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?"

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

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

gave her 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 Brett held him close,

"Missed your grandpa, eh?"

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

down holding Daniel, surrounded by acquaintances. He whispered to Orlena,

chuckled. "Are you still getting jealous

Orlena huffed, annoyed.

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

he left, Daniel stared at him

melted. He whispered something that made Daniel beam with

wound down, Orlena left with Daniel. They headed to the underground parking, where a black SUV awaited, driven by

stepped out to open the door

said softly, "Daniel wanted to

better than to comment, and

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

glanced at Brett, who just picked up the little guy and stepped out. His silhouette was as upright and strong as it had been years ago, showing no signs of fatigue. She couldn't help but think he was the kind of man women fell

now, with him buying property in Peterborough, his

seemed at odds with the abode of a bachelor. The living room even had a rocking horse. At that moment, Daniel

squatted down to

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

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

lit up with joy. "Daddy,

head again and

one's eyes. Orlena looked

over and whispered, "Don't cry.

over to the couch to sit down and then went to pour

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

you share it with Ms.

chuckled. He reached out and stroked her hair, just as he had with his son, and said in a soft voice, "Still jealous? Ms. Olea did

was known for her

business. "My project's

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

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

side. Just one look at them in the crowd would make all the years worthwhile. Then

had thought it through.

his duties. The Noland family had plenty of business to

wasn't old. Starting

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

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

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

feeling surged in Brett's

there, he restrained himself and whispered, "Stay

They had been apart for years, and although there had been interludes, the

decline, but Daniel, overhearing, pleaded softly,

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

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

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

lowered her gaze. "People grow

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

oblivious to