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?"

diamond dress, outshining even the chandeliers, especially with the hint of décolletage

you badly. He insisted on coming." Then her gaze shifted back to Ms.

the boy's soft cheek. Daniel smelled sweetly of milk, and Brett held him close, his heart

"Missed your grandpa, eh?"

him back. They looked alike, father and son, though Brett had dyed his hair to mask the resemblance from the public

on stage, Brett sat down holding Daniel, surrounded by acquaintances. He whispered to Orlena, "I'll take

chuckled. "Are you still getting jealous over old gossip? You're a mother

Orlena huffed, annoyed.

stay long. His main reason

left, Daniel stared at him

He whispered something that made Daniel beam with

to the underground parking, where a black SUV awaited, driven by Donny, with Brett in the back

open the door

softly, "Daniel wanted

better than to comment,

SUV drove off and, unexpectedly, arrived at a tranquil villa neighborhood. Donny parked with a pleased tone.

strong as it had been years ago, showing no signs of fatigue. She couldn't

buying property in Peterborough, his intentions

a bachelor. The living room even had a rocking horse. At that moment, Daniel was perched atop the rocking horse, gently swaying back

and clad only in a crisp white shirt, Brett squatted down

tilted his small face 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

his dad had

up with

his son's head again and muttered,

to one's eyes. Orlena looked down, unwilling to reveal her feelings, masking

walked over and whispered, "Don't

sit down and then went to pour her a glass

"I've got some

"Why don't you share it with

his son, and said in a soft voice, "Still jealous? Ms. Olea did me a few favors over the years. Supporting her event was part

her stubbornness.

business. "My project's a success. It's been

next week, there'll be a launch. I've arranged for Donny to take you and

girl he liked.

about most by his side. Just one look at them in the crowd would make all the

thought it through.

duties. The Noland family had plenty of

he wasn't

world wasn't too late. Most importantly, he wanted to offer

conviction. Orlena's heart

ring.

growing husky. "You still have the ring, right? That's my wedding gift for you. It wasn't easy for me

it back to you. Keep it for someone else's proposal. After

were petulant yet laced with playfulness. A warm feeling surged in Brett's eyes.

to be close to her, but with his son there, he restrained himself and whispered, "Stay tonight. We

apart for years, and although there had been interludes,

Daniel, overhearing, pleaded softly, "Mommy,

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

her intention was clear. She would stay. Brett didn't rush; instead, he went to the kitchen and made them a late-night snack. His cooking was delicious,

these past few

gaze. "People grow

in silence. He knew. She was doing well financially, had a good family background, and had plenty

to