Tangled Temptations

Chapter 381

His words sent a flutter through Eloise's heart. She had a hunch that he had regained his memory but was keeping mum, wanting to surprise her. After all, there was something about a little mystery between grown men and women that was tantalizing.

Even after years of marriage and with a baby on the way, Eloise still craved romance and intrigue. Who could resist such a delicious feeling?

Late at night was perfect for pillow talk. Inevitably, the conversation turned to Orlena's marital prospects.

Snuggled against Harvey's shoulder, Eloise murmured, "Another birthday, another year older. You know how much I've always wanted my uncle to find happiness, but it's just not fair to Orlena."

In the darkness, Harvey gently stroked her face. He didn't say a word. As Orlena's older brother, he felt their father was right—if Brett couldn't make Orlena happy, no one else stood a chance.

...

A week later, Aliza called Eloise. Her voice was subdued, but you could hear the unrest. "Eloise, Jeffrey's surgery was a success! Thank you, and thanks to Mr. Horigan."

Eloise was at home, brewing spiced cider and surrounded by a gaggle of adorable kids. Kindergarten was closed because of the snow, and Orlena had sent Daniel over.

Daniel clung to Eloise's leg, careful not to bump her belly. He was eager for a little sister.

Eloise looked down at him, then tenderly stroked his hair. She told Aliza, "Jeffrey saved me; it's the least I can do. And there will be a few surgeries left. Thank you for taking care of him."

Aliza choked up. Her feelings for Eloise were complicated.

Finally, Aliza whispered, "Thank you for telling Ms. Olea to warn me about Ravenna."

Eloise smiled faintly.

After hanging up, she focused on brewing the cider for the children. Daniel was all soft and cuddly. He asked, "Will the baby be as pretty as Linda?"

Eloise's eyes softened with warmth. She settled onto the couch, tousling Daniel's hair, and said, "She might look like your mom!"

Linda and Darrien both took after Eloise. She figured the third child would inherit the Horigan family genes. Daniel's mom, Orlena, was also a beauty.

Eloise kissed Daniel, feeling content. Whatever her child looked like, they would be blessed with good genes-though she wouldn't brag to Harvey about that. It would only make him more conceited.

The kids went out to build a snowman.

Eloise was unable to join in due to her pregnancy. She had the maid watch over them, and after their frolic, she served them ginger tea.

...

The weather cleared up for Christmas. Harvey was away on business but promised to be back that night.

Eloise was now four months pregnant and preferred to stay in. However, Orlena had been feeling down lately, so Eloise accepted Veronica's invitation, and the two were off to a dinner party.

The hostess was a skilled socialite from the Miles family, who had organized a masquerade ball.

A glittering crowd was in attendance.

Eloise, nestled in a cozy corner with acquaintances, soaked up the festive spirit. Her movie investment had grossed over two billion.

Ms. Olea had made a comeback. Several supporting actors were now well-known, and a bevy of hopeful young stars approached Eloise, seeking opportunities. She was there to enjoy herself and felt relaxed.

And in that setting, she thought of someone else. It was at a similar gathering where Max had sat next to her and spoken those words. If Max were still here, she wouldn't be thinking of him, but he was gone, and she occasionally did, with a touch of regret...

Orlena read Eloise's expression, guessed she was thinking of Max, and also felt a pang of sadness.

Just then, the Miles family lady, Katherine, approached. She was a woman of stature, known for her cunning, and clearly sought Eloise's friendship.

Leaning in, she whispered, "I didn't invite Ravenna, but she's outside, hoping to see you. Do you wish to meet her?"

Ravenna...

a faint smile. Eloise genuinely admired Ravenna's audacity. After all

preferred subtlety. She quietly told Katherine, "She's not a close friend, and

perfectly. She sent an attendant to

adept at reading the room, told Ravenna bluntly, "Our lady insists, no invitation, no entry. If you wish to see Mrs. Horigan, you should

red sequined dress with a tasseled clutch, pleaded, "I just

Ravenna, you must have crossed Mrs. Horigan.

the attendant left, Ravenna leaned

drink Max had-it was just for fun. If

...

the harsh

falling through. Things

outside

10 p.m., a sleek black Maybach pulled up. Harvey stepped out, fresh

anything, he looked more dashing than ever. Ravenna had known many men, and she knew how

with envy. But beyond the green monster of envy, there was

resist a beautiful woman in distress. Even if Harvey was head over heels for Eloise, all Ravenna needed was to strike a pitiful pose, and his heart

him with a

in stride. Fishing out a cigarette, he lit it

Ravenna wasn't deterred. She put on a heart- wrenching look and whispered, "Call

night, Harvey's smile didn't

"Harvey, I think Eloise might have gotten the

brow furrowed. He cut straight to the chase. "Only Eloise gets to call me

skin and managed a strained smile. "You two seem so close! Mr. Horigan, I need to ask you something. I think Eloise might have misunderstood me. She's taken to having

let out a soft chuckle, "Is Eloise

quite gauge his

with feigned seriousness, "Ms. Ravenna,

upset, it

Ravenna was stunned.

darkened. "Ms. Ravenna, you should first ask yourself what you've done. When you're lost in your nightmares,

Midnight nightmares...

Ravenna turned ashen.

Harvey scoffed. He tossed his cigarette aside, snuffed it out, and added indifferently, "Ms. Ravenna, Eloise has already had a brush with death, and the truth hasn't come out yet. Let me leave you with this. If anything happens

his true meaning,

there shivering

hotel lobby with Harvey. They looked

had his arm wrapped around his wife's waist. Ravenna mused that perhaps absence did make the heart

about to get into the car, Ravenna called out from a

moment, she had tried to eliminate Eloise, but Eloise had survived against all odds, leaving Ravenna scrambling to cover her tracks. Now, with the Horigan family's stance clear

away. She watched Ravenna approach, curious

on Harvey's shoulder, Eloise observed the pale

hatchet, Eloise," she said, her

didn't show it. Eloise smiled softly, "Ravenna, we've never had a conflict to begin with, so what's

to reconcile?"

face contorted. "So

carefully. All Eloise saw on that face and in those

been plunged into misery because of this malicious woman. For her own ends, Ravenna had

know, Ravenna, you're right. It's better

Ravenna was surprised.

Harvey's waist, her smile a mix of sweetness and ice. "But don't you

just get angry!" Ravenna did find Harvey appealing, but she knew he was out of

for opportunities to use her.

Back in the car.

interior was warm, and Eloise

her stomach, murmuring, "Why force