Tangled Temptations

Chapter 392

In the grand Horigan Manor, the scent of food had been wafting through the air since early morning. With her culinary magic, Pauline had lovingly prepared a table brimming with favorites.

Linda's beloved mac and cheese, Eloise's cherished chicken pot pie, the hearty steak and potatoes that Daniel and Orlena always craved, and Luca's favorite, spaghetti bolognese.

The men of the family weren't often spoiled like this.

Harvey sat at the large round dining table, his coat already off, revealing a pure wool grey sweater that hugged his frame. His hand rested casually on Eloise's shoulder as he feigned indignation, "Mom, you're playing favorites!"

Pauline took her seat, her gaze shifting warmly between her children and their partners. Her heart swelled with contentment as she gently chided her son, "You and Orlena were always well looked after as kids. Am I not allowed to cook a few dishes for the youngsters without you getting jealous? Is this the behavior Eloise must put up with all the time?"

Harvey, dishing out the food to his wife, chuckled, "Me? Give her a hard time? No way! She holds the key to my happiness in her hands! I have to treat her well. If you don't believe me, Mom, just ask Eloise how well I wait on her!"

His words grew more teasing, causing Eloise to blush as she served him a slice of roast beef. Noticing her embarrassment, Harvey stopped teasing and simply smiled.

During the meal, Brett brought up the topic of his proposal.

Parker, bursting with pride, gestured grandly. "Let's discuss this matter after dinner in the study, gentlemen. It's serious business and deserves our full attention!"

Though Orlena already had a child, she blushed at the mention of marriage. She silently continued with her meal until Brett served her, whispering, "Aren't these your favorites? Why are you just having rice and no sides?"

Linda's voice, clear and high-pitched, chimed in, "Auntie's shy because she's marrying you, Uncle!"

Then, with a loud declaration, she added, "Auntie's cheeks are red!"

...

The atmosphere was charged with a delicate mix of emotions. Eloise offered an apologetic smile.

Harvey lifted Linda onto his lap, playfully patting her bottom. "Everything's perfect about you, except for that little mouth that never stops!"

from there. Harvey, who usually emphasized independence, surprisingly agreed this time. Not only that, but he also fed Linda

at him, curious about this

the opportunity to put the children down for a nap,

so after meals, she would do some light exercises in the bedroom to stay in shape and prepare for an easier

the heating on high,

couldn't tell she was pregnant, let alone that she had already birthed two children. Her silhouette was particularly

behind and buried his nose in

leaned into him, softly asking, "Why did you feed Linda today? You never let

her belly, he deflected,

discuss this with him. In a hushed tone, she began,

fed Linda herself anymore.

Harvey understood her concerns.

treats him like a little toy. But what's growing inside you is different, another little girl like Linda. Have you thought about how Linda might react to a new

herself. Jealousy was a

you asked Harvey whom he loved the most among his children, he would unhesitatingly say Linda. Linda was the

didn't always treat their children equally; there was often

out. She wasn't upset. Instead, she gently stroked her belly

affectionately in

the subject to discuss Orlena's wedding. Harvey wrapped his arms around her, and they sat down together. He smiled gently and teased, "Mom's still around, and here

he playfully tickled her

but stood her ground, "It's different with Mom and

her deeply, his gaze lingering before he leaned in to kiss her softly, murmuring, "Eloise, thank you

such sentiment,

but even if he weren't, you'd still be kind

of it, but Harvey could see she was fond of Orlena. Perhaps it was a case of

a knock

it. Brett was dressed in

was surprised. "Brett, are you