Tangled Temptations

Chapter 360

Veronica grumbled, a frown marring her usually carefree face.

Eloise simply chuckled, her gaze on Veronica was tender and filled with a quiet sense of reassurance. After all these years, she might have lost many things, but she still had a tight circle of loved ones who stood by her side through thick and thin.

Her mother, her kids, Veronica...

Life was full of regrets, but at that moment, Eloise felt content.

She gently ran her fingers through Veronica's hair, whispering, "I've saved the best seat in the house for you."

Back at the villa, the kids were still out, all except for little Darrien, who was at home.

After playing with him for a while, Eloise had whipped up his favorite mac 'n' cheese. Darrien was as happy as could be. The little guy was just over a year old but seemed to understand that his mom was expecting again and never fussed about being held.

As dusk settled in, the driver brought the other two kids home.

Baron came in with a big, toothy grin. "Harvey might be coming home a bit late."

Eloise smiled and nodded her understanding.

The sky was turning dark, and fine snowflakes began to dust the world outside, painting everything in a soft, gentle white.

With her back to the children, Eloise dialed Harvey's number and whispered, "Any chance you can come home early tonight?"

Harvey was in his office at Everest Technologies with a smile playing on his lips. "Are you missing me?"

Eloise glanced outside at the falling snow, then back at the kids playing in the living room, and said softly, "Today's Luca's birthday."

Harvey paused, visibly taken aback.

At that moment, Denise walked in. "Mr. Horigan, the meeting is about to begin."

Harvey glanced at his watch and said, "It's snowing outside. Let's reschedule for tomorrow morning and let everyone head home early."

Denise looked surprised.

Harvey gave a small smile. "It's my son's birthday."

After hanging up, Harvey donned his overcoat and left the office.

Denise stood there, smiling to herself.

Harvey drove back to the villa, arriving exactly at seven. He stepped out of the car. The ground was now covered in a thin blanket of snow, and the city was engulfed in a frosty haze, but the house glowed with warm yellow light.

He took a present from the trunk and walked into the hallway.

"The snow's really coming down out there." Harvey spoke as he casually unbuttoned his overcoat and called out, "Luca, come here."

Little Luca was perched on a dining chair. In front of him was a small cake Eloise had made, surrounded by dishes meticulously prepared by the house staff-most of them were his favorites. His eyes lit up at the sight of the large toy in Uncle Harvey's hands—a superhero action figure.

The little guy dashed over and clung to Harvey's leg. Harvey laughed, lifting him into a hug and planting a kiss on his cheek. "Eloise told me it's your birthday. Sorry I'm late. Here's your present... do you like it?"

Luca clutched the gift to his chest.

Harvey looked over at the dining area. His wife, Eloise, was seated at the dinner table in an elegant gown, with Linda and Darrien beside her. Linda was clapping her hands, singing the birthday song for Luca. She declared that her birthday gift to him was to cuddle him to sleep that night.

Harvey chuckled. "Linda, it's not your birthday."

Linda puffed up her little cheeks. "I don't just snuggle with anyone." Daniel had to beg Linda for ages to sleep in her princess bed.

Luca's cheeks were a warm shade of pink.

approached and kissed Eloise. "Congratulations, mother of my

arm around little Luca, Eloise helped

moment, Luca felt healed. He had harbored a darkness within

adopted him was

father to him than his own. Harvey was kind, taught

Luca was moved. So even in the future, when he would take control of Everest Technologies, he never indulged in those dark deeds.

stay by

did end up whisking

worried. She was worried about them sleeping together at this age. When Harvey emerged

chilly, but their bedroom was cozy and warm, and heated

Harvey sat at the foot of the bed, drying his hair. Eloise walked over, took the towel from his hands, and began to gently rub it through his hair. He looked

raising won't go astray. We can think about these issues when

her head, she could see his strong nose. He was still so handsome. Even after all these years,

husky.

She hummed in acknowledgment.

dress, feeling her slightly swollen belly, and murmured, "In another month, we'll feel the baby move. It's incredible how life

felt that they were just like any other couple, caring for a few kids, and nurturing a new

premiere to him. "I

her nose. "Mrs. Horigan's movie debut? Of course, I'll be there to support you. How many

her arms around his neck. "No need to book out the theater. Just having you there is enough, Harvey... I can't promise we'll always

than Darrien and

but acting

...

the bed,

her, content just to gaze at her. Harvey was exceptionally handsome, and just watching him was

Eloise certainly couldn't resist.

a low, husky whisper, softer than the night itself. "Eloise, I must have been head over heels for

make Eloise blush. She turned her face away, felt the warmth of

what would

speaking his mind meant only one thing - he was in the mood for lovemaking. However, she was only three months pregnant and worried about the baby's safety, so she put a finger to his lips and

he cradled her body in

of "Mr. Mayfair"

was near, the crowds were bustling, and with the children

slipped into her

moments later, footsteps approached, and the

stood silently at the doorway, admiring her for a moment before

try to hide her slightly rounded belly, which was evident from her figure. However, rather than detracting from her appearance, it added a touch of feminine

came over, kissed her bare shoulder,

at

pocket and threaded

chest. Eloise gently caressed

you really

her hair, gathering it

looked at her with such focus and smiled faintly. "I don't like this. But I also hope his affection can

Eloise nodded slowly.

left for the evening, he draped a thick fur coat over her shoulders, and they walked through the underground

Theater was a sea of people. Celebrities strutted down the

wanting to catch a cold, she used a special entrance to go directly into the auditorium, where, with Harvey by her side, she

was the star of the evening. Before the premiere, she took to the

in and asked quietly, "Mr.

back, "My uncle's busy with work." The details

still the most vivid character in her life, and she hoped he would see her on

was her place to criticize. Ms. Olea was a decent

successful. It will help you