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

stunning woman in conversation with Dwight and Blake in a secluded corner of the banquet hall.

greeted them with a

over and made formal introductions. Jacob tossed his pack of cigarettes onto a side table, his smile

detecting the underlying jibe. "Easy, Jacob. Blake's

was far

has a wife as generous as you... Blake, do you love me or Eloise

Blake's laughter was serene.

Dwight was pulled away to mingle, Eloise and Jacob were left alone. Jacob's gaze grew bolder. "I've sacrificed so much for you,

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

remaining half, upon successful completion

the check-twenty million-and

tone even, “When money can

the allure of a smart woman

black SUV was waiting patiently.

entrance.

swung open. Harvey stepped out and swept his wife into his arms, his voice tender as he murmured, "Get

Ever since she learned of his regained

door for her, he made his way around the vehicle, his peripheral vision catching

the man. 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 still refused to

locked for a moment. Jacob responded with a light, almost

out a

...

The SUV cruised homeward.

unaffected by the encounter. Rather, she seemed to be in high spirits due to some progress in her own

throughout the ride. Her curiosity was piqued by the frequency of his stares. She couldn't resist asking, "Why do

he

the car to a stop

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.

knew better. She had so many opportunities over the

voice low. "I'm jealous! I wish I could keep you locked away, Mrs.

"Stop being so cheesy!" Harvey cupped her head, drawing

him away, her face burning. Harvey's

her eyes as Harvey chuckled and restarted

back home, well into the night. Eloise went to check on the children. Harvey brewed her some

placed the tea beside her, his lips

Eloise felt a softness within her. She hummed an affirmation, sipping her ginger tea while continuing

pang of sympathy. Embracing her from behind, he nuzzled her ear. "How about you let the little one in your belly rest,

a teasing tone when

was still hung up on Jacob. She looked up at

didn't want to show weakness. Playing with her

laced

any younger man. He scooped her up and headed for the bedroom. Eloise clung to his neck,

he kissed her, "this

knowing

on. He was gentle and unhurried,

to admit she reveled in

marriage. When the visuals and feelings aligned, everything was

can't even get

Harvey's laughter was wicked.

come morning, Eloise was up early, returning to the study to continue her research. A thick stack of printed documents

He was 36, yet where did he find the stamina for wild nights, late work, and early morning

He was superhuman!

buzzed. It

Eloise answered, "What's up?"

nonchalant edge. "There's a big race next

Dwight winning

Eloise listened quietly.

sofa, glanced at Dwight

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