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.

by Jacob with

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

Jacob greeted them with a casual "Dwight, Blake...

tossed his pack

the underlying jibe.

mind. Landon was far more pathetic when he was wooing

"Who else has a wife as generous

Blake's laughter was serene.

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

she slid a check across

half, upon successful

check-twenty million-and smirked, "Ms.

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

the throng of guests, leaving Jacob contemplating the check and the allure of

SUV was waiting

entrance.

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

Ever since she learned of his regained memory,

jealousy. After closing the door for her, he

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 take over the

a light, almost mocking, chuckle, kissing a check he had just pulled

let out a

...

The SUV cruised homeward.

she seemed to be in high spirits due to some

at her throughout the ride. Her curiosity was piqued by the frequency of his stares. She couldn't

he said

red light, Harvey brought the car

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,

opportunities over the years, only choosing to remain with

low. "I'm jealous! I

Eloise was no exception. She blushed, gaze averted. "Stop being

of the moment. Eloise pushed him away, her face

her eyes as Harvey chuckled and restarted

into the night. Eloise went to check on the children. Harvey

settled into the study, she began browsing through some documents on the computer. Harvey placed the tea beside her, his lips brushing the corner of her mouth. "Are the

children, Eloise felt a softness within her. She

behind, he nuzzled her ear. "How about

a teasing tone when he called her

up at him. "Is it really that

weakness. Playing with her earlobe, he feigned indifference. "He's

were laced with

determined to prove his allure surpassed that of any younger man. He scooped her up and headed for

Horigan," Harvey murmured as he kissed her, "this is

had no retort. She surrendered to his affection, knowing well what her husband enjoyed. The

the bedside lamp on. He was

she

nature of marriage. When the visuals

whispered, "I can't even get up to take care of

Harvey's laughter was wicked.

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

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. It

Eloise answered, "What's up?"

carried a nonchalant edge. "There's a big

winning

Eloise listened quietly.

hotel sofa, glanced at Dwight and continued, "Truth

he's lost his edge. If it weren't for me letting