Tangled Temptations

Chapter 386

Eloise's presence commanded the room as she fixed Tiara with an icy stare that seemed to chill the air around her.

Tiara squirmed, clearly struggling to maintain her poise under the weight of Eloise's disapproval.

A sly smile curved Ravenna's crimson lips. "Eloise, darling, you once told me I couldn't keep anyone's interest. Well, I'm returning the sentiment. Sure, Tiara's under your wing, but she's still free to make her own friends, isn't she?"

"That's right, Ms. Ravenna!" chimed in a voice from the crowd.

Eloise's laugh was light, almost dismissive. "I've missed your wit, Ravenna. But I've heard your ventures are more often stuck in the mud than not. I do hope your business acumen catches up to your sharp tongue."

Having delivered her barb, Eloise gracefully extricated herself from the exchange.

Ravenna watched Eloise go, Harvey protectively by her side, and she knew better than to start a scene. This was a game Ravenna couldn't afford to lose.

Jealousy nipped at her, prompting a snide, "Just you wait," shot in Tiara's direction.

Tiara hesitated before speaking, "Ms. Ravenna, you're just in need of some cash. With the right funding, what can't you launch? And when that happens, you will be pleased."

Tiara's words struck a nerve, and Ravenna pondered them just as Dwight swept in with Blake, the charismatic number eight race car driver, Jacob, in tow.

Tiara wasted no time in making introductions, giving Ravenna a special mention. "This is my former boss, Ms. Ravenna, the brains behind several big-ticket projects."

With the Arellano family's vast wealth, Dwight was hardly impressed, but Jacob was all ears.

Jacob was tall, with eyes that promised mischief. He and Ravenna exchanged glances that spoke volumes. In no time, they reached an unspoken agreement.

Half an hour later, they were entwined in each other's arms in a hotel suite, their passion as intense as it was fleeting.

Post-coital and draped across the bed, Jacob lit a cigarette while Ravenna nestled into his shoulder, both physically and emotionally sated. Yet, she knew well that Jacob was a player, and their connection was purely carnal.

After a brief rest, their desire reignited, leading to another round of fervor.

When Jacob emerged from the shower, Ravenna didn't bother with modesty, casually inquiring if there would be a "next time."

He responded noncommittally, his attention seemingly elsewhere. "We'll see. I'll call you if I'm free."

Ravenna slipped into a robe, buttoning up his shirt for him, her voice low and teasing, "Do you have other women?"

His chuckle was his only reply.

She had other motives for their tryst and pressed him further, "Have you been with Tiara?"

Jacob frowned, distancing himself, "She's the club owner's girl."

That set Ravenna at ease. Tiara's words held truth.

Buckling his belt, Jacob teased, "Jealous?"

Ravenna's gaze was all allure as she propositioned him with a film role that suited

him perfectly—a race car driver, a part still uncast.

Jacob paused, cigarette in hand, considering.

Ravenna stopped dodging around the topic and said straightforwardly, "The project is short of funds. Tiara said you guys make money fast here, but I don't totally believe her. If I let you be the male lead, we're in this together, I believe you wouldn't stab me in the back."

Jacob didn't immediately agree. He said he had no acting experience.

Ravenna eased closer, her voice seductive, "With acting coaches at your

disposal, what's there to fear? With your looks and this film, I can guarantee you'll be a star."

He took his time, his answer not immediate.

Jacob left the suite, but the party was still going on.

passed by Jacob with an

Blake in a secluded corner of the banquet hall. The woman, Eloise, radiated

them with a casual

made formal introductions. Jacob tossed his pack of cigarettes

underlying jibe. "Easy,

mind. Landon was far more pathetic when he was wooing

outrage, reaching for Blake's neck. "Who else has a wife as generous as you... Blake, do you love

Blake's laughter was serene.

mingle, Eloise and Jacob were left alone. Jacob's gaze grew bolder. "I've sacrificed so much for you, Ms. Laurent. How will you

met his eyes, her response measured as she slid a check across the table. "For

upon successful completion of

at the check-twenty million-and smirked,

shawl, her tone even, “When money can solve a problem, I see no need for personal

the check and the

the five-star Grandeur Hotel, a sleek black SUV was waiting patiently. Eloise,

entrance.

open. Harvey stepped out and swept his wife into his arms, his voice tender

of his regained

couldn't help feeling a twinge of jealousy. After closing the door for her, he made his way around the vehicle, his peripheral vision catching sight of a

Jacob, the illegitimate son of a certain tycoon from Rossland, leading a life of debauchery. The tycoon's legitimate son died in a car accident. Jacob was clearly the only heir, but he

a moment. Jacob responded with a light, almost mocking, chuckle, kissing

let out a derisive

...

The SUV cruised homeward.

Rather, she seemed to be in high

glances at her throughout the ride. Her curiosity was piqued by the frequency of his stares. She couldn't resist asking, "Why do you keep looking

beautiful," he

red light, Harvey brought the car

but his wife was more alluring than ever - and pregnant to boot. Other men's envy was palpable. And then there was the matter with Jacob... Eloise read his thoughts, feigning preoccupation with her shawl. "I have no such intentions! Besides... do you really think I'm so indiscriminate,

course, Harvey knew better. She had so many opportunities over the years, only choosing to remain with

her soft cheek with his fingers, his voice low. "I'm

emotional expression was always appreciated by women. Eloise was no exception. She blushed, gaze averted. "Stop being so cheesy!" Harvey cupped her head, drawing her into a passionate kiss that set the winter

out of the moment. Eloise pushed him away, her

roll her eyes as Harvey chuckled and

to check on the children. Harvey brewed her

through some documents on the computer. Harvey placed the tea beside her,

softness within her. She hummed

ear. "How about you let the little one in your belly

tone

Jacob. She looked up at him. "Is it really that important to you? I'll stop seeing him

with her earlobe,

laced

younger man. He scooped her up and headed for the bedroom. Eloise clung to his neck, protesting, "I have important

he kissed

retort. She surrendered to his affection, knowing well what her husband enjoyed. The atmosphere turned

bedside lamp on. He was gentle and unhurried, and

admit she reveled in

nature of marriage. When the visuals and

in his arms, Eloise whispered, "I can't even get up to take

Harvey's laughter was wicked.

A thick stack of printed documents awaited her, exactly what she needed. Atop the files was a fresh white rose,

up the rose, inhaling its scent, and couldn't help but marvel at Harvey's energy. He was 36, yet where did he find the stamina for wild nights, late work, and

He was superhuman!

buzzed.

Eloise answered, "What's up?"

a nonchalant edge. "There's a big race

winning

Eloise listened quietly.

hotel sofa, glanced at Dwight and continued, "Truth

got hitched, he's lost his edge. If it weren't for me letting him win, he wouldn't have any championship