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!"

then refused to leave his lap, insisting on eating her meal from there. Harvey, who usually emphasized independence, surprisingly agreed this time. Not

at him, curious about

was time for their afternoon rest, and Harvey took the opportunity to put the children down for a

She was also very conscious of her figure, so after meals, she would do some light exercises

heating

from behind. From this angle, one couldn't tell she was pregnant, let alone that

wrapped his arms around her from behind and buried his nose in her hair. "Why aren't you resting?" His palm gently

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

chin rested on her shoulder. As he continued to stroke her belly, he deflected, "In a few

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

she rarely fed Linda herself anymore. The little girl was already in kindergarten and

Harvey understood her concerns.

haven't you noticed? Linda has never been jealous of Darrien. She treats him like a little toy. But what's growing inside you is different, another little girl like Linda. Have you thought about

Jealousy was a

among his children, he would unhesitatingly say Linda. Linda was the child Eloise had fought so hard to bring into the world, enduring two long years in the

was often a favorite.

figured it out. She wasn't upset. Instead, she gently stroked her belly and softly said, "Harvey, you're good

affectionately

arms around her, and they sat down together. He smiled gently and teased, "Mom's still around, and

he spoke, he playfully

"It's different with Mom and Dad. As older

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

was embarrassingly direct. Eloise, unaccustomed to such sentiment, pretended to brush it off.

twirled a strand of her hair. "I know, but even if he weren't, you'd still be kind to

spoke of it, but Harvey could see she was fond of Orlena. Perhaps it was a case of loving the house and its crow. Harvey felt that having this affection was

there was a knock at the

so he went to open it. Brett was

was surprised. "Brett, are you heading