Tangled Temptations

Eloise's presence commanded the room as she fixed Tiara with an icy stare that seemed to chill the air around her.

Tiara squirmed, clearly struggling to maintain her poise under the weight of Eloise's disapproval.

A sly smile curved Ravenna's crimson lips. "Eloise, darling, you once told me I couldn't keep anyone's interest. Well, I'm returning the sentiment. Sure, Tiara's under your wing, but she's still free to make her own friends, isn't she?"

"That's right, Ms. Ravenna!" chimed in a voice from the crowd.

Eloise's laugh was light, almost dismissive. "I've missed your wit, Ravenna. But I've heard your ventures are more often stuck in the mud than not. I do hope your business acumen catches up to your sharp tongue."

Having delivered her barb, Eloise gracefully extricated herself from the exchange.

Ravenna watched Eloise go, Harvey protectively by her side, and she knew better than to start a scene. This was a game Ravenna couldn't afford to lose.

Jealousy nipped at her, prompting a snide, "Just you wait," shot in Tiara's direction.

Tiara hesitated before speaking, "Ms. Ravenna, you're just in need of some cash. With the right funding, what can't you launch? And when that happens, you will be pleased."

Tiara's words struck a nerve, and Ravenna pondered them just as Dwight swept in with Blake, the charismatic number eight race car driver, Jacob, in tow.

Tiara wasted no time in making introductions, giving Ravenna a special mention. "This is my former boss, Ms. Ravenna, the brains behind several big-ticket projects."noveldrama

With the Arellano family's vast wealth, Dwight was hardly impressed, but Jacob was all ears.

Jacob was tall, with eyes that promised mischief. He and Ravenna exchanged glances that spoke volumes. In no time, they reached an unspoken agreement.

Half an hour later, they were entwined in each other's arms in a hotel suite, their passion as intense as it was fleeting.

Post-coital and draped across the bed, Jacob lit a cigarette while Ravenna nestled into his shoulder, both physically and emotionally sated. Yet, she knew well that Jacob was a player, and their connection was purely carnal.

After a brief rest, their desire reignited, leading to another round of fervor.

When Jacob emerged from the shower, Ravenna didn't bother with modesty, casually inquiring if there would be a "next time."

He responded noncommittally, his attention seemingly elsewhere. "We'll see. I'll call you if I'm free."

Ravenna slipped into a robe, buttoning up his shirt for him, her voice low and teasing, "Do you have other women?"

His chuckle was his only reply.

She had other motives for their tryst and pressed him further, "Have you been with Tiara?"

Jacob frowned, distancing himself, "She's the club owner's girl."

That set Ravenna at ease. Tiara's words held truth.

Buckling his belt, Jacob teased, "Jealous?"

Ravenna's gaze was all allure as she propositioned him with a film role that suited

him perfectly—a race car driver, a part still uncast.

Jacob paused, cigarette in hand, considering.

Ravenna stopped dodging around the topic and said straightforwardly, "The project is short of funds. Tiara said you guys make money fast here, but I don't totally believe her. If I let you be the male lead, we're in this together, I believe you wouldn't stab me in the back."

Jacob didn't immediately agree. He said he had no acting experience.

Ravenna eased closer, her voice seductive, "With acting coaches at your

disposal, what's there to fear? With your looks and this film, I can guarantee you'll be a star."

He took his time, his answer not immediate.

Jacob left the suite, but the party was still going on.

Tiara passed by Jacob with an inscrutable smile.

His gaze finally settled on a stunning woman in conversation with Dwight and Blake in a secluded corner of the banquet hall. The woman, Eloise, radiated a sophisticated charm.

Approaching, Jacob greeted them with a casual "Dwight, Blake... Ms. Laurent!"

Dwight, arm around his wife, waved him over and made formal introductions. Jacob tossed his pack of cigarettes onto a side table, his smile teasing, "Ms. Laurent, your reputation precedes you!"

Dwight coughed, detecting the underlying jibe. "Easy, Jacob. Blake's right here."

Blake's smile was indulgent. "I don't mind. Landon was far more pathetic when he was wooing Eloise."

Dwight feigned outrage, reaching for Blake's neck. "Who else has a wife as generous as you... Blake, do you love me or Eloise more?"

Blake's laughter was serene.

As Dwight was pulled away to mingle, Eloise and Jacob were left alone. Jacob's gaze grew bolder. "I've sacrificed so much for you, Ms. Laurent. How will you thank me?"

Eloise met his eyes, her response measured as she slid a check across the table. "For Mr. Velona's troubles."

“The remaining half, upon successful completion of our arrangement."

Jacob looked at the check-twenty million-and smirked, "Ms. Laurent, you're quite generous."

Standing, Eloise adjusted her Dior shawl, her tone even, “When money can solve a problem, I see no need for personal sacrifices."

With that, she vanished into the throng of guests, leaving Jacob contemplating the check and the allure of a smart woman who didn't bat an eye at his interest-a rarity worth pursuing.

Outside the gleaming façade of the five-star Grandeur Hotel, a sleek black SUV was waiting patiently. Eloise, with her assistant in tow, emerged from the grand

entrance.

The car door swung open. Harvey stepped out and swept his wife into his arms, his voice tender as he murmured, "Get in the car, love!"

Eloise smiled back at him. Ever since she learned of his regained memory, her eyes sparkled with an added warmth and affection.

It pleased Harvey, yet, he couldn't help feeling a twinge of jealousy. After closing the door for her, he made his way around the vehicle, his peripheral vision catching sight of a figure standing by the entrance.

Harvey recognized the man. Jacob, the illegitimate son of a certain tycoon from Rossland, leading a life of debauchery. The tycoon's legitimate son died in a car accident. Jacob was clearly the only heir, but he still refused to take over the family business, choosing to wander aimlessly instead.

Their eyes locked for a moment. Jacob responded with a light, almost mocking, chuckle, kissing a check he had just pulled from his pocket.

Harvey let out a derisive snort.

...

The SUV cruised homeward.

Eloise was unaffected by the encounter. Rather, she seemed to be in high spirits due to some progress in her own affairs.

Harvey stole glances at her throughout the ride. Her curiosity was piqued by the frequency of his stares. She couldn't resist asking, "Why do you keep looking at me?"

"You're beautiful," he said simply.

At a red light, Harvey brought the car to a stop and turned to face her.

Having known Eloise for nearly eight years, Harvey felt changed, both physically and emotionally, but his wife was more alluring than ever - and pregnant to boot. Other men's envy was palpable. And then there was the matter with Jacob... Eloise read his thoughts, feigning preoccupation with her shawl. "I have no such intentions! Besides... do you really think I'm so indiscriminate, Harvey?"

Of course, Harvey knew better. She had so many opportunities over the years, only choosing to remain with him.

He brushed her soft cheek with his fingers, his voice low. "I'm jealous! I wish I could keep you locked away, Mrs. Horigan."

Such straightforward emotional expression was always appreciated by women. Eloise was no exception. She blushed, gaze averted. "Stop being so cheesy!" Harvey cupped her head, drawing her into a passionate kiss that set the winter night ablaze.

Honking from the cars behind snapped them out of the moment. Eloise pushed him away, her face burning. Harvey's fingers traced her lips and whispered hoarsely, "They're just jealous."

Eloise could only roll her eyes as Harvey chuckled and restarted the engine.

They were back home, well into the night. Eloise went to check on the children. Harvey brewed her some ginger tea.

After she settled into the study, she began browsing through some documents on the computer. Harvey placed the tea beside her, his lips brushing the corner of her mouth. "Are the kids asleep?"

Thinking of the cuddly children, Eloise felt a softness within her. She hummed an affirmation, sipping her ginger tea while continuing her research.

Harvey felt a pang of sympathy. Embracing her from behind, he nuzzled her ear. "How about you let the little one in your belly rest, too, Ms. Laurent?”

He always had a teasing tone when he called her Ms. Laurent.

Eloise knew he was still hung up on Jacob. She looked up at him. "Is it really that important to you? I'll stop seeing him then."

Harvey trusted her and didn't want to show weakness. Playing with her earlobe, he feigned indifference. "He's just a kid. He doesn't concern me!"

His words were laced with undeniable jealousy.

Eloise remained silent, finishing her tea, but Harvey was determined to prove his allure surpassed that of any younger man. He scooped her up and headed for the bedroom. Eloise clung to his neck, protesting, "I have important things to handle."

"Mrs. Horigan," Harvey murmured as he kissed her, "this is important too."

Eloise had no retort. She surrendered to his affection, knowing well what her husband enjoyed. The atmosphere turned passionate.

Harvey left only the bedside lamp on. He was gentle and unhurried, and Eloise

had to admit she reveled in the experience.

Such was the nature of marriage. When the visuals and feelings aligned, everything was right.

Afterward, nestled in his arms, Eloise whispered, "I can't even get up to take care of business now."

Harvey's laughter was wicked.

Still, come morning, Eloise was up early, returning to the study to continue her research. A thick stack of printed documents awaited her, exactly what she needed. Atop the files was a fresh white rose, dew still glistening upon it.

Eloise picked up the rose, inhaling its scent, and couldn't help but marvel at Harvey's energy. He was 36, yet where did he find the stamina for wild nights, late work, and early morning runs?

He was superhuman!

Her phone buzzed. It was Jacob.

Eloise answered, "What's up?"

Jacob's voice carried a nonchalant edge. "There's a big race next month. Big bets

on Dwight winning it all."

Eloise listened quietly.

Jacob, lounging on a hotel sofa, glanced at Dwight and continued, "Truth be told,

ever since he got hitched, he's lost his edge. If it weren't for me letting him win, he wouldn't have any championship titles."

Eloise cut to the chase, "Get to the point!"

Jacob chuckled, "I could bleed Ms. Ravenna dry in this race! How will you thank

me, Ms. Laurent?"

With an indifferent tone, Eloise retorted, "Aren't you already reaping both money

and pleasure? What more do you want?"

Her implication was clear: look elsewhere.

Jacob caught her drift, "Alright, alright, just joking! For Dwight's sake, I'll help you."

Eloise rolled her eyes discreetly.

Jacob hung up the phone and caressed his lips, smirking to himself. Dwight, busy texting his wife, warned without looking up, "I'm telling you, Eloise is

married, and Harvey is no pushover. Stop messing with her, or I'll have Blake crying to me every night, and I can't handle that."

Jacob leaned back, his body relaxed, and a playful glint in his eyes. "If it weren't

for you, I might've actually tried to conquer her." He thought a fling with a woman like her would be thrilling.

Dwight stood up, tapping him with the phone. "Don't even think about it! She's not

like your other playthings."

Jacob didn't believe it.

Dwight knew better, sensing Jacob's half-serious interest. He strolled to the window; a half-smirk on his face. "Jacob, back in the day, it was half jest, half earnest for me! But Blake's brother, Landon, was in deep he had a thing for Eloise for years, but it

never panned out. That's love for you, man-timing is everything. A minute too late or an ounce of

feeling short, and it's a no-go.

In Peterborough, there were certain taboos you just didn't break. One of them?

Speaking of Landon's torch for Eloise.

Harvey must've been torn up about it all these years. That was why the two had

probably met up less than three times in total.

Dwight finished speaking, then turned his head with a gentle swivel.

"I had a crush on Eloise too, but I'm

sure now what I feel is familial. She's like a sister to me, Jacob. You can mess around with anyone else, but steer clear of Eloise. Believe me, if you don't, you're the one who's gonna end up hurt."

Jacob shrugged nonchalantly. "Got it."

He was about to head out to practice driving when Dwight said, "Blake and I are

heading back to Rossland. See you at the race next month."

With that, Dwight was gone.

Jacob sat alone for a while, mulling over Dwight's words. But he had a rebellious

streak. He ordered a bouquet of roses to be delivered to Eloise's villa during dinner time.

That evening, Orlena was with Eloise when the flowers arrived. Orlena's eyes

nearly popped out of her head, stumbling over her words, "Eloise, looks like

you've got an admirer!"

She then glanced awkwardly at Eloise's stomach.

Eloise was both annoyed and amused. She knew this was one of Jacob's pranks;

the guy didn't harbor any real feelings for her he was just bored out of his mind.

Eloise had the roses tossed out.

She made a call to Tiara, and once connected, she whispered an instruction.