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 her misdeeds, she still

then 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

She sent an

invitation, no entry. If you wish to see Mrs. Horigan, you should make another

sequined dress with a tasseled clutch,

chuckled, "A few words won't do! Ms. Ravenna, you must have crossed Mrs. Horigan. She

attendant left, Ravenna leaned against

trace. And the drink Max had-it was just for fun. If he chose to end it all, she

...

bowing to Eloise, but the harsh truth

falling through.

night, Ravenna waited outside the hotel.

pulled up. Harvey stepped out, fresh from a

he looked more dashing than ever. Ravenna had known many men,

monster

head over heels for Eloise, all Ravenna needed was to

with a

sound of his name, he paused in stride. Fishing out a cigarette, he lit it with a practiced flick of his lighter. "Ms. Ravenna, is there something you

tone was polite but distant. Ravenna wasn't deterred. She put on a heart- wrenching look and whispered, "Call me Ravenna, please! After all, Eloise and I

the cloak of night, Harvey's smile didn't

think Eloise might have gotten the

cut straight to the chase. "Only Eloise gets to call me Harvey!

a thick 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

let out a soft chuckle, "Is Eloise being

quite gauge

spoke with feigned seriousness, "Ms.

I meddle and Eloise gets upset,

Ravenna was stunned.

should first ask yourself what you've done. When you're lost in your nightmares, don't you ever

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

and Ravenna couldn't decipher his true meaning, but she knew

walked away, Ravenna stood there shivering

from the hotel lobby with Harvey.

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

into the car, Ravenna called

Eloise had survived against all odds, leaving Ravenna scrambling to

right away. She watched Ravenna approach, curious about what she would

Harvey's shoulder,

bury the hatchet, Eloise,"

reconciliation repulsed Eloise, but she didn't show it. Eloise smiled softly, "Ravenna, we've

to reconcile?"

"So you won't forgive

that face and

and Eloise, had all been plunged into misery because of this malicious woman. For her own ends, Ravenna had stopped at nothing. And now, with a mere

you're right. It's better to have another ally than another

Ravenna was surprised.

smile a mix of sweetness and ice. "But don't you dare make a

did find Harvey appealing, but she knew he was

use her. Once she climbed the social ladder using Eloise's connections, those little spats

Back in the car.

interior was warm, and Eloise slowly slipped

tenderly stroked her stomach, murmuring, "Why force yourself to