Tangled Temptations

Chapter 406

Brett caught sight of Stephanie as he entered the room. A flicker of surprise crossed his face, followed by a slight annoyance. He thought he had made things crystal clear to her. Stephanie was no fool, yet here she was, dropping by uninvited on New Year's Eve, presumably to ruffle Orlena's feathers.

As a man of Brett's standing, it was unthinkable to simply send her away. He shrugged off his coat, revealing a crisp gray shirt paired with dark wool slacks— the epitome of refined elegance.

A servant handed him a warm towel, which he used to wipe his hands. With a smile, he turned to Donny. "Hey, since Stephanie's here to ring in the New Year, why don't you stick around too? Call your wife over, and we'll all have a casual dinner."

Donny was always good at playing along. Taking the towel from his boss, he chuckled, "Oh, I wouldn't dream of imposing on you this festive season, Brett. I'll scoot back to where I came from. My wife and kids are waiting to celebrate the New Year with me."

Brett returned the smile with a nonchalant one of his own. He leaned in, raising his voice in a natural tone. "Orlena, Donny's heading home for the festivities. Aren't you going to see him off? After all, you always greet him with such warmth."

From inside, Orlena gritted her teeth. He was doing this on purpose. Fully aware of her irritation with Stephanie, he was still asking her to play the hostess.

But the man had spoken, and she couldn't afford to lose face in front of him, nor did she want to appear weak.

Rushing out, she clutched a tube of ointment in her hand, her mouth smeared with a messy patch of it, hardly presentable in front of guests.

Stephanie watched silently, a peculiar feeling creeping inside her. She knew Brett well; he was a perfectionist. Orlena's disheveled state would be intolerable to him; it was unseemly.

Sure enough, Brett frowned. He pulled Orlena, her face crinkled like a dumpling, close to him. "What happened?"

Orlena leaned into him, close enough to see the small bite mark on his neck from the night before. Her cheeks flushed as she whispered, "Burnt my mouth on a meatball."

She quickly found an excuse, "Tracey made them too irresistible."

Brett, however, took the ointment and started applying it to her burn, gently chiding her, "Always finding excuses for your gluttony. Can't even apply ointment properly, like a child."

His reproach was soft, his touch and gaze filled with tenderness.

Orlena wasn't afraid of him. For a moment, she forgot about the others in the room, sliding her hand into the pocket of his trousers.

Brett looked down at her. "What are you rummaging for? That's not proper." Orlena just laughed.

Stephanie watched in silence, feeling as though she had fallen into an icy cave. Brett was indulging Orlena like this.

Besides her beauty, Orlena had nothing that would make her fit to be the lady of the Noland family. How could Orlena be worthy?

Just then, Donny pulled out a gift box from his briefcase. "Last time I gave one to Daniel, and this one's for you."

Donny was on a salary, and Orlena felt it wasn't right to take his money, but Brett patted her head, urging her, "Take it. He's setting a good example for me."

Donny grinned, "You know me too well."

Orlena accepted the gift. With no pockets on her dress, she simply stuffed it into Brett's trouser pocket, a move that earned her several looks from Brett. He called over the butler and casually gave instructions.

These New Year's preparations should have been Orlena's to arrange, but she was only good at having fun. Moreover, Brett didn't want to burden her, so he took care of everything himself.

While the butler spoke with him, Brett suddenly remembered something and turned to Orlena. "What are you waiting for? See Donny out. Oh, and Stephanie, too."

Stephanie's face turned sour. With just a few words, Brett had underscored the difference in status between her and Orlena.

Stephanie forced a smile. "No need for the trouble, Ms. Horigan."

Still clinging to Brett's arm, Orlena reached for the coat on the nearby sofa. It was Brett's. She wrapped herself in it tightly. "Donny, let me walk you out."

Donny smiled appreciatively. "With this weather and scenery, walking with a beauty like Ms. Orlena is a delight in itself." He tucked his briefcase under his

arm.

Orlena followed him out, leaving Stephanie with no reason to stay. She looked at Brett, overcome with sadness.

Brett had many confidantes, and she was among them. She didn't seek a formal status by his side, only hoping that one day he would settle down and naturally realize she was the one best suited for him.

for a young girl. He was even considering leaving

quivered. "I heard you're leaving the system

glanced at Tracey, who sat still as a statue. With a resigned

emotions. "I have my ways. Someone saw

mission was both shocking and infuriating to her. How could he... How could he love Orlena to such

where you are now. You started a business for some clueless girl. Isn't it too late? Can you compete with

me go, and give yourself a break. Orlena may be young, but that doesn't mean she's clueless. She's chosen me more resolutely than anyone else."

wanted to say

hand, glanced at the burn on her lip, and called out to Tracey, "Take care of things for me, will you? I'm going to help Orlena

Tracey nodded in agreement.

with playful accusation. "Hope I'm not neglecting your

hadn't seen her in a while, and he found himself missing her more than he expected. Pinning her against the hallway wall, he gently probed the healing bruise on her arm.

"Not anymore."

soft chuckle escaped Brett, his voice dropping even quieter. "I meant here," he teased, referencing the little yelp of pain she had let out the night

playfully punched his chest,

overstepping, and soon, they changed and headed

then, Stephanie

year, she was exceptionally diligent. As Brett watched his mother's soft expression, his heart felt a tender

Orlena longed

for play, but her

with the

scolding gently, "You're young. Why waste away

lady like

Orlena dashed off, swift as the

a child. But it's good; it keeps things lively around

indeed, Orlena was a sight to

Daniel, headed to the shed to retrieve over a dozen fireworks, large and small, and arranged them

the horizon, the only light apart from

lean figure dressed in black slacks and a navy cashmere sweater. The dim light cast his profile in a gentle glow. His

they were softer,

burst into the sky

Year's with his dad, and his excitement was palpable as he jumped and clapped along with Orlena. She looked up at the swirling colors, and after a few seconds, she dropped her gaze to the man

she couldn't bear

a gentle laugh, took a deep breath amidst the smoky air, and

light more fireworks. The night sky

to her side, lifting Daniel into his arms and wrapping

None were as lively and fulfilling as this one. Her heart swelled, eager to express her feelings, but Brett whispered in her ear, "May we spend every New

but togetherness, which was just as sweet to Orlena.

buzzed with a vibrant celebration on New Year's

was back to work despite

usually entertained these guests,

away.

explained, "After the holidays, Brett might

were likely seeking favors, and there was no need

any longer.

suspected it was because of her that Brett was considering resignation. Her concerns didn't go unnoticed. Tracey, dressed in her new outfit and sipping on soup, chuckled, "I'm actually hoping he'll retire. He's always busy, hardly ever home. I think he's just looking for an excuse

"You're just trying to flatter

was enchanting. Tracey was

flattery as Brett is. I've been watching him over the years;

his son along? Tracey rubbed her temples, half-joking. "The Noland family has no daughters to offer; our only one is already spoken for. What do these people want, coming here with their sons?

butler, hiding a smile, added,

digging, and it seems he's had some interactions with Ms. Eloise." Tracey was not privy to the gossip. Orlena, however, suddenly remembered. "Oh. I know who this is. His

Tracey realized why her son was so taken with

instructed the