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?"

the chandeliers, especially with the hint of décolletage that made Brett a tad

darker thoughts, Orlena spoke softly, "He wanted to see you badly. He insisted on coming." Then her gaze shifted back

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

"Missed your grandpa, eh?"

him back. They looked alike, father and son, though Brett had dyed

holding Daniel, surrounded by acquaintances.

you still getting jealous over old gossip? You're a mother now. Oh, and aren't

Orlena huffed, annoyed.

status, didn't stay long. His main reason

As he left, Daniel

melted. He whispered something that

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

quickly stepped out to open the door for them. "Mr.

said softly, "Daniel wanted to see

comment, and helped

arrived at a tranquil villa neighborhood. Donny parked with a pleased tone. "Mr.

His silhouette was as upright and strong as it had been years ago, showing no signs of fatigue. She

property in Peterborough, his intentions

with the abode of a bachelor. The living room even

shed his coat and clad only in a crisp white shirt, Brett squatted down to keep the little guy company, patting 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."

brought him here, to a big house, where his dad had even promised to get him

lit up with

head

tears to one's eyes. Orlena looked down, unwilling to reveal

over

to sit down

some great news I want to

"Why don't you share it with

just as he had with his son, and said in a soft voice, "Still jealous? Ms. Olea did

her

laughed and got down to business. "My project's

a launch. I've arranged for Donny to take you and Daniel

had let go of the girl he liked. To this day, his son still had to call him, "Grandpa." But soon, they'd

moment, he wanted the people he cared about most by his side. Just one look at them in the crowd would make all

had thought it

would resign from all his duties. The Noland family had

wasn't

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

Orlena's heart fluttered. She

ring.

you. It wasn't easy

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

with playfulness. A warm feeling surged in Brett's eyes. The girl from those

longed to be close to her, but with his son there, he restrained himself

been apart for years,

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

guy burrowed into her arms. She always felt she had hurt Daniel, so she doted on him and couldn't refuse

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

played with Daniel, speaking gently, "You've become so quiet these past few years. Remember how you used to

lowered her gaze. "People

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

were oblivious to the undercurrents