Tangled Temptations

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.

Eloise was oblivious to his inner turmoil, her mind still on Ravenna. As if on cue, Ravenna called. Eloise answered but remained silent.

After a pause, Ravenna's voice came through, "Veronica won't forgive me, but what about you, Eloise? Aside from my affair with Max, I've done nothing to wrong you."

In the car's din interior, Eloise held the phone, expressionless, yet her voice was calm, "Ravenna, you should know I'm not concerned w

petty feelings but with status.

want to mend fences, I'm opth

but I need to see your sincerity."

to it,

Ravenna was momentarily taken aback. She was smart enough to catch Eloise's

drift. Eloise was asking her to be a lackey.

In the social circles of Peterborough,

not all society ladies held the same status; the one who was the center of attention wielded the most power. Ravenna hadn't expected Eloise to fight for that position. Ravenna didn't want to bow to anyone, but at that moment, she needed Eloise's favor.

With her facial muscles twitching, Ravenna finally managed to choke out, "Eloise,

you'll see my sincerity."

Eloise merely chuckled and ended the call.

Harvey guessed what the conversation was about and gently squeezed her hand. Eloise shook her head. "I'm fine. The grudges with her have to be settled sooner or later."

Ravenna's gesture of sincerity arrived promptly the next morning as she appeared at the door with a gift-a necklace worth millions, adorned with sapphires.

Eloise received her in the cozy

parlor, looking comfortable and elegant in a woolen dress with a floral pattern. Surrounded by bodyguards, she regarded the extravagant gift with a detachednoveldrama

gaze, casually setting the necklace on the coffee table after a cursory glance.

"It's quite lovely," she remarked, nonchalantly.

Ravenna clenched her teeth in frustration, hidden behind a forced smile. She told herself she needed to get used to this dismissive attitude. Once she became Mrs. Velona, she wouldn't have to take any flak from Eloise. The tables might just turn.

Ravenna bit her tongue and played it cool. "I remember you have an evening gown that would go perfectly with this piece of jewelry."

Eloise gave a small, knowing smirk. Sipping on the chamomile tea a servant had brought, she cut straight to the chase. "Alright, spit it out. You wouldn't give me such an expensive necklace for nothing. What do you want from me?" Ravenna didn't beat around the bush. "I want to marry into the Velona family." Eloise looked at her, a thoughtful expression crossing her face. Ravenna quickly added, "Jacob may be a playboy, but he's close with Dwight. Eloise, we go way back. You have to do this for me."

Eloise chuckled. "Even Dwight can't force Jacob to marry you."

Ravenna felt slightly humiliated. Swallowing her pride, she pleaded, "Then at least

get me into your social circle. I know there's a party at the Miles estate tomorrow night. All the big shots from Peterborough to Rossland will be there."

Eloise's lips curled slightly. "You want to meet Jacob's father?"

Ravenna didn't deny it.

Eloise got it. Jacob was the prodigal son unwilling to take over the family business. Ravenna wanted to show her virtuous side in front of Mr. Velona to win

his favor, hoping to use him to pressure her way into the family.

If only...

Eloise picked up the velvet box, opened it, and draped the exquisite necklace around her neck, asking Ravenna, "Does it look good?"

Ravenna knew her place and gently fastened it for Eloise from behind. "Stunning."

Eloise's lips twitched into a smile as she instructed a servant, "Call Katherine and tell her I'll be bringing someone to the party tonight."

The servant nodded. "Certainly, I'll make the call right away."

Eloise continued to sip her tea.

Ravenna's emotions were a tangle of flavors. This was an invitation she'd begged

for in vain, yet Eloise only had to send a servant to arrange it with Katherine. Was it their friendship, or did the Miles family just hold Eloise in such high regard? Eloise set down her cup. Her tone was nonchalant as she said, "I did the Miles family a little favor once."

Ravenna couldn't help but feel wary. At that moment, she regretted some of the things she'd done to Eloise, although she'd never been caught. There was still a twinge of guilt. Luckily, Eloise was none the wiser.

Then Eloise said, "Oh, by the way, I've heard you're investing with Tiara now. I know a thing or two about Dwight's racing team. They're quite fond of playing dirty, so be careful."

Ravenna was certain Eloise now saw her as one of her own. She couldn't help but feel smug. To her, Eloise was like a flower in a greenhouse, never truly a match for her.