Tangled Temptations novel Chapter 401

Eloise picked up the phone with a sigh. On the other end was Mr. Velona, his voice fraught with urgency. "Tell me, Eloise, this scandal with Ms. Ravenna—it won't touch Jacob, will it?"

"No way," Eloise replied with a calm chuckle. "Whatever Ms. Ravenna got herself into has got nothing to do with Jacob. You can rest easy, Mr. Velona."

Mr. Velona let out a breath he didn't realize he'd been holding. "Eloise, I only have this one son left," he lamented.

Eloise wasn't in the best of spirits herself, but she had made a promise to Jacob, so she mustered her energy to parry words with Mr. Velona. "If he's that precious, then you'd better treasure him properly," she said, her voice laced with double meaning.

A man like Mr. Velona, sharp as a tack, wasn't going to miss the subtlety in her tone. After a few more exchanges, the call ended.

Meanwhile, Veronica had finally gathered her wits. The realization hit her like a lightning bolt—Ms. Ravenna, that troublemaker was truly done for. She and Eloise would never have to deal with her again. Clenching her teeth, Veronica hissed, "She finally got what was coming to her."

Perhaps it was the surge of emotion, but Veronica suddenly stepped forward and hugged Eloise tightly. Tears streamed down her cheeks as she whispered, "Thank you, Eloise. Thank you for dealing with that bitch."

Eloise knew Veronica better than anyone. She gently patted her friend's shoulder and wiped away her tears. "Silly, there's nothing to thank me for," she said tenderly.

Veronica's eyes remained glistening with tears. In the background, Harvey and Riley exchanged glances before stepping out.

Riley pulled out his pack of cigarettes, tapped one out, and offered it to Harvey. "Sorry you had to see that mess," he said.

Harvey accepted the cigarette and lit it with a small smile. Over the years, he'd gotten to know Veronica quite well. Of all the friends that had come and gone in Eloise's life, Veronica was the best, at least among the ladies. As for the men, there was always Landon.

Harvey's thoughts were interrupted as Riley bumped his shoulder and asked, "With the third one on the way, are you thinking about a fourth?”

Harvey shot him a look. “Once this one’s born, we’re planning some quality two-person time.”

Riley couldn’t help but feel a hint of envy. He and Veronica had always wanted a little girl, but luck hadn’t been on their side.

Harvey clapped Riley on the shoulder. “Let’s grab some dinner.”

Dinner was actually more of a celebration. Eloise was pregnant, so they ended up at a cozy place known for its nourishing hot stew, the kind that warmed you through and through.

After the meal, Harvey took Eloise back to their villa. She had a habit of taking a nap after lunch, and he stayed by her side until she drifted off. Then, as quietly as he could, he slipped away to the study to get some work done.

Parker was getting on in years and preferred spending time with his grandkids. These days, Harvey wasn’t just keeping an eye on Everest Technologies but also managing parts of Horigan Inc. During the busiest times, he wished he’d had a few more sons. Yes, sons. In his eyes, little girls were to be cherished, especially his own daughter.

The study was a quiet sanctuary. As he pored over the stack of documents Denise had sent over, the door creaked open. A tuft of brown curls peeked in.

Pretending not to know who it was, Harvey called out, “Who’s at the door?”

“Shh, Daddy,” whispered Linda as she crept in, gesturing for silence before ducking under his desk. Stretching out his legs, Harvey created a seat for his little one, who promptly curled up on them, clutching his knees like Harry Potter on his broomstick.

“Don’t tell anyone I’m here, Daddy. Luca and Darrien are looking for me.” Linda said in her soft, sleepy voice, snuggling up. She was the spitting image of Eloise, and just looking at her filled Harvey with joy.

He stroked her brown curls and whispered back, “I won’t tell.”

Linda hugged him tightly, her affection and trust evident. Harvey would have loved nothing more than to cuddle her right then and there, but she’s playing hide and seek, so he continued his work with Linda resting peacefully on his legs.

Meanwhile, Luca and Darrien’s footsteps could be heard outside the door.

Looking down at his precious daughter, now sound asleep, Harvey gently covered her with a blanket.

Darrien toddled in, pointing excitedly, “Linda.”

Luca, holding his little chubby hand, knew better than to interrupt Harvey’s work.

Harvey caught Luca’s eye and smiled warmly. “Luca, bring Darrien here.”

With a soft “Oh,” Luca carried his little brother to the couch and settled him with a picture book.

Harvey gestured Luca to a chair across from him. “Take a seat here,” he said quietly.

Luca did as he was told, sitting up straight as a rod. Harvey slid a file across the desk—a minor investment for Everest Technologies, a mere 40 million or so. “This one’s yours to handle,” Harvey said softly.

Luca was overwhelmed, counting the zeros behind the numbers. Harvey kept reviewing documents, his tone casual. “When Darrien’s at your age, he’ll need to learn about these things too.”

Luca was still a kid at heart. He didn’t understand, his eyes welling up with tears, but he bravely sifted through the data, learning how to navigate search engines and analyze market information. Business was a mystery, but his shoulders bore a weight far beyond his years.

As this went on, Darrien was content with his picture book, and Linda was nestled on her father’s lap, dreaming sweetly.

When Linda awoke, she saw Luca poring over the file, back ramrod straight, while her father watched with a stern gaze. Rubbing her eyes, she snuggled into Harvey’s embrace. She couldn’t help but feel that Luca was like some young apprentice her dad had brought to work—a young child already burdened with responsibilities.

Looking up at her father with wide, innocent eyes, Linda silently pleaded for an explanation. Harvey knew exactly what little schemes were running through her head, but he played along, pressing a kiss to the top of the eager little head. “Go freshen up and take Darrien downstairs for a snack.”

Linda’s eyes brimmed with tears. Only Darrien bounced cheerfully down the stairs.

...

Eloise had slept like a log.

Suddenly, a cuddly little presence was under the covers, a fluffy bundle nuzzling gently at her neck. She woke to find a cherubic little face staring back at her.

“Mommy.” Linda wrapped her arms around Eloise’s neck, planting a soft kiss on her.

Eloise gently stroked her little body. Linda’s squirms were a whisper of comfort as she snuggled closer to her mother, snitching in the process. “Luca’s been put to work.”

Eloise was surprised and couldn’t help but find it both exasperating and amusing. She knew Harvey adored the kids, but his expectations were high. Yet she hadn’t anticipated him starting Luca on his corporate pathfinder training so young—and with hands-on experience, no less.

Eloise kissed Linda back. “Go get your dad. Tell him Mommy wants to see him in the bedroom.”

With her mission clear, Linda scampered off, cautious not to let the cold in as she slipped from beneath the covers. She stood at the door to the study, her cheeks flushed and voice booming as she called out, “Daddy, Mommy wants you.”

Harvey closed his files. He stared at Linda, a knowing glint in his eyes; she had ratted him out. Glancing at Luca, he smiled.

As he passed Linda, he ruffled her hair. “Take Luca downstairs for a bite. No coming upstairs for two hours.”

Linda’s eyes sparkled as she grabbed Luca’s hand, and they dashed downstairs.