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...

carried Darrien, walking in

Luca, and even prepared a children's room for him in Horigan Mansion, just like the

was a cheerful affair. After the meal, Parker summoned his son to the study to

kids

into Orlena's bedroom. Orlena was sitting at her vanity, lost in a daydream, fixated on something in her

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

shook her head in a

she spilled the previous night's events, finally whispering, "Eloise, I love him. But the pain of those

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

she thought Orlena already

for Eloise. He saw his sister's teary eyes. Standing in the doorway, he lit a cigarette, took a drag, and asked in a muffled voice, "Crying over that old man

bit her

out the smoke, and chuckled. "How many times has he scolded me without

Eloise deflated instantly.

their marriage, Orlena quickly assured them she

said, "Alright, time to head home. The kids are

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

the stillness-a

voice was

"Are you asking about the ceremony or living together? Brett, I haven't decided on either. Give me some

Orlena, I was too hasty, too eager to share

replied with

to cry. He empathized—any woman of her caliber, abandoned and then waiting in the shadows for years, would struggle at such

was

shed, but it'll bloom again next year. Orlena, are you listening? Tracey brought me asta with plenty of coriander,

young ladies.