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 inscrutable

finally settled on a stunning woman in conversation with Dwight and Blake in

with a casual "Dwight, Blake... Ms.

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

detecting the underlying jibe. "Easy, Jacob.

"I don't mind. Landon was far more pathetic when

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

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

response measured as she slid a check across the table.

remaining half, upon successful

the check-twenty million-and smirked, "Ms. Laurent, you're

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

contemplating the check and the allure of a smart woman who didn't bat an eye at

SUV was waiting

entrance.

Harvey stepped out and swept his wife into his arms,

his regained memory, her eyes sparkled with an added

help feeling a twinge of jealousy. After closing the door for her, he made

a life of debauchery. The tycoon's legitimate son died in a car accident. Jacob was clearly the only heir,

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

let out a derisive

...

The SUV cruised homeward.

seemed to be

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

he

a red light, Harvey brought the car to a stop and

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

course, Harvey knew better. She had so many opportunities

brushed her soft cheek with his fingers, his voice low. "I'm jealous! I wish I

gaze averted. "Stop being so cheesy!" Harvey cupped her

cars behind snapped them out of the moment. Eloise pushed him away, her face burning. Harvey's fingers traced her

her eyes as Harvey chuckled and restarted

back home, well into the night. Eloise went to

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

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

he nuzzled her ear. "How about you let the little one in

had a teasing tone

hung up on Jacob. She looked up at him. "Is it really that important

show weakness. Playing with her earlobe, he

laced with undeniable

prove his allure surpassed that of any younger man. He scooped her up and headed for the bedroom. Eloise clung to

as he kissed her,

surrendered to his affection, knowing well what her

the bedside lamp on. He was gentle

she reveled in

marriage. When the visuals and feelings aligned, everything

"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

He was 36, yet where did he

He was superhuman!

buzzed. It

Eloise answered, "What's up?"

"There's a big

Dwight winning

Eloise listened quietly.

hotel sofa, glanced at Dwight and continued, "Truth be

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