Tangled Temptations novel Chapter 239

Late into the night.

Brett had just returned from a networking event in Brockville, slightly tipsy, leaning against the sofa. His butler brought him a cup of black coffee to sober up. He raised his hand signaling he didn't need it, and the butler tactfully retreated.

Brett's voice was gentle. "What's wrong? Did that jerk mess with you again?"

Eloise shook her head. "No! I just need a favor... um, it's about Orlena! I heard from Harvey that she ran away and it's been two years since she came back home. I was hoping you could keep an eye out for her."

Before she could finish, Brett slowly sat up. He loosened two buttons of his shirt, his voice was barely audible in the dead of the night. "She hasn't been home in two years?"

Eloise nodded.

Brett fell silent, the sound of his heavy breathing echoed on the other end of the phone. After a long pause, Brett spoke in a low voice, "I'm heading to Peterborough for a business trip tomorrow, I'll drop by to see Linda!"

Eloise, “Really?”

But Brett had already hung up. Otherwise, he would have lost his composure!

The darkness of the night seemed to thicken. Past memories he had tried hard to forget started to resurface. He closed his eyes, as if he could still hear her soft voice.

"Brett, please don't be mad at my brother."

"Brett... will Linda be okay?"

"Brett, you're drunk! Stop drinking... um... Brett..."

...

Brett's face was flushed from the alcohol, reminding him of his misconduct that night. That night, he claimed the girl who was 16 years younger, as if he had lost his mind.

She cried in his arms, calling out for him, "Brett!" But it didn't wake the beast within him.

That night, he hurt her.

The darkness deepened.

Brett lit a cigarette in silence. He knew that with his status, it was best not to get involved with her anymore. He couldn't offer her a future, and he was 16 years older!

But they did share a past, and she was so heartbroken when she left. He had to know if she was okay.

Brett considered himself to have a heart of steel, but the half a year they spent together, and the way she called out his name, "Brett," it softened his heart...

When she left, he knew he didn't want her to go.

But what could he do?

...

The next day, Brett came over.

Eloise didn't go to Harvey's company. She took Linda to the hospital in the morning and returned to the villa in the afternoon.

Brett arrived at around two in the afternoon. He didn't mention Orlena, but Eloise did share some information.

Around five, he said his goodbyes to Eloise. "I have to head back to Brockville. I won't stay for dinner."

Eloise was surprised. "You don't even have time for a meal?"

Brett, holding Linda, smiled lightly. "I have some work to attend to. Next time."

Eloise sensed that his mood wasn't great. He didn't want to talk about it, and as his niece, she didn't feel it was her place to pry.

Brett kissed Linda goodbye and quickly left. As he got into his car, he sat quietly. The driver asked softly, "Mr. Brett, where to now?"

Brett slowly opened his hand. On it was a faint pink scar.

He spoke quietly, "19 Fifth Avenue."

The driver had been with him for a long time and naturally knew some things. Mr. Brett had never mentioned it, but there was a half-year period where he would spend one or two nights a week in Peterborough. That apartment was Mr. Brett's secret haven.

An hour later, the car stopped in front of the apartment on Fifth Avenue, and Brett went up alone. The apartment was quite spacious and luxuriously decorated.

He hadn't been here in a while, and it was clear from the dust that the owner hadn't been around either.

Brett dusted off a spot on the sofa. He quietly smoked a cigarette.

He had considered marrying her, but she was too young, and their relationship was more of a fleeting passion. He was entangled in complicated matters, and her naivety was not suited to being his wife.

After a while, Brett called his secretary, his voice slightly hoarse. "Donny, can you look into Orlena's whereabouts for me?"

Donny was taken aback on the other end. He didn't expect his boss to bring up this name.