Tangled Temptations

Eloise hung up the phone with an abrupt click and turned her attention back to Orlena, who sat beside her. A storm of silent questions brewed behind Orlena

hesitant eyes.

The thing was, Eloise was a year younger than Orlena, and yet, Orlena felt a certain restraint around her. Despite being, in a convoluted way, Eloise's aunt through her relationship with Brett, Orlena just couldn't muster the courage to probe deeper.

Irritated with her own timidity, Orlena followed Eloise out to the charming backyard garden, which Harvey had lovingly adorned with a sea of white roses.

"Harvey's got a romantic streak, huh?" Orlena mumbled to herself.

With practiced ease, Eloise snipped a few rose stems and artfully arranged them into bouquets, her movements a dance of grace and precision. "These blooms are more than enough for me to handle," Eloise said nonchalantly, clipping another

rose.

The penny dropped for Orlena. Eloise adored roses, sure, but only those that came from Harvey. A pang of envy struck Orlena as she watched Eloise's effortless artistry.

Eloise caught Orlena's dazed expression and let out a soft chuckle. "Daydreaming about Uncle Brett?"

Orlena's cheeks flushed a delicate pink.

Eloise pondered for a moment before saying, "I heard Uncle Brett's thinking of taking you and Daniel to Brockville for Christmas. What's your take on that?"

Orlena had always trusted Eloise implicitly. Despite Brett being Eloise's uncle, Orlena shared everything with her, clinging to Eloise like a little girl seeking comfort. Her expression was a mix of hope and uncertainty. "I just don't know! I want to go, but I'm terrified. I'm scared my boldness will just lead to another disappointment."

Eloise patted her gently, a soothing presence. Orlena nestled closer, saying no

more...

When Harvey came home with the kids, he stumbled upon this tender scene. He sent Linda and Luca off to play and strolled over, lighting a cigarette in the crisp outdoor air. Taking a drag, he teased, "What's all this then? Still cuddling up to Eloise?"

Embarrassed, Orlena turned her head away as her eyes shimmered slightly.

Harvey gave Eloise a look that was part playful, part reprimand, but held an intimacy only spouses could understand. His cheeks hollowed with each drag of the cigarette, an image of rugged masculinity.

He scraped a finger across Eloise's cheek—a familiar gesture that sent a thrill through her. Eloise busied herself with the vase, her expression softening.

After extinguishing his cigarette, Harvey's hands found their way to Eloise's belly, his voice husky with affection, "How's our little one today?"

She nodded. Their baby was a girl and as gentle as a lamb.

Unable to bear the intimate atmosphere, Orlena excused herself, leaving the couple to their privacy.

With Orlena gone, Harvey wrapped his arms around Eloise from behind, his hands cradling her belly. Whispering into the nape of her neck, he murmured, "Heard someone's been sending you flowers?"

Eloise frowned, surprised he knew. Then, she leaned into his embrace and whispered back, "Don't worry about it. Jacob's useful right now."

Harvey understood she was planning something against Ravenna. He considered for a moment before saying, "Could this get messy?"

Eloise smoothed his furrowed brow, her voice soft, "Harvey, we're not like them."

He chuckled lightly, "Mrs. Horigan, but I think your methods are just as devious!"

His words hung in the air as memories of Master Lee surfaced. Harvey thought of how Ravenna's misdeeds had set a chain of events in motion. Ravenna's downfall had to be bleak.

"People's hearts lay bare in their moments of despair," Eloise murmured, a hint of anticipation in her voice. "And that's what I'm waiting for-the moment Ravenna crumbles."

Harvey gazed at her with tender

eyes, grateful for her deep love. He

changed the subject, wanting to

shift away from grim topics.

"Daniel's birthday's coming up. What do you think we should get him?"

Eloise knew Harvey adored both Daniel and Orlena. The birthday was just an excuse to pamper Orlena a bit more.

They ascended to the master bedroom, where a hidden door in the dressing room revealed a line of safes filled with exquisite jewelry sets.noveldrama

"What about this emerald set?" Eloise asked, then paused, "Or ruby... it would suit Orlena so well."

"Harvey... are you even listening?"

He was leaning languidly against a cabinet, his lithe frame relaxed. "Isn't it Daniel's birthday? Why are you picking out jewelry for Orlena? Don't spoil her too much."

Eloise turned a touch of annoyance

venet

in her voice. Harvey drew close, wrapping her in an embrace and pressing his lips against hers. was always cautious with his affection, especially now that she was pregnant.

She responded eagerly to his kiss, and when they parted, he teased her, "Eloise, you spoil everyone rotten."

Eloise played with his belt buckle. "That's because I know what you're thinking!" Harvey raised an eyebrow, his mature charm more evident.

Eloise smiled, "I have my own motives. You said Everest Technologies will go to Linda, and Horigan Inc. to Darrien. What about Daniel?"

"Naturally, he's got Uncle Brett," Harvey responded without missing a beat.

Eloise's eyes softened even more. "So, I'm sending more than just jewelry to Orlena. I'm thinking of gifting Daniel a big mansion for when he gets married!" She turned back to the jewelry, her words lingering in the air. Harvey's heart raced. He wrapped his arms around her again. "You're too good at spoiling them! You're giving this and that to everyone, but what about me?" Eloise paused, then placed her hand over his, her voice barely a whisper, "I give myself to you."

No more words were needed.

He gently wrapped his arms around her, soaking in the tranquility of the moment...