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."

chubby hand, knew

and smiled

brother to the couch and

a chair across from him. "Take a seat here," he

rod. Harvey slid a file across the desk-a minor investment for Everest Technologies, a mere 40 million or so. "This one's yours

was overwhelmed, counting the zeros behind the numbers. Harvey kept reviewing documents, his tone casual. "When Darrien's at your age,

the data, learning how to navigate search engines and analyze market information. Business was a mystery, but his

this went on, Darrien was content with his picture book,

snuggled into Harvey's embrace. She couldn't help but feel that Luca was like some young apprentice her dad had brought to work-a young child

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 a kiss to the top of the eager little head. "Go freshen up and take Darrien

Only Darrien bounced cheerfully down

...

had slept like a

fluffy bundle nuzzling gently at her neck. She woke to find a cherubic little face staring back at

Eloise's neck, planting a soft kiss on

she

but find it both exasperating and amusing. She knew Harvey adored the kids, but his expectations were high. Yet she hadn't anticipated him starting Luca on his

Tell him Mommy wants to

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

Linda, a knowing glint in his eyes; she

he ruffled her hair. "Take Luca downstairs for a bite. No coming upstairs for two

grabbed Luca's hand, and they dashed downstairs. Harvey shook his head with a chuckle. He strolled back to the master bedroom, knocking with a playful lilt. "Mrs. Horigan, may I come

particularly captivating in

already up. She'd slipped into a cozy cashmere dress, lounging on the living room couch with a parenting book, when his voice drew her gaze,

the nape of her neck. "When have I ever entered without checking in with you first, Mrs. Horigan?" His words were tinged

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

parenting book. "Luca is sensitive. Don't be too harsh with him. Maybe introduce him to the business

you staring at?" Harvey placed his glass down. Leaning against the opposite sofa, he chuckled, "Can't I

Eloise hummed in agreement.

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

Eloise paused.

why you

argue, but Harvey's finger gently pressed against her lips. "If it were Darrien at this age, being groomed for business, you wouldn't object. Is it because Luca isn't mine by blood that you're concerned he'll feel out of

was off. Nevertheless, Harvey's eloquence left her without counterarguments.

to find her voice. "Do you

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

to live a life unbounded by

she was free to do

She'd long known Harvey's fondness for Linda, but

he revealed, "The baby in your belly is the same.

princesses. For Luca and Darrien,

right to start their training young. Luca was

with the children but also knew

Eloise conceded.

"Mrs. Horigan, you're

feeling his kisses were becoming too

his hands deftly loosening her dress as they

voice was muffled, "They won't be upstairs