Tangled Temptations

Chapter 357

Orlena could feel her little boy's excitement bubbling over.

Although Brett often found himself in Peterborough, the chances for father-son bonding were few and far between. Sometimes, they'd barely manage a quick hello, let alone sit down for a meal together. Guilt gnawed at her heart as she gently tousled her son's hair. Quietly she whispered, " Daniel, after the New Year's holiday, you're starting school."

Daniel, thrilled, gulped down an extra glass of milk. He declared in his sweet voice, "I'm gonna go to school with Luca and Linda."

Orlena hummed in response.

Outside, the driver was waiting in the car. He was one of Brett's trusted men. He was chuckling as he opened the car door for Orlena and Daniel. "Mr. Brett took the private jet back to Brockville first thing this morning and instructed me to ensure you and your son make it home safely."

Back to Brockville...

Orlena paused momentarily. The driver added, "Mr. Brett didn't have any business in Peterborough, he flew in just yesterday afternoon to see you, then rushed back."

Such words would stir any woman. Especially when the man in question was the one she'd loved for years, the one who prepared a home here for them.

Orlena hugged Daniel but said nothing.

Daniel sat quietly in his mother's embrace. Mom seemed happy, yet on the verge of tears.

...

The night at the Horigan Mansion was lively.

Harvey came over with his family for a casual dinner. As the car pulled in, Linda led the way, head held high, urging, "Luca, hurry up. Why are you dawdling like a little lady?"

Luca's cheeks blushed pink. Luca's face turned a slight shade of red. He looked at the little girl in front of him, her hair was a curly brown and she wore a beautiful dress. Having lost his mother early, Linda filled his entire world...

Harvey carried Darrien, walking

fond of Luca, and even prepared a children's room for him in Horigan

meal, Parker summoned his son

the kids to bake

Orlena was sitting at her vanity, lost in a daydream, fixated on something in

it away—it was an exquisitely feminine diamond ring. One look and she knew it was her uncle's doing. With a smile,

her head in a

"Eloise, I love him. But the pain

ring back. She wrapped her arms around Orlena, gently patting her shoulder. "Your brother and I just want you to

the decision, she thought Orlena already had

in the doorway, he lit a cigarette, took a drag, and asked in a muffled voice,

bit

removed the cigarette, blew out the smoke, and chuckled. "How many times has he

Eloise deflated instantly.

their marriage, Orlena quickly assured them

deep look, then, with unexpected tenderness, said, "Alright, time to head home. The kids are going wild. Orlena, you and Daniel should

watching them leave. When the house quieted down, she sat back down, gazing at the

breaking the stillness-a

answered. Brett's voice was

asking about the ceremony or living together?

too eager to share the news. Daniel was there last night, and

replied with

knew she wanted to cry. He empathized—any woman of her caliber, abandoned and then waiting in the shadows for years,

was

next year. Orlena, are you listening? Tracey brought me asta with plenty of coriander, despite knowing

young ladies.