Tangled Temptations

Chapter 398

Eloise had agreed to collaborate with Ravenna, but she had no desire for any more contact than necessary. After a brief exchange, Eloise dismissed her with little ceremony. Ravenna left feeling discontented, her mind churning as she sat in her convertible, the engine murmuring softly. Even if she could marry into the prestigious Velona family, something was missing - a child. But she couldn't have children anymore; the possibility of giving birth to Jacob's offspring was nonexistent. Therefore, a child of her own bloodline became paramount.

Lost in thought, Ravenna remembered the daughter she had abandoned years ago. Yes, she decided, she would bring her back. The red sports car sped away. Upstairs in the cozy little sitting room, Eloise stood by the window, watching quietly. Her face revealed no emotion. She didn't hate Ravenna; it was more like revulsion. She could plot against her without any feeling, just as Ravenna had once done to her. Only this time, it was Eloise who orchestrated the scheme, with Ravenna as a mere pawn.

...

Ravenna drove to an orphanage and was greeted by the matron upon arrival. In the modest, cramped office, the matron poured her a glass of water and asked with some difficulty, "Ms. Ravenna, are you here to see one of the children today?"

Ravenna replied urgently, "I want to take my child with me."

The matron remained silent.

Unfazed, Ravenna continued, "I've changed my mind. I want to give her the life she deserves. I'll treat her like a princess. Please, give her back to me, and I'll donate half a million to your institution. That should cover the children's meals for two years."

The matron's lips quivered slightly.

A sinking feeling hit Ravenna. "Where is my child?"

"She's been adopted."

"By whom? Bring her back immediately. She's my child; how can you give her away?"

Eventually, the matron calmed down. She adjusted her thick glasses and spoke slowly, "When you, brought your child here, we really shouldn't have taken her in, but you insisted on leaving her. And as per the agreement we signed, if a suitable couple wished to adopt, we could let her join a new family."

She brought out the agreement.

Ravenna stared at the document. Yes, she had signed it. But so what? The child was hers, born after ten months in her womb. No one else had the right to her.

Ravenna tore the agreement to shreds. She sneered, "Two million. Give me back my child."

The matron watched silently as the document was ripped apart, then spoke softly, "It's too late. The couple who adopted her are from abroad. They left with the child six months ago. They're archaeologists. Right now, they could be in the ruins of South America or exploring the tombs of Ancient Egypt."

Ravenna slumped in her chair. When she looked up again, her eyes were bloodshot, her lips trembling. "I'll sue you."

The matron looked apologetic.

After Ravenna stormed out, the matron made a phone call. "Mrs. Horigan, I've done as you instructed... Yes, a person like Ms. Ravenna truly isn't fit to raise a child. Thank you for your donation of five million and for the new housing for the children."

On the other end, Eloise smiled faintly. "Don't worry about the lawsuit. Just take good care of the children."

Hanging up the phone, Eloise remained by the window. A maid brought her a cup of hot milk, whispering, "Sir called to say you should have some milk and rest a bit."

Eloise smiled lightly. "He treats me like a child."

She was independent and took good care of herself. But no matter how busy Harvey was, he always found time to call home several times a day, fussing over her. It might have seemed trivial, but to Eloise, it was nothing but sweet.

...

No amount of effort or connections helped Ravenna find her child. She was devastated. That evening, she went to Jacob's apartment. He answered the door. His hair was still damp from the shower, and a bathrobe was loosely tied around his waist. The scent of women's perfume lingered in the air.

Sure enough, a tall girl emerged from the bedroom, wrapped in a towel, clinging to Jacob's waist with a look of hostility in her eyes. "Jacob, who's this old lady?"

Ravenna's face soured. She was in her early thirties, hardly old.

behind, not in reproach but in dismissal. "Go on,

a laugh, confidently kissing Jacob

this was too much. She demanded,

on the sofa, lighting a cigarette, and smirked at her. "I'd

playboy with

She had gone to great lengths to please Eloise and stooped low before Veronica, all for him. She had

no effect on Jacob. He liked his freedom and wasn't one

to her cheek, threatening to burn her. But she felt a thrill instead of fear. She had been with many men, but none stirred

the floor. She embraced the young, attractive man, passionately kissed him, and murmured amidst the chaos of

in his arms carried a barely perceptible sneer, but the thrust did not

face tenderly. "Jacob," she whispered. "I understand you're young and want

another cigarette, laughing sarcastically after a drag. "You're not thinking of marrying

"Why can't we?"

married. I'll give you the freedom you

of his bathrobe. "What if I told you I yearn for a marriage based on loyalty?" Something like what Harvey

man like Jacob desired freedom within marriage. His words were little more than idle chatter to her, not to be

broached a different subject. Jacob gave her a sidelong glance. "The stakes are high this time. Lots of folks are betting on Dwight, and the club's

betting on

was hesitant. "You sure

and chuckled softly, "If you're scared of losing money, don't

Ravenna felt snubbed.

with his foot. "Time to go. I don't let women

knew that in their current relationship, she had no right to stay. It didn't matter. Once she had Mr. Velona's favor, would the doors to the Velona family not swing wide

Ravenna left, Jacob showered away her scent and stood sipping a drink by the

the game of love

player, too, but she was out

love and in bed, whoever got serious first

...

next evening at the Miles

Ravenna waited in her car for half an hour before Eloise finally appeared. The sleek black limousine pulled up, and as the bodyguard opened the door, Eloise emerged, the epitome of understated elegance

twinge of envy. Her own multi-million-dollar jewelry suddenly seemed petty. Despite her

of Ravenna's thoughts, but merely replied with a light laugh, "All

no invitation to enter. Ravenna followed. As she stepped inside, she realized what true high society

elite ladies took note of Ravenna trailing behind Eloise, recognizing that Ms. Ravenna had latched

the high society ladies. Someone mentioned Pauline, and Eloise engaged in light

a few pleasantries, Eloise, eyeing two men ahead, turned to Ravenna

him, too, but she hadn't expected Jacob to be at the party. Usually casual, he was now in formal attire, looking every bit the elite. She couldn't help but feel attracted. She

father were business associates. As Mr. Arellano's goddaughter, Eloise naturally

"I heard from Stuart

are you feeling? Stuart is quite

smiled gracefully. "Quite well, thank

exchanging more pleasantries, Mr. Velona turned to Jacob, "This is Uncle Stuart's goddaughter, quite the businesswoman. You could learn a thing or two from her instead of squandering your time amidst women." Jacob's gaze was intense but he acted nonchalant as he replied, "I'd love to learn if Eloise were willing to teach, but I suspect she's not exactly eager." Unfazed by his flirtatious undertone, Eloise smiled and introduced Ravenna, "Mr. Velona, meet

relatively unknown. A man of Mr. Velona's status, would normally pay no heed, but out of respect for Eloise, he shook Ravenna's hand. Eloise

be in her thirties while Jacob was much younger. He smiled politely,

Eloise smiled faintly and said, "Jacob is young and indecisive, with many girlfriends, so Ravenna

least she was one of his girlfriends. Ravenna was frustrated by not having the opportunity

theme and wants Jacob for the lead. Mr. Velona, I see potential in this market and am

lost a son, was protective of

focusing on