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?"

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

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

soft cheek. Daniel smelled sweetly of milk, and Brett held him close, his heart softening. He thought how good

"Missed your grandpa, eh?"

looked alike, father and son, though Brett had dyed his hair to mask the resemblance from

holding Daniel, surrounded by acquaintances. He whispered to Orlena, "I'll take you two home

she was jealous and chuckled. "Are you still

Orlena huffed, annoyed.

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

left, Daniel stared at

something

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

the door for them. "Mr. Brett's been waiting a

softly, "Daniel wanted to see

than to comment, and helped them into

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

picked up the little guy and stepped out. His silhouette was as upright and strong as it had

buying property in

seemed at odds with the abode of a bachelor. The living room even had

crisp white shirt, Brett squatted down to keep the little guy company, patting his son's head.

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

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

face lit up with joy. "Daddy,

son's head again and muttered, "Silly

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

then walked over and

down and then went to

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

don't you share it

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

her

and got down to business. "My project's a success.

launch. I've arranged for Donny to take you and Daniel to see it,

liked. To this day, his son still had to call him, "Grandpa." But soon, they'd be

his side. Just one look at them in the crowd would

had thought

from all his duties. The Noland family had plenty of business to

he wasn't

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

with conviction. Orlena's heart fluttered. She remembered the

ring.

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

She teased back, "I'll give it back to you. Keep it for someone else's proposal. After all, you're

petulant yet laced with playfulness. A warm feeling

her, but with his son there, he

didn't immediately agree. They had been apart for years, and although there had been

Daniel,

Orlena's lips trembled, and the little guy burrowed into her arms. She always felt she had hurt Daniel,

was clear. She would stay. Brett didn't rush; instead, he went to the

played with Daniel, speaking gently, "You've become so quiet these past few years. Remember how you used to chatter away nonstop, calling my name

her gaze. "People

was doing well financially, had a good family background, and had plenty of choices, but he still

to