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?"

night in a hand-sewn diamond dress, outshining even the chandeliers, especially with the

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

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, his heart softening.

"Missed your grandpa, eh?"

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

Brett sat down holding Daniel, surrounded by acquaintances.

you still getting jealous over old gossip? You're

Orlena huffed, annoyed.

due to his special status, didn't stay

Orlena. As he left, Daniel

something that made

down, Orlena left with Daniel. They headed to the underground parking,

Donny quickly stepped out to open the door for them. "Mr. Brett's

"Daniel wanted

comment, and helped

tranquil villa neighborhood. Donny parked with a pleased tone. "Mr. Brett's

it had

buying property in Peterborough, his intentions

heart raced. She followed him into the villa, which was decorated 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

down

mom, and in public, he had to refer to him as "Grandpa." But kids were perceptive;

a big house, where his dad had

with

patted his son's head again and muttered, "Silly

to bring tears to one's eyes. Orlena looked

turned to look at her tenderly, then walked over and whispered, "Don't cry. You're a

pulled her over to the couch to sit down and then

spoke softly, "I've got some great news I

teased, "Why don't you share it

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 the years. Supporting her event was part payback, part courtesy for

her stubbornness. "I didn't

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

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

liked. To this

one look at them in the crowd would make all

had thought it through.

over, he would resign from all his duties. The Noland family had plenty of business to attend

wasn't

too late. Most importantly, he wanted to

conviction. Orlena's heart fluttered. She remembered the

ring.

voice growing husky. "You still have the ring, right? That's my wedding gift for you. It wasn't easy for me to save up, so spend it wisely. I kept

it back to you.

feeling surged in

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

had been apart for years, and although there had been interludes, the hurt ran

to decline, but Daniel, overhearing, pleaded

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

to the kitchen and made them a late-night snack. His

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

her gaze. "People grow

He knew. She was doing well financially, had a good family background, and had plenty of choices, but he still desperately

to the