenna's gaze lingered on his youthful, handsome face, and for a moment, she seemed to lose herself in memories, murmuring, "You look so much like him."

Jeffrey remained silent.

Eventually, they settled into a nearby café that was quiet and conducive to business discussions.

Ravenna had become more gaunt since he last saw her. Her skin was too dry to hold makeup, but she still tried to exude charm in front of the 24-year-old man, playfully flipping her hair with a smile. "You're just playing third fiddle over at Eloise's. Why not come work with me?"

Jeffrey just looked at her.

She pulled a contract out of her bag. "I can sign you for five years. The bare minimum I can offer is lead roles in two movies and two TV series, and that doesn't include variety shows. We'll split the profits fifty-fifty."

It was a generous offer for an up-and-comer, but Jeffrey wasn't desperate for fame. His slender fingers gently tapped the contract as he asked softly, "Ms. Ravenna, there aren't any... additional verbal agreements, are there?"

Ravenna's hand rested on the back of his. Jeffrey looked down, then raised his eyes to meet hers.

Ravenna was blunt. "Be my lover."

Jeffrey withdrew his hand, his gaze calm as he regarded Ravenna. "I appreciate the offer, Ms. Ravenna, but I'm afraid I'm not interested."

Ravenna, incensed and embarrassed, scoffed, "Do you have any idea how many would kill for this kind of opportunity?"

Jeffrey left without looking back. He didn't like being anyone's replacement, and it was clear Ravenna saw him as a younger version of his uncle.

Eloise also thought so, but Eloise looked at him with a kind of gentle nostalgia, as if cherishing the memories of youth. That's why Jeffrey felt protective of her.

Perhaps, his tender, unspoken crush would fade one day. He might marry and have children, but when he looked back, he would remember having adored someone so wonderful.

That would be a warm memory.

Behind him, Ravenna seethed. She'd been determined to make a splash in Peterborough, but her connections were limited. The only star she'd developed, Tiara, had defected to Eloise's camp, and now Jeffrey, too.

Fools, the lot of them. Would Eloise ever truly care for them? Not a chance!

...

On Christmas Eve, Eloise's latest film venture wrapped up production. The wrap

party was a lavish affair, with many celebrities in attendance.

Eloise had invited Brett, and of course, the Horigans were there, too.

Under the opulent chandeliers, Ms. Olea, though in her forties, was still stunning. Brett personally presented her with a bouquet of flowers.

Below, young Daniel blinked up at his mother, Orlena. "Mommy, why is Daddy giving flowers to someone else?"

Orlena felt a twinge of jealousy. Even though Brett and Ms. Olea were history and she was married with kids, Brett made no effort to be discreet, that bastard.

Of course, she couldn't let Daniel see her upset. She gently patted her son's head. "Daddy and Ms. Olea are friends."

Daniel looked puzzled. "Are you and Daddy friends, too?"

Orlena was lost for words.

Just then, Brett came down from the stage. In public, he kept a distance from Orlena, like they were distant relatives. He glanced at Daniel. "Why'd you bring him?"

was dazzling that night in a hand-sewn diamond dress, outshining even the chandeliers, especially with the hint of décolletage that made Brett a

thoughts, Orlena spoke softly, "He wanted to see you badly. He insisted

a look. Later, he picked up Daniel and kissed him, his stubble brushing against the boy's soft cheek. Daniel smelled sweetly of milk, and

"Missed your grandpa, eh?"

boy shyly kissed him back. They looked alike, father and son, though

holding Daniel, surrounded by acquaintances. He whispered to

chuckled. "Are you still getting jealous

Orlena huffed, annoyed.

due to his special status, didn't stay long. His main reason

Orlena. As he left, Daniel stared

He whispered something

Daniel. They headed to the underground parking, where a

stepped out to open the door for them. "Mr. Brett's been waiting a while

softly, "Daniel wanted to

knowing better than to comment, and

arrived at a tranquil villa neighborhood. Donny parked

it had been years

buying property in Peterborough,

with a cozy touch that seemed at odds with the abode of a bachelor. The living room even had a rocking horse. At that moment, Daniel was perched atop the rocking horse, gently swaying

in a crisp white shirt, Brett squatted down to keep the little guy company, patting

upward. He knew he had a father, but he had always lived with his mom, and in public, he had to refer to him as "Grandpa." But kids were perceptive; they sensed when they were different from

to a big house, where his dad

face lit up with joy. "Daddy,

patted his son's head again and muttered,

bring tears to one's eyes. Orlena looked down,

to look at her tenderly, then walked over and whispered, "Don't

over to the couch to sit down and then went

got some

don't you share it with

out and stroked her hair, just as he had with his son, and said in a soft voice, "Still jealous? Ms. Olea did me a few favors over

known for her stubbornness.

got down to business. "My project's a

technology, and next week, there'll be a launch. I've arranged

four years in this endeavor. He had let go of the girl he liked. To this day, his son still had to call him, "Grandpa."

such a moment, he wanted the people he cared about most by his side. Just one look at them

had thought it through.

resign from all his duties. The

he wasn't old.

the business world wasn't too late. Most importantly, he wanted

Orlena's heart fluttered.

ring.

the ring, right? That's my wedding gift for you. It wasn't easy for me to save up, so

but pride was a woman's armor. She teased back, "I'll give it back to you. Keep it for someone else's proposal.

laced with playfulness. A warm feeling surged in

close to her, but with his son there, he restrained himself and whispered, "Stay tonight. We don't have

agree. They had been apart for years, and although there had

to decline, but Daniel, overhearing, pleaded softly, "Mommy,

the little guy burrowed into her arms. She always felt she had

it outright, but her intention was clear. She would stay. Brett didn't rush; instead, he went to

past few years. Remember how you used

lowered her gaze.

had a good family background, and had plenty of choices, but he still

oblivious to the undercurrents between