Tangled Temptations

On the way back by car, the streetlights illuminated the scene.

Eloise leaned back in her seat. A blush crept up her cheeks as she thought about how they'd neglected their children for their passionate sex.

Harvey would occasionally glance at her. Eloise, with her flushed cheeks, was quite the sight.

The phone rang. He picked it up. It was Donny, Brett's right-hand man.

After exchanging pleasantries, Donny got straight to the point, "Harvey, that Ms. Ravenna somehow got wind of Mr. Brett's whereabouts and she's scheming to meet him."

Harvey held the phone, asking, "What did Brett say?"

Donny chuckled. "Mr. Brett's plan is to watch and wait. Those coal tycoons in Southern River have their fair share of skeletons in the closet. We need solid evidence to uproot them completely. Otherwise, it's just a futile attempt."

Although Donny spoke lightheartedly, Harvey could sense the ruthlessness of him and Brett, who were known for their thoroughness.

He nodded. "Alright, I'll leave it to Brett then. Right, Daniel... okay, I'll have Eloise bring him over tomorrow."

He ended the call without mentioning Ravenna, because she was such a real stinker He simply said, "Brett misses Daniel. You should take him to the hotel tomorrow."

Eloise hummed in agreement.

Harvey studied her for a moment before clearing his throat, "Are you still upset?"

Eloise turned her face away, uncomfortable.

Harvey didn't push her to talk. He simply held her hand gently, asking, "Eloise, you were acting differently today. Was it because of the alcohol or something about the apartment?"

If it was the apartment, they could always go there again.

Eloise blushed with embarrassment.

Harvey chuckled lightly. He thought, falling for Eloise back then must have been easy.

She was quite the stubborn one.

...

Ravenna, having pulled several strings, finally managed to make contact with Brockville's Mr. Brett. After much effort, she managed to speak to Mr. Brett's secretary. She anxiously asked, "Donny, could you please ask Mr. Brett if he has a moment to see me?"

Donny smiled. He was a master of tone. "Mr. Brett has a private schedule today. He's not seeing anyone."

Ravenna was desperate. She was a good-looking woman in her early 30s. She pressed herself against Donny, insinuating that she was willing to offer something in return for a successful meeting.

Donny had seen it all before. He gently held Ravenna, saying kindly, "Ravenna, this is a principle I can't break."

He pondered for a moment before saying, "Since we come from the same hometown, your husband's affairs are also mine. How about this?I'll take you in. You can plead your case to Mr. Brett."

Ravenna was grateful. She walked behind Donny to a suite with four black-suited bodyguards at the door.

Ravenna was cunning. She thought if she could win over Mr. Brett, all resources would be within her grasp and expanding her own business would be a breeze.

Donny pushed the door open.

Inside the spacious suite, all was quiet. On the carpet, a man and a child were playing with building blocks.

The man looked to be in his early 40s, handsome and sophisticated. His expression could even be described as gentle, which was a stark contrast to the ruthless reputation he held outside.

The child appeared to be around four years old. His skin was smooth. He was quite delicate-looking and there was something... strangely familiar about him.

Donny bowed slightly, whispering, "Mr. Brett, this is Ms. Ravenna. She has a favor to ask."

Brett didn't even lift his head. His tone was slightly reproachful. “Didn't I say no visitors today?"

Donny stood awkwardly.

Ravenna quickly begged, "Mr. Brett, I know you're busy. I'm here for my husband's sake. I won't let you help for nothing..."

Brett finally looked up. He observed the woman in front of him. She was decent-

looking, but her eyes and brows revealed her calculating nature.

He wouldn't let anyone who dared to harm Eloise off the hook.

Brett smiled, rising to sit on the sofa as Donny served water.

Just then, Daniel voiced his dissatisfaction. His little face was full of complaint. "Brett, aren't you going to play with me anymore?"

Brett was taken aback. This kid was just calling him dad! He squatted down again, patient with the little boy.

Ravenna took the opportunity to pull out a gift from her bag, handing it to Daniel.

Daniel, having grown up in poverty, asked Brett, "Brett, can this buy a lot of smoothie?"

Brett patted his little head. "You should drink less sugary drinks!"

Daniel sniffled, playing with his toy while saying, "Mommy can't afford it. She always buys one for me... She never treats herself."

Brett's expression twisted slightly.

Ravenna whispered something in his ear, but he didn't pay attention. He just waved for Donny to handle it.

Donny was an expert at handling people. After some sweet talk, Ravenna believed she'd won over Brett.

Exiting the suite, Donny was courteous. Ravenna was full of gratitude, treating Donny as one of her own. As she descended the stairs, she was convinced of her bright future. Even her nouveau riche husband didn't seem all that appealing.

Coincidentally, Eloise was on the first floor of the hotel. She was seated, sipping coffee across from Orlena.

Ravenna thought she and Eloise were now in the same social class. She deliberately walked over. "Eloise, what a surprise to bump into you here."

Eloise watched Ravenna, with mixed feelings. If not for Ravenna's meddling, she wouldn't have been taken away by Harvey yesterday, and Harvey wouldn't be treating jealousy as a daily routine.

The problem between them was clearly his. Now, it had become related to an old tale between Eloise and Max.

Ravenna sneered, "Eloise, you're just enjoying the glamour. Who knows how bitter you're feeling inside! I'm sure Harvey will get fed up with you sooner or later and the Horigan family won't hesitate to throw you out."

Orlena was stunned. She thought, "Who is this crazy woman?"

Eloise simply offered a faint smile, not engaging with her banter.

Just then, Donny came down with a child who ran straight into Orlena's arms, softly calling her mom.

Ravenna visibly paused. Why would the child in Mr. Brett's suite call Orlena mom?

Donny chuckled. "Ms. Ravenna, do you know each other? Allow me to introduce Eloise. She's Mr. Brett's niece and also the young lady of the Noland family."

Ravenna's face turned pale. She knew Eloise had connections, but she didn't expect her to be related to Mr. Brett.

Just then, Brett came downstairs. He first patted the little guy's head, and then looked at Eloise, chiding, "Why can't you take care of yourself like Daniel? You're freezing and yet you're showing off your legs all for the sake of looking pretty!" noveldrama

After saying that, he took off his jacket and draped it over Eloise's legs. Afterward,

he affectionately ruffled her hair, just like what he did with Daniel.

Before Eloise could respond, Brett had already left with Donny. Once in the car, he sent a text to Orlena, [Jealous?]

Orlena initially didn't want to respond, but she couldn't resist. She's not jealous!

It was a while before Brett's reply came through. [Eloise is my niece. You're jealous of her too?]

Orlena rolled her eyes. He deliberately gave Eloise his jacket, didn't he? Just to send this pointless text, right?

One person seemed to care a whole lot about it. It was Ravenna. She originally looked down on Eloise, but after witnessing the high-ranking Mr. Brett showing her such affection, treating her like a child, she felt an intense pang of jealousy! Why did Eloise always get everything?

She was mentally unstable, but she had such a powerful family to back her up. No

wonder Harvey would stuck around!

Eloise took a sip of her coffee. She offered a faint smile. "Ravenna, it might be

best for your husband to divorce you now. It's the only way to save your assets."

Ravenna gritted her teeth. "Eloise, are you doing this on purpose?"

Eloise looked down and after a while, met Ravenna's gaze. "You ruined Veronica's family years agoz You have a good life after getting married, but you still want to hurt others and seduce Harvey. Ravenna, let me ask you, are you doing this on purpose?"

Ravenna was left speechless. Just then, she received a private message from

Donny, suggesting that Mr. Brett was willing to cooperate with her husband

despite the family ties.

Ravenna immediately cheered up. She closed her phone and looked at Eloise smugly. "We'll see!"

Once she left, Eloise watched her retreating figure. Orlena quietly asked, "Eloise, is there something between you and her?"

Eloise shook her head, and after a while, she said, "I despise her! She really hurt

Veronica back then, and now she's up to her old tricks again. People like her never change!"

She didn't want to talk more about it and handed Brett's jacket to Orlena.

Orlena looked puzzled. Eloise just smiled faintly. "Brett meant to give it to you. He

just used me as an excuse. He doesn't want you to be cold!"

Orlena's cheeks turned slightly red. She held the jacket, which was filled with a

man's scent, and felt something hard in the pocket.

When she reached in, she found a velvet box.

She gently opened it...