Tangled Temptations

Chapter 379

Brett's proposal was as tempting as a freshly baked apple pie cooling on the windowsill.

Orlena wanted a slice of that pie, too, but she hesitated because if it were just her taking the risk, that would be one thing, but she had her little boy to think about. If things didn't pan out, the embarrassment would be unbearable.

Brett seemed to read her thoughts as easily as an open book. He gently tousled her hair, whispering, "Let's talk later. Wrap up here and get home early."

He should have left then, but he lingered for a moment longer, for parting was never easy.

Finally, she resumed the photo shoot.

Brett stepped out of the studio into the stormy weather. Donny attempted to offer Brett his coat, but Brett declined, "A little chill is nothing. I'm not some old geezer yet."

Donny didn't think much of it, replying with a smile, "At your age, you gotta take care better!"

Realizing his slip, Donny quickly opened the car door for his boss. As Brett settled into the vehicle, brushing off the snow from his sweater, he joked self-

deprecatingly, "Yeah, at my age, I still can't provide a full-fledged home for my wife and kid."

Donny sighed in empathy.

Back at the set, Orlena's performance faltered after Brett's departure. She managed to regain her composure and finish the shoot; she politely declined the crew's invitation to grab burgers together afterwards. Her assistant was quite the problem-solver and handled the check discreetly.

Orlena's mind was on Daniel. She hurried back, intending to pick Daniel up and take him to her apartment, but the sky was dimming, the snow was falling, and she found herself at Harvey's estate.

Harvey sat on the couch with his laptop open. He was dealing with work and didn't even look up. "Stay here tonight. Daniel's been waiting to play in the snow all day."

Orlena glanced at her son. Daniel came over, took her hand, and said in a soft voice, "I wanna play with Linda and Luca."

She always felt like she owed it to Daniel, and how could she refuse? Orlena patted her son's head. "Go on, but put on your puffer jacket."

With a whoop, Daniel ran off to play in the snow with Linda and Luca. Their laughter was a vivid contrast to the stark winter day. Orlena's eyes moistened with emotion.

At some point, Harvey closed his laptop and stared at his sister silently. These past few years, Orlena had changed a lot for Brett. She had become mature and sensible, yet Harvey wished she could remain naive and blissfully ignorant of heartache. His gaze fell on her hand. Half a cup of coffee remained untouched.

Harvey's tone was nonchalant. "Did Brett buy that? Are you treating it like a treasure?"

staying silent. She

disappointed at her lack of determination. "Weren't you

Orlena whispered weakly, "Harvey..."

her, “If you want to wait, then wait. You are an adult." With that, he

the half-drunk coffee, staring

jet taken

she regretted the afternoon's quarrel. Brett always made time to see her and Daniel whenever he could. If only she hadn't lost her temper, they

suggested

and she

moment before assuring her, "Take care

was no need, but she couldn't bring herself to

...

in the soft yellow light that made her

it around his waist. Harvey, a handsome man with a physique to

"Are the kids

hummed absentmindedly in agreement. "Orlena will

voice slightly hoarse. "Why aren't you sleeping with clothes

cheeks flushed, too

under the covers. "Let

was too late. He had touched her... Harvey's eyes brightened, and he began to playfully tease her, kissing her deeply amidst the warmth of

gently drew her out from the blankets, his gaze intense. Eloise, fearing he might become

Their third child was growing in there. Eloise's physique was still tight and glowing despite two previous births, and at nearly four months pregnant,

mature man like Harvey, there was an added allure. When she was pushed to the brink, her lips trembled, and her eyes were damp and flushed. She was utterly

barely managed to respond. Leaning close to

face away, her

playing with her tenderly just this once. After their intimate moment, he held her close, whispering sweet

just right. Then Harvey's phone

two minutes later, Harvey returned and began dressing swiftly. "Got to step out!" He zipped up and was ready to

you're running off?" Harvey leaned down to kiss the corner of

yielding. She wrapped her arms around his neck and looked up at him, taking a

and affection. Harvey felt a pang of bittersweet emotion as he looked at Eloise. They had weathered so many storms together, and it was all worth it for her unreserved declaration of love. He cherished her deeply

Eloise kissed him back.