Tangled Temptations

Eloise picked up the phone with a sigh. On the other end was Mr. Velona, his voice fraught with urgency. "Tell me, Eloise, this scandal with Ms. Ravenna-it won't touch Jacob, will it?"

"No way," Eloise replied with a calm chuckle. "Whatever Ms. Ravenna got herself into has got nothing to do with Jacob. You can rest easy, Mr. Velona."

Mr. Velona let out a breath he didn't realize he'd been holding. "Eloise, I only have this one son left," he lamented.

Eloise wasn't in the best of spirits herself, but she had made a promise to Jacob, so she mustered her energy to parry words with Mr. Velona. "If he's that precious, then you'd better treasure him properly," she said, her voice laced with double meaning.

A man like Mr. Velona, sharp as a tack, wasn't going to miss the subtlety in her tone. After a few more exchanges, the call ended.

Meanwhile, Veronica had finally gathered her wits. The realization hit her like a lightning bolt-Ms. Ravenna, that troublemaker was truly done for. She and Eloise would never have to deal with her again. Clenching her teeth, Veronica hissed, "She finally got what was coming to her."

Perhaps it was the surge of emotion, but Veronica suddenly stepped forward and hugged Eloise tightly. Tears streamed down her cheeks as she whispered, "Thank you, Eloise. Thank you for dealing with that bitch."noveldrama

Eloise knew Veronica better than anyone. She gently patted her friend's shoulder and wiped away her tears. "Silly, there's nothing to thank me for," she said tenderly.

Veronica's eyes remained glistening with tears. In the background, Harvey and Riley exchanged glances before stepping out.

Riley pulled out his pack of cigarettes, tapped one out, and offered it to Harvey. "Sorry you had to see that mess," he said.

Harvey accepted the cigarette and lit it with a small smile. Over the years, he'd gotten to know Veronica quite well. Of all the friends that had come and gone in Eloise's life, Veronica was the best, at least among the ladies. As for the men, there was always Landon.

Harvey's thoughts were interrupted as Riley bumped his shoulder and asked, "With the third one on the way, are you thinking about a fourth?”

Harvey shot him a look. "Once this one's born, we're planning some quality two- person time."

Riley couldn't help but feel a hint of envy. He and Veronica had always wanted a little girl, but luck hadn't been on their side.

Harvey clapped Riley on the shoulder. "Let's grab some dinner."

Dinner was actually more of a celebration. Eloise was pregnant, so they ended up at a cozy place known for its nourishing hot stew, the kind that warmed you through and through.

After the meal, Harvey took Eloise back to their villa. She had a habit of taking a nap after lunch, and he stayed by her side until she drifted off. Then, as quietly as he could, he slipped away to the study to get some work done.

Parker was getting on in years and preferred spending time with his grandkids. These days, Harvey wasn't just keeping an eye on Everest Technologies but also managing parts of Horigan Inc. During the busiest times, he wished he'd had a few more sons. Yes, sons. In his eyes, little girls were to be cherished, especially his own daughter.

The study was a quiet sanctuary. As he pored over the stack of documents Denise had sent over, the door creaked open. A tuft of brown curls peeked in.

Pretending not to know who it was, Harvey called out, "Who's at the door?"

"Shh, Daddy," whispered Linda as she crept in, gesturing for silence before ducking under his desk. Stretching out his legs, Harvey created a seat for his little one, who promptly curled up on them, clutching his knees like Harry Potter on his broomstick.

"Don't tell anyone I'm here, Daddy. Luca and Darrien are looking for me." Linda said in her soft, sleepy voice, snuggling up. She was the spitting image of Eloise, and just looking at her filled Harvey with joy.

He stroked her brown curls and whispered back, "I won't tell."

Linda hugged him tightly, her affection and trust evident. Harvey would have loved nothing more than to cuddle her right then and there, but she's playing hide and seek, so he continued his work with Linda resting peacefully on his legs.

Meanwhile, Luca and Darrien's footsteps could be heard outside the door.

Looking down at his precious daughter, now sound asleep, Harvey gently covered her with a blanket.

Darrien toddled in, pointing excitedly, "Linda."

Luca, holding his little chubby hand, knew better than to interrupt Harvey's work.

Harvey caught Luca's eye and smiled warmly. "Luca, bring Darrien here."

With a soft "Oh," Luca carried his little brother to the couch and settled him with a picture book.

Harvey gestured Luca to a chair across from him. "Take a seat here," he said quietly.

Luca did as he was told, sitting up straight as a rod. Harvey slid a file across the desk-a minor investment for Everest Technologies, a mere 40 million or so. "This one's yours to handle," Harvey said softly.

Luca was overwhelmed, counting the zeros behind the numbers. Harvey kept reviewing documents, his tone casual. "When Darrien's at your age, he'll need to learn about these things too."

Luca was still a kid at heart. He didn't understand, his eyes welling up with tears, but he bravely sifted through the data, learning how to navigate search engines and analyze market information. Business was a mystery, but his shoulders bore a weight far beyond his years.

As this went on, Darrien was content with his picture book, and Linda was nestled on her father's lap, dreaming sweetly.

When Linda awoke, she saw Luca poring over the file, back ramrod straight, while her father watched with a stern gaze. Rubbing her eyes, she snuggled into Harvey's embrace. She couldn't help but feel that Luca was like some young apprentice her dad had brought to work-a young child already burdened with responsibilities.

Looking up at her father with wide, innocent eyes, Linda silently pleaded for an explanation. Harvey knew exactly what little schemes were running through her head, but he played along, pressing a kiss to the top of the eager little head. "Go freshen up and take Darrien downstairs for a snack."

Linda's eyes brimmed with tears. Only Darrien bounced cheerfully down the stairs.

...

Eloise had slept like a log.

Suddenly, a cuddly little presence was under the covers, a fluffy bundle nuzzling gently at her neck. She woke to find a cherubic little face staring back at her.

"Mommy." Linda wrapped her arms around Eloise's neck, planting a soft kiss on her.

Eloise gently stroked her little body. Linda's squirms were a whisper of comfort as she snuggled closer to her mother, snitching in the process. "Luca's been put to work."

Eloise was surprised and couldn't help but find it both exasperating and amusing. She knew Harvey adored the kids, but his expectations were high. Yet she hadn't anticipated him starting Luca on his corporate pathfinder training so young-and with hands-on experience, no less.

Eloise kissed Linda back. "Go get your dad. Tell him Mommy wants to see him in the bedroom."

With her mission clear, Linda scampered off, cautious not to let the cold in as she slipped from beneath the covers. She stood at the door to the study, her cheeks flushed and voice booming as she called out, "Daddy, Mommy wants you."

Harvey closed his files. He stared at Linda, a knowing glint in his eyes; she had ratted him out. Glancing at Luca, he smiled.

As he passed Linda, he ruffled her hair. "Take Luca downstairs for a bite. No coming upstairs for two hours."

Linda's eyes sparkled as she grabbed Luca's hand, and they dashed downstairs. Harvey shook his head with a chuckle. He strolled back to the master bedroom, knocking with a playful lilt. "Mrs. Horigan, may I come in?"

He looked particularly captivating in formal attire.

Eloise was already up. She'd slipped into a cozy cashmere dress, lounging on the living room couch with a parenting book, when his voice drew her gaze, prompting a laugh. "Since when did you become so polite?"

Harvey sauntered in with a charming smile, circling behind the couch to wrap his arms around his wife's slender shoulders, his breath warming the nape of her neck. "When have I ever entered without checking in with you first, Mrs. Horigan?" His words were tinged with double entendre. Even with their history, Eloise couldn't help blushing at his teasing. She cleared her throat, trying to appear unfazed. "I've got serious matters to discuss with you."

Harvey's laugh was light. He moved to the water dispenser, poured himself a glass, and looked at her with a raised brow. "Did Linda tattle on me?" Eloise didn't deny it. She watched her husband, who, at 36, maintained an impressively fit physique. Grey shirt and charcoal slacks adorned him like a second skin, and his handsome features were a constant delight to her-mature and distinguished, especially when he styled his hair back.

Afraid to linger on his looks, she focused on the parenting book. "Luca is sensitive. Don't be too harsh with him. Maybe introduce him to the business world when he's at least sixteen?"

All the while, Harvey watched her. Unable to withstand his gaze, Eloise tossed the book aside. "I'm trying to have a serious conversation. What are you staring at?" Harvey placed his glass down. Leaning against the opposite sofa, he chuckled, "Can't I admire my own wife? ...Do you think I'm too strict with Luca?"

Eloise hummed in agreement.

Harvey approached again, this time his embrace firm. His lips brushed her neck, a whisper that felt like a kiss. "Eloise, do you see Luca as your own child?"

Eloise paused.

Harvey murmured, "You don't. That's why you want to coddle him."

She reflexively wanted to argue, but Harvey's finger gently pressed against her lips. "If it were Darrien at this age, being groomed for business, you wouldn't object. Is it because Luca isn't mine by blood that you're concerned he'll feel out of place?"

Eloise understood the logic but sensed something was off. Nevertheless, Harvey's eloquence left her without counterarguments. To oppose was to not treat Luca as her own.

It took Eloise a moment to find her voice. "Do you want Luca to take over Everest Technologies?"

Harvey nodded, his embrace still businesslike. He explained, "I don't want Linda in the business world. She's bright and shrewd... Eloise, of all our children, Linda

is my favorite. I want her to live a life unbounded by constraints."

In other words, she was free to do whatever she desired. This was a father's bias.

Eloise wasn't naive. She'd long known Harvey's fondness for Linda, but this level of fondness was beyond her expectations.

Harvey sensed her thoughts. In a soft voice, he revealed, "The baby in your belly is the same. Fortunate to be a girl."

He intended to raise his girls like princesses. For Luca and Darrien, the boys, it

was only right to start their training young. Luca was overdue. Darrien was to begin his elite education at five.

Eloise understood Harvey's intent. She sympathized with the children but also knew this was an area where Harvey was unyieldingly dominant.

Eloise conceded.

Harvey kissed her tender cheek, whispering, "Mrs. Horigan, you're so magnanimous and understanding."

Eloise was at a loss with him, feeling his kisses were becoming too fervent. "Harvey? The kids are at home."

He had turned up the heat, his hands deftly loosening her dress as they kissed.

His voice was muffled, "They won't be upstairs for another two hours."

Eloise was half-hearted in her resistance. She felt his vigor, aware that even when

he held back, his desire was to cherish her.

An hour later...

Eloise lay in his arms, biting her lip. "Harvey, you perv."

However, he was satiated. He captured her hand, massaging it gently, a tender

gesture. "Your belly isn't too big yet. Later on, when it grows, things won't be so

easy." Eloise wasn't truly angry. She loved Harvey deeply, and he was in the prime of his virility. She wanted him to be comfortable and content.

With a soft touch to his chiseled face, she murmured, "How will I explain this to

Linda later?"

Harvey wrapped his arms around her, his voice teasing as he declared, "I'll do it. You are going to be a nice mom."

His playful banter sent a blush creeping across Eloise's cheeks. No man should

be allowed to be as cheeky as Harvey was on a daily basis. And yet, she adored

it.

Eloise had no clue how Harvey had sweet-talked Linda, but somehow, Luca ended up dedicating two solid hours each day to work alongside Harvey in the study. It wasn't just Linda who found it grueling - Eloise was right there with her.

That evening, Eloise was walking Linda through a piano lesson when a visitor arrived. It was Brett, Eloise's uncle. The visit was an unexpected pleasure. Linda, who had been diligently practicing her scales, sprang up and raced into Brett's arms, planting a big kiss on his cheek. "Grand-Uncle." she squealed with delight.

Brett returned the affection, ruffling Linda's hair. With a smile, he turned to Eloise and complimented, "You're raising her well."

As Eloise poured him a cup of tea, she asked, "What brings you to Peterborough

all of a sudden, Uncle?"

A gentle smile graced Brett's fair features. "I've come to take Orlena and Daniel back with me to Brockville for the holidays."

Eloise had intended to send them over on the Horigan family's private jet. It was a surprise that Brett had made the trip himself.

Thoughts of Orlena's past hardships and Brett's challenges made Eloise's eyes

glisten with unshed tears. "That's wonderful, a real family reunion. By the way, where's Orlena?"

With his soft smile, Brett assured, "I came ahead to check in on you. I'll be picking up her and the little one shortly."

His affection wasn't reserved for Orlena and Daniel alone; he also held a special place in his heart for Eloise and her children.

Brett's special visit was to give out holiday gifts - a tradition in their family. Each

child received a gift, and he even had one for Eloise, the largest of them all.

"Thank you, Uncle," Eloise said, her smile tender.

Brett reached out, affectionately patting her head.

Just then, Harvey sauntered down the stairs, spotting Brett. "What's this? You're

heading out tonight?" he inquired with a casual air.