Tangled Temptations novel Chapter 403

Orlena couldn't help but feel a flutter of surprise. The Noland household was one of means, with staff aplenty to cater to her every whim. Yet, it was the savory bagels from the local breakfast joint that had haunted her cravings for so many years. Especially during her pregnancy with Daniel, her desire for those scones bordered on obsession. Back then, she'd often nibble on plain bread with a side of tears, cursing Brett for his cold-hearted absence.

Now, with a gleam in her eye and a touch of trepidation, Orlena slipped a hand from beneath the cozy duvet and whispered, "Did you go for a run to get these?"

Brett hummed in affirmation. Then, patting her head, he teased with a touch of fastidiousness, "At least brush your teeth and wash your face before you dig in."

Accustomed to a laid-back routine, Orlena didn't want to appear slovenly in his eyes and thought about getting up. But as soon as she swung a leg out of bed, she regretted it. Her soft and sultry voice pleaded, "Brett, could you bring me a shirt?"

He didn't move, his gaze somehow meaningful.

Flushing, she urged, "Hurry up."

Brett leaned in to kiss her, his voice husky, "Wear my shirt." He fetched a crisp white shirt from the closet. Orlena slipped into it, the fresh scent of laundry still lingering. She casually pulled her long hair out from the collar. Looking up, she caught Brett's gaze and felt her cheeks warm. She scurried into the bathroom.

When she emerged, Brett had set up breakfast at the cozy dining table in the living room. The servants had also brought a breakfast, likely his favorite.

Orlena bit into the bagel, the rich flavors instantly satisfying her palate. Perhaps it was the afterglow of the previous night's passion, but she felt utterly content and languid.

After eating half a bagel, she looked up at Brett, who was sipping coffee and browsing the morning paper.

Orlena, sipping on her soy milk with a hint of diva-like flair, teased, "At your age, shouldn't you be focusing on your health instead of drinking coffee like my brother?"

Brett lowered the newspaper, his gaze lingering on her for a moment before he chuckled, "What is my supposed age?"

Sensing his playful mood, Orlena dared not provoke him further and quietly enjoyed her soy milk.

Brett was almost finished with his meal. He spoke softly, "If you want to sleep in, go ahead. Daniel's with Mum; they're probably at the supermarket by now. She’s got a grandson to brag about, after all."

Orlena fretted, "That doesn't seem right."

"What's not right about it?" Brett smiled indulgently. "I like to spoil you."

The memory of the prior evening's intimacy made him kiss her again before he whispered, "I'll come back and have lunch with you."

She, of course, wanted his company, but also remembered how busy he was. Embracing him, she said softly, "Tracey's here, too. Have lunch at the office, and we can have dinner together in the evening."

"That works," Brett said, embracing her slender waist.

As much as they yearned for each other, he had to leave for the office. Outside, Donny awaited by the car, and playfully complimented, "You're positively glowing today, sir."

Brett slid into the car, adjusting his tie, and asked casually, "Am I?"

Donny, all smiles, affirmed, "Absolutely. You're in such a good mood."

Brett gave him a pointed look but couldn't deny his happiness, both physically and emotionally.

At the office, his staff, aware of his girlfriend and son's arrival, were eager to celebrate with a treat, jokingly pressuring him for a meal or sweets.

Donny mock-scolded, "You are getting too bold, aren't you? Making jokes about Mr. Brett?"

But Brett waved it off, telling his staff to work hard and promising them that Donny would allocate funds for them to enjoy later. As for the sweets, he assured them there would be plenty to go around.

The employees showered him with flattery before he and Donny retreated to the office.

The young engineers and clerical staff gathered, buzzing with excitement. Rumors swirled that Mr. Brett's girlfriend was a model.

“Could Mr. Brett really be with a model?”

“Oh, you haven't heard? She's from the high society of Peterborough. To her, showbiz is just a game... And after all, Mr. Brett wouldn't settle for anyone less than a stunning and exceptional woman, would he?”

Their chatter died down at the mention of Stephanie, Brett's former flame, known for her lingering feelings for him.

Speculation about her reaction was cut short as Stephanie herself appeared, with a grace that betrayed none of her inner turmoil.

Despite the prosthetic hand she now wore, Brett had shown mercy for old times' sake, allowing her a clerical position, far from the secrets she once held.

Today, Stephanie was dressed elegantly in a silk blouse and coat, with sheepskin boots and a classic Dior pearl necklace, though Brett seemed uninterested.

She forced a smile. "I overheard them downstairs. Ms. Horigan is in Brockville for the holidays. You must be pleased."

Brett, who had long treated her as invisible, only showed a flicker of response at Orlena's mention. He gestured for Donny to exit and, once alone, lit a cigarette with a profound look. "Stephanie, sparing you wasn't just for old times' sake. It was because Orlena was unharmed. I thought losing a hand might have made you see sense."

Stephanie's voice echoed with a hint of sorrow, "Brett, how could you be so heartless?"

They had had their good times, after all, but in his eyes, only Orlena mattered. She had lost her hand, for heaven's sake.

Brett took a harsh drag on his cigarette, stubbed it out, and pulled up Stephanie's file. He stared at her and said earnestly, "Stephanie, you're not a fit for this place anymore. I'll draft a transfer for you to a subsidiary. The terms there won't be any worse than here. I reckon you'll be happier in a new environment."

He signed the transfer papers, sending her off to Dawson.

Stephanie inhaled sharply. "So, just because she's here, I have to clear out, right? Brett, you're kicking me out of Brockville, too, aren't you?"

Brett's tone was indifferent, "It's for the best, for both of us."

His mind was made up, and she couldn't change it.

When Stephanie left with her transfer orders, Donny was at the door, asking out of habit how she was, as her face was pale. Stephanie didn't even look at him.

Donny was puzzled, but then Brett came out.

Dealing with women always left a bitter taste. Without saying a word, Donny could guess most of what happened and offered a faint smile. "She will come around eventually."

Brett stopped in his tracks and said softly, "Donny, do you know what I regret the most? Having too many women before I met Orlena. If I'd known one day I'd want to be with a young girl this much, I would've waited for her, clean slate."

For a man like him, physical needs were never that important. Those flings were just to pass the time. He never took them to heart, but he knew Orlena would care. There wasn't a woman who wouldn't.

Donny offered some words of comfort.