Tangled Temptations novel Chapter 381

His words sent a flutter through Eloise's heart. She had a hunch that he had regained his memory but was keeping mum, wanting to surprise her. After all, there was something about a little mystery between grown men and women that was tantalizing.

Even after years of marriage and with a baby on the way, Eloise still craved romance and intrigue. Who could resist such a delicious feeling?

Late at night was perfect for pillow talk. Inevitably, the conversation turned to Orlena's marital prospects.

Snuggled against Harvey's shoulder, Eloise murmured, "Another birthday, another year older. You know how much I've always wanted my uncle to find happiness, but it's just not fair to Orlena."

In the darkness, Harvey gently stroked her face. He didn't say a word. As Orlena’s older brother, he felt their father was right—if Brett couldn't make Orlena happy, no one else stood a chance.

...

A week later, Aliza called Eloise. Her voice was subdued, but you could hear the unrest. "Eloise, Jeffrey's surgery was a success! Thank you, and thanks to Mr. Horigan."

Eloise was at home, brewing spiced cider and surrounded by a gaggle of adorable kids. Kindergarten was closed because of the snow, and Orlena had sent Daniel over.

Daniel clung to Eloise's leg, careful not to bump her belly. He was eager for a little sister.

Eloise looked down at him, then tenderly stroked his hair. She told Aliza, "Jeffrey saved me; it's the least I can do. And there will be a few surgeries left. Thank you for taking care of him."

Aliza choked up. Her feelings for Eloise were complicated.

Finally, Aliza whispered, "Thank you for telling Ms. Olea to warn me about Ravenna."

Eloise smiled faintly.

After hanging up, she focused on brewing the cider for the children. Daniel was all soft and cuddly. He asked, "Will the baby be as pretty as Linda?"

Eloise's eyes softened with warmth. She settled onto the couch, tousling Daniel's hair, and said, "She might look like your mom!"

Linda and Darrien both took after Eloise. She figured the third child would inherit the Horigan family genes. Daniel's mom, Orlena, was also a beauty.

Eloise kissed Daniel, feeling content. Whatever her child looked like, they would be blessed with good genes—though she wouldn't brag to Harvey about that. It would only make him more conceited.

The kids went out to build a snowman.

Eloise was unable to join in due to her pregnancy. She had the maid watch over them, and after their frolic, she served them ginger tea.

...

The weather cleared up for Christmas. Harvey was away on business but promised to be back that night.

Eloise was now four months pregnant and preferred to stay in. However, Orlena had been feeling down lately, so Eloise accepted Veronica's invitation, and the two were off to a dinner party.

The hostess was a skilled socialite from the Miles family, who had organized a masquerade ball.

A glittering crowd was in attendance.

Eloise, nestled in a cozy corner with acquaintances, soaked up the festive spirit. Her movie investment had grossed over two billion.

Ms. Olea had made a comeback. Several supporting actors were now well-known, and a bevy of hopeful young stars approached Eloise, seeking opportunities. She was there to enjoy herself and felt relaxed.

And in that setting, she thought of someone else. It was at a similar gathering where Max had sat next to her and spoken those words. If Max were still here, she wouldn't be thinking of him, but he was gone, and she occasionally did, with a touch of regret...

Orlena read Eloise's expression, guessed she was thinking of Max, and also felt a pang of sadness.

Just then, the Miles family lady, Katherine, approached. She was a woman of stature, known for her cunning, and clearly sought Eloise's friendship.

Leaning in, she whispered, "I didn't invite Ravenna, but she's outside, hoping to see you. Do you wish to meet her?"

Ravenna...

Eloise's lips curled into a faint smile. Eloise genuinely admired Ravenna's audacity. After all her misdeeds, she still had the nerve to show her face.

Others might have confronted Ravenna then and there, but Eloise preferred subtlety. She quietly told Katherine, "She's not a close friend, and if she lacks an invitation, perhaps it's best not to make exceptions."

Katherine understood perfectly. She sent an attendant to handle the situation.

The attendant, adept at reading the room, told Ravenna bluntly, "Our lady insists, no invitation, no entry. If you wish to see Mrs. Horigan, you should make another appointment."

Ravenna, in a red sequined dress with a tasseled clutch, pleaded, "I just want to say a few words."

The attendant looked her over and chuckled, "A few words won't do! Ms. Ravenna, you must have crossed Mrs. Horigan. She seems quite amiable, not one to make enemies easily."

Ravenna's face soured. As the attendant left, Ravenna leaned against the wall, pondering if Eloise knew something.

Impossible! She had been meticulous, leaving no trace. And the drink Max had—it was just for fun. If he chose to end it all, she couldn't be blamed!

...

Ravenna loathed the idea of bowing to Eloise, but the harsh truth was Eloise's absence left her floundering and humiliated.

Ravenna’s projects were falling through. Things got worse.

On a bitter winter night, Ravenna waited outside the hotel. She was waiting for someone.

Around 10 p.m., a sleek black Maybach pulled up. Harvey stepped out, fresh from a business trip, rushing from the airport to meet Eloise.

The ten-hour flight hadn't taken its toll on him. If anything, he looked more dashing than ever. Ravenna had known many men, and she knew how to read them. Harvey looked like a man well cared for, in love and in health.

Eloise had given him so much. And Ravenna was green with envy. But beyond the green monster of envy, there was something far more pressing on her agenda – a plea for mercy.

Ravenna figured that no man could resist a beautiful woman in distress. Even if Harvey was head over heels for Eloise, all Ravenna needed was to strike a pitiful pose, and his heart would surely melt. Perhaps she could even drive a wedge between them.

Ravenna approached him with a tentative, "Mr. Horigan?"

Harvey had spotted her from a mile away, and at the sound of his name, he paused in stride. Fishing out a cigarette, he lit it with a practiced flick of his lighter. "Ms. Ravenna, is there something you need?"

His tone was polite but distant. Ravenna wasn't deterred. She put on a heart-wrenching look and whispered, "Call me Ravenna, please! After all, Eloise and I go way back."

Under the cloak of night, Harvey's smile didn't quite reach his eyes.

Without missing a beat, Ravenna continued, "Harvey, I think Eloise might have gotten the wrong idea about me!"

Harvey's brow furrowed. He cut straight to the chase. "Only Eloise gets to call me Harvey! Ms. Ravenna, show some self-respect."

Ravenna was momentarily at a loss for words, but she had a thick skin and managed a strained smile. "You two seem so close! Mr. Horigan, I need to ask you something. I think Eloise might have misunderstood me. She's taken to having me followed everywhere I go, and it's quite inconvenient!"

Harvey's gaze was piercing. The mature intensity in his eyes made Ravenna's knees weak.

Then, Harvey let out a soft chuckle, "Is Eloise being that terrible?"

Ravenna couldn't quite gauge his sentiment.