Tangled Temptations

Chapter 402

Brett glanced up with a soft chuckle. "Got a meeting first thing in the morning." Otherwise, he wouldn't bear the thought of parting with Orlena and Daniel.

Harvey nodded in understanding. As a man, he got where Brett was coming from. He then looked at Eloise with a hint of reluctance in his eyes. He knew how much Eloise adored Orlena and treated Daniel like her own flesh and blood, so he gently suggested, "Go upstairs and put on something warm. Let's see them off."

Eloise's eyes shimmered with emotion. She was deeply in love with Harvey. For better or worse, she cherished every bit of him, but she never imagined he could be so considerate.

With a soft acknowledgment, she ascended the staircase.

Harvey gave Linda's bottom a gentle pat. "Go keep your mom company and make sure she doesn't cry."

Linda scampered after her mother. Her tousled curls glimmered under the chandelier, sparkling like little stars.

Brett admired them and felt a pang of envy. He envied Harvey for having the vigor of youth and a brood of four while being able to provide Eloise with boundless happiness. In contrast, Brett had dedicated his life to his work, and now, when he finally fell for a girl, he had so little to give.

Harvey's gaze returned from Brett, catching the expression on his face. With a light chuckle, he teased, "Uncle Brett, you're not one to get sentimental."

That seemed to put Brett at ease.

Eloise reappeared, clad in her overcoat, and as she reached the landing, Harvey was there to steady her. He wrapped a scarf around her neck, the one he'd bought just last week - a new Louis Vuitton release, with its soft fabric and muted colors. It seemed just right for Eloise.

She placed a hand over his. "That's enough. Any tighter, and I won't be able to breathe."

Harvey grinned at Brett. "High maintenance, isn't she?"

The family was sending Orlena and Daniel off, with the house's favorite, Linda, going along. Several luxury cars cruised through the night. Concerned about his wife's comfort, Harvey urged her to rest on his shoulder.

Linda sat beside them, looking a bit forlorn. With her mother around, Linda wasn't the center of attention anymore.

Eloise leaned against Harvey, murmuring softly, "Harvey, Orlena is a year older than me. How come I feel like I'm sending off my own daughter?"

Harvey gently chided her, "Easy there. You're still a baby."

Eloise's cheeks flushed. When they had sex, Harvey sometimes whispered "baby" in her ear, leaving her feeling flustered.

Harvey seemed to recall those moments too, his lips pursing slightly, but he remained mindful of Linda in the car.

Half an hour later, the car pulled up to the Horigan Mansion. Though late, the mansion was brightly lit. Orlena and Daniel stood in the foyer, the warm yellow light casting a soft glow on them.

When Brett stepped out of the car, he hesitated for a moment, his gaze fixed on the woman he loved.

Orlena felt the same. In that moment, all her past turmoil seemed to fade away, replaced by anticipation for the future.

Given the company and Brett's status, he had to contain himself. Donny stepped

in to lighten the mood, handing Daniel a big giftbox.

Orlena urged softly, "Thank Donny, dear."

Daniel thanked him with a soft, "Thank you, Uncle Donny."

Donny ruffled his hair, smiling, "Your dad's got an even bigger one for you."

Daniel was a bit shy around Brett, having not seen him often.

Brett approached, lifting his son into his arms with a husky voice, "We've got more for you at home. Grandma's still up, waiting for you, Daniel."

Daniel idolized his father, having heard from Linda about how impressive he was. Touched by his father's gentleness, he blushed and nuzzled into his shoulder.

Brett stroked his son's head, then turned to Orlena. Their eyes met, emotions churning beneath the surface.

Parker, sensing the charged atmosphere, waved his hand and said, "Alright, let's get the luggage sorted and you guys head to Brockville for the holidays. It's been a tough few years, time for a break."

Orlena was a touch embarrassed. Pauline quietly gave some last-minute instructions. Though they weren't officially wed yet, the day would come when Orlena would settle in Brockville, so she felt a twinge of sadness.

some words

leather gloves to

out, unable

Harvey hummed in response.

sending you off. Get along with everyone over there, and don't run

Orlena looked down, forlorn.

chided her husband softly, "Is that

just watched his sister with a tender

brother one last time. It was like returning to their childhood when she had her big brother to cover for her troubles and always be

her and ruffled her hair one more time. "After the New Year, Eloise and

to lift

so much alike, Brett and Daniel watched her

Audis slowly drove away from the

a long time. Parker finally rallied his spirits with a smile. "This year will be quieter with two fewer people at

"Dad, you're forgetting, we've got two more

meant Luca, and the baby on the way in Eloise's

got it, his face lighting up. "That's right. More people means more fun. Harvey, you and I will have to drink a few

these years, we finally have a sweet reward." With that, he shared a smile with

wife, stood in the night, his expression tenderer than the

Brett and his party returned to Brockville, it

years, wouldn't last the night. But no sooner had the car pulled into the driveway

through the air. Under the porch light, Tracey watched as the car door swung open, and a

Daniel ran shyly but

such a sweet, gentle soul, and he was growing up so handsome. He was the spitting image of Brett as a

to Orlena, standing beside Brett. "You must be exhausted after such a long drive. I've made your favorite pasta, with a

eyes. Despite the

Tracey had first considered Orlena's

embraced Tracey tenderly, whispering,

the dining room for

"When Mum speaks, who dares

Donny back home. Donny teased, "I was hoping to stay for a celebratory drink, but it seems my luck's run out. Better

playfully scolded,

her grandson into the cottage to tuck him

still in his

was withered in the winter chill, it still held its charm. Brett took Orlena's hand, and they strolled slowly. Returning to this place stirred

was a bit

her against the

"What's wrong?"

a schoolgirl. Wouldn't that be a disservice

heart.

away, bashful. She loved him, and had faced hardships, but happiness had come so

cry," Brett whispered, kissing away

tears. I'm back, and I'm not

long as

you dare talk like that." Orlena's voice

He was still the

fallen for.

his whisper a caress against her neck. "When you left, Mum was furious with me. She cried in secret many times." As he spoke, he kissed her, their lips meeting under the fragrant shadow of the tree, in a dance as old as time. Their kisses were interspersed with soft

"Yes, Orlena, I am. I wanted you to know that Mum missed you. I missed you... And

and she turned her face away, blinking

was a gentleman in appearance but not in restraint. His broad hand cradled her neck, drawing

seen by passing servants, so

her breath, still planting tender kisses on her lips. "Let's have

had missed Tracey's cooking, too. As they began to head inside,

in front of Orlena. She hesitated, but he looked back.

you."