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...

Ravenna's audacity. After all her misdeeds, she

and there, but Eloise preferred subtlety. She quietly told Katherine, "She's not a close friend, and if she lacks an invitation, perhaps it's best not to make

understood perfectly. She sent an

"Our lady insists, no invitation, no entry. If you wish to

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

looked her over and chuckled, "A few words won't do! Ms. Ravenna, you must have crossed Mrs. Horigan. She seems quite

soured. As the attendant left, Ravenna leaned against

She had been meticulous, leaving no trace. And the drink Max had-it was just for

...

to Eloise, but the harsh truth was Eloise's absence left her floundering and

falling through. Things got

Ravenna waited outside the hotel.

Maybach pulled up. Harvey stepped out, fresh from a business trip, rushing from the airport to

than ever. Ravenna had known many men, and she knew how to read them. Harvey looked like a

with envy. But beyond the green monster of envy, there was something far more pressing on her agenda -

was head over heels for Eloise, all Ravenna needed was to

with

stride. Fishing out a cigarette, he lit it with a practiced flick of his lighter. "Ms. Ravenna, is there

polite but distant. Ravenna wasn't deterred. She put on a heart- wrenching look

Harvey's smile

missing a beat, Ravenna continued, "Harvey, I think Eloise might have gotten the wrong idea about

brow furrowed. He cut straight to the chase. "Only Eloise gets to call me Harvey! Ms. Ravenna,

close! Mr. Horigan, I need to ask you something. I think Eloise might have

soft chuckle, "Is Eloise

couldn't quite gauge

with feigned seriousness, "Ms. Ravenna,

I meddle and Eloise gets upset, it could harm our

Ravenna was stunned.

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

Midnight nightmares...

Ravenna turned ashen.

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 to Eloise again, I will show no mercy. Watch

were cryptic, and Ravenna couldn't decipher his true

stood there shivering in

emerged from the hotel lobby with Harvey. They looked

He even had his arm wrapped around his wife's waist. Ravenna mused

into the car, Ravenna called out from

Eloise, but Eloise had survived against all odds, leaving Ravenna scrambling to cover her tracks. Now, with

into the car right away. She watched Ravenna approach, curious about

bitingly cold. Leaning on Harvey's

pride. "Let's bury the hatchet, Eloise," she said,

show it. Eloise smiled softly, "Ravenna,

to reconcile?"

contorted. "So you won't forgive

All Eloise saw on that face and

plunged into misery because of this malicious woman. For her own ends, Ravenna had stopped at nothing. And now, with a mere word of reconciliation, she hoped to erase

smiled. "I'll think about it! You know, Ravenna, you're right. It's better

Ravenna was surprised.

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

find Harvey appealing, but she knew he was out of her league. She had lost

was willing to reconcile, Ravenna would be looking for opportunities to use her. Once she climbed the social ladder using Eloise's connections, those little spats from the past

Back in the car.

interior was warm, and Eloise slowly slipped off

stomach, murmuring, "Why force