Tangled Temptations novel Chapter 397

Veronica was the first to hop into the car.

Orlena helped Eloise into the vehicle, and Veronica's nerve broke. "Oh, Eloise, I'm so sorry. I totally botched your plan. The moment I laid eyes on that witch, I just saw red. Forget working together, I can't even stand the sight of her without feeling physically sick."

She was profusely apologetic, pulling at Eloise's hand, trying to play the cute card. But after all these years, Eloise knew her all too well.

Eloise gave a small, knowing smile. "Don't apologize just yet. You actually did us a huge favor today."

Huh? Veronica was puzzled. "I did a huge favor?"

Eloise gently touched her chest where, once upon a time, a chandelier had grazed her, leaving a faint, delicate scar. It throbbed occasionally, a constant reminder of what Ravenna had done to her.

Eloise's voice was soft as she explained to Veronica that being too quick to make amends wouldn't have seemed genuine.

Veronica didn't fully grasp the complexity, but she trusted Eloise. If Eloise said she had done well, then that was good enough, and she puffed up with pride.

Eloise treated her to a lavish meal.

After a couple of drinks, Veronica was tipsy and light-headed on her way home. Riley came to pick her up. He steadied his inebriated wife and offered Eloise an embarrassed greeting. "Sorry about this, Eloise. We're quite the spectacle, aren't we?"

Eloise and Orlena stood at the restaurant entrance. Even while pregnant, Eloise looked radiant and undeniably feminine in her loose-fitting down coat.

Eloise ran her fingers through her brown hair and smiled gently. "Better get her home."

Riley nodded to both women before helping Veronica into the car. Inside, the car was warm, and the alcohol made Veronica feel even hotter. She took off her coat and kissed Riley passionately.

Years of marriage hadn't dampened Riley's interest in his wife's body, but the public street was hardly an appropriate place for intimacy.

He kissed her back reassuringly, his voice husky, "Let's talk about it at home."

Veronica giggled against his cheek. "Honey, I did something great today."

Riley patiently listened as Veronica recounted how she had laid into Ravenna, and then gushed, "Eloise praised me."

Riley was both amused and exasperated by his silly wife. She had played right into Eloise's hands, acting the part Eloise had expected, allowing Ravenna to lower her guard. All the while, Eloise had convinced her she was a hero.

And yet, Riley couldn't help but feel a little nostalgic. Eloise had really changed. He remembered how innocent she had been when they first met. Her only desire was for love.

Time had truly altered her.

He couldn't decide whether this change was good or bad, but it was clear that Harvey adored her for it.

Meanwhile...

Harvey also arrived to take his wife and sister home. He dropped Orlena off at the Horigan Mansion first.

Orlena and Brett's wedding was set for after the New Year, and she planned to take Daniel to Brockville for a family reunion.

As the car rolled into the Horigan Mansion and parked, Orlena got out. Harvey followed and called out to her.

"Harvey," Orlena said, her voice tentative.

Harvey ruffled her hair, speaking softly, "When are you leaving? I'll send a private jet. And remember, being at your in-laws’ house isn't the same as being at home. Don't be too headstrong, and if there's any trouble, you come straight to us, okay?"

Orlena glanced back at the car where Eloise was lowering a window, watching her with tender concern. A warm feeling surged in Orlena, and she nodded. "I'm leaving on New Year's Eve. Don't worry, I've got this."

"Alright then, get inside before you catch a cold," Harvey advised.

Orlena sprinted back to the house.

Harvey returned to the car, prompting Eloise to close the window as he started the engine and said, "Can't believe Orlena is getting married. Feels like just yesterday she was a little girl."

He felt bittersweet. Linda was still a little girl, and so was the child Eloise was carrying. Harvey's emotions were a mix of happiness and apprehension, joy for his little girl's future, but dread at the thought of her eventually leaving for someone else's home.