Tangled Temptations

Chapter 401

Eloise picked up the phone with a sigh. On the other end was Mr. Velona, his voice fraught with urgency. "Tell me, Eloise, this scandal with Ms. Ravenna-it won't touch Jacob, will it?"

"No way," Eloise replied with a calm chuckle. "Whatever Ms. Ravenna got herself into has got nothing to do with Jacob. You can rest easy, Mr. Velona."

Mr. Velona let out a breath he didn't realize he'd been holding. "Eloise, I only have this one son left," he lamented.

Eloise wasn't in the best of spirits herself, but she had made a promise to Jacob, so she mustered her energy to parry words with Mr. Velona. "If he's that precious, then you'd better treasure him properly," she said, her voice laced with double meaning.

A man like Mr. Velona, sharp as a tack, wasn't going to miss the subtlety in her tone. After a few more exchanges, the call ended.

Meanwhile, Veronica had finally gathered her wits. The realization hit her like a lightning bolt-Ms. Ravenna, that troublemaker was truly done for. She and Eloise would never have to deal with her again. Clenching her teeth, Veronica hissed, "She finally got what was coming to her."

Perhaps it was the surge of emotion, but Veronica suddenly stepped forward and hugged Eloise tightly. Tears streamed down her cheeks as she whispered, "Thank you, Eloise. Thank you for dealing with that bitch."

Eloise knew Veronica better than anyone. She gently patted her friend's shoulder and wiped away her tears. "Silly, there's nothing to thank me for," she said tenderly.

Veronica's eyes remained glistening with tears. In the background, Harvey and Riley exchanged glances before stepping out.

Riley pulled out his pack of cigarettes, tapped one out, and offered it to Harvey. "Sorry you had to see that mess," he said.

Harvey accepted the cigarette and lit it with a small smile. Over the years, he'd gotten to know Veronica quite well. Of all the friends that had come and gone in Eloise's life, Veronica was the best, at least among the ladies. As for the men, there was always Landon.

Harvey's thoughts were interrupted as Riley bumped his shoulder and asked, "With the third one on the way, are you thinking about a fourth?”

Harvey shot him a look. "Once this one's born, we're planning some quality two- person time."

Riley couldn't help but feel a hint of envy. He and Veronica had always wanted a little girl, but luck hadn't been on their side.

Harvey clapped Riley on the shoulder. "Let's grab some dinner."

Dinner was actually more of a celebration. Eloise was pregnant, so they ended up at a cozy place known for its nourishing hot stew, the kind that warmed you through and through.

After the meal, Harvey took Eloise back to their villa. She had a habit of taking a nap after lunch, and he stayed by her side until she drifted off. Then, as quietly as he could, he slipped away to the study to get some work done.

Parker was getting on in years and preferred spending time with his grandkids. These days, Harvey wasn't just keeping an eye on Everest Technologies but also managing parts of Horigan Inc. During the busiest times, he wished he'd had a few more sons. Yes, sons. In his eyes, little girls were to be cherished, especially his own daughter.

The study was a quiet sanctuary. As he pored over the stack of documents Denise had sent over, the door creaked open. A tuft of brown curls peeked in.

Pretending not to know who it was, Harvey called out, "Who's at the door?"

"Shh, Daddy," whispered Linda as she crept in, gesturing for silence before ducking under his desk. Stretching out his legs, Harvey created a seat for his little one, who promptly curled up on them, clutching his knees like Harry Potter on his broomstick.

"Don't tell anyone I'm here, Daddy. Luca and Darrien are looking for me." Linda said in her soft, sleepy voice, snuggling up. She was the spitting image of Eloise, and just looking at her filled Harvey with joy.

He stroked her brown curls and whispered back, "I won't tell."

Linda hugged him tightly, her affection and trust evident. Harvey would have loved nothing more than to cuddle her right then and there, but she's playing hide and seek, so he continued his work with Linda resting peacefully on his legs.

Meanwhile, Luca and Darrien's footsteps could be heard outside the door.

Looking down at his precious daughter, now sound asleep, Harvey gently covered her with a blanket.

Darrien toddled in, pointing excitedly, "Linda."

knew

and smiled warmly.

carried his little brother to the couch and settled him

from him. "Take a seat

did as he was told, sitting up straight as a rod. Harvey slid a file across the desk-a minor investment for Everest Technologies, a mere 40 million

the numbers. Harvey kept reviewing documents, his tone casual. "When Darrien's at your age, he'll need to learn about these things

a kid at heart. He didn't understand, his eyes welling up with tears, but he bravely sifted through the data, learning how to navigate search engines and analyze market information. Business was a

book,

stern gaze. Rubbing her eyes, she snuggled into Harvey's embrace. She couldn't help but feel that Luca was like

wide, innocent eyes, Linda silently pleaded for an explanation. Harvey knew exactly what little schemes were running through her head, but he played along, pressing

Only Darrien bounced

...

slept

little presence was under the covers, a fluffy bundle nuzzling gently at her neck. She woke to find

Eloise's

a whisper of comfort as she snuggled closer to her mother, snitching in the process. "Luca's been

knew Harvey adored the kids, but his expectations were high. Yet

kissed Linda back. "Go get your dad. Tell him Mommy wants to see him in the

mission clear, Linda scampered off, cautious not to let the cold in as she slipped from beneath the covers. She stood at

his files. He stared at Linda, a knowing glint in his eyes; she had ratted

Luca downstairs for

chuckle. He strolled back to the master bedroom, knocking with a playful lilt. "Mrs.

captivating

with a parenting book, when his voice drew her gaze, prompting a laugh. "Since when did you

have I ever entered without checking in with you first, Mrs. Horigan?" His

her with a raised brow. "Did Linda tattle on me?" Eloise didn't deny it. She watched her husband, who, at 36, maintained an impressively fit physique. Grey shirt and charcoal slacks adorned him like a second skin, and his handsome features were a constant delight to her-mature and distinguished, especially when he styled his hair

his looks, she focused on the parenting book. "Luca is sensitive. Don't be too harsh with him. Maybe introduce him to the business world when he's at

Harvey watched her. Unable to withstand his gaze, Eloise tossed the book aside. "I'm trying to have a serious conversation. What are you staring at?" Harvey placed his glass down. Leaning against the opposite sofa, he chuckled, "Can't I admire my own wife? ...Do you think I'm too strict with

Eloise hummed in agreement.

neck, a whisper that felt like a kiss. "Eloise, do you see Luca as

Eloise paused.

don't. That's why you want

being groomed for business, you wouldn't object.

logic but sensed something was off. Nevertheless, Harvey's eloquence left her without counterarguments. To oppose

Eloise a moment to find her voice. "Do you want Luca to

"I don't want Linda in the business world. She's bright

favorite. I want her to live a life unbounded by

free to do whatever she

fondness for Linda, but this level of fondness

thoughts. In a soft voice, he revealed, "The baby in your belly is

his girls like princesses. For Luca and Darrien,

start their training young. Luca was overdue. Darrien was to begin

sympathized with the children but also knew this was an area where Harvey was unyieldingly

Eloise conceded.

her tender cheek, whispering, "Mrs.

with him, feeling his kisses were becoming too fervent. "Harvey? The kids

had turned up the heat, his hands deftly loosening her dress as they

"They won't be upstairs