Tangled Temptations

Orlena threw herself into his arms, hugging his arm tightly. She was seeing her own brother after being so far from home, so it was only natural for her to show such warmth.

Harvey wrapped an arm around her shoulders and turned to Jacob with a smirk. "And whose home-wrecker are you aspiring to be today?"

Jacob's gaze remained fixed on Harvey. Despite his own rebellious nature, he had to admit there was something undeniably dazzling about him. Harvey had been blessed from birth with all the good fortune one could wish for.

Feeling a sting of jealousy, Jacob retorted, "What? You scared?"

Harvey pulled out a pack of cigarettes with one hand, lit one up, and took a long drag. His cool, narrow eyes squinting through the smoke as he stared at Jacob, and chuckled, "Scared of you? Not in the slightest. I'm just worried Eloise might not approve. She's pretty particular about her space and cleanliness."

Jacob wasn't about to back down. "I heard you used to be a lawyer. Got a tongue sharper than your years?"

Harvey nodded nonchalantly. "Good enough. Eloise has a taste for mature men. With your boyish looks, you might want to try growing up a bit more."

The two men continued their verbal sparring, neither willing to pull any punches. Orlena watched, wide-eyed and astonished.

As if on cue, Brett returned home early, Eloise and a gaggle of kids in tow. He was carrying little Linda in his arms.

Linda was the family's darling. With her chubby cheeks pressed against Brett, she affectionately greeted him.

Brett held her tiny hand in his, warming it, and surveyed the lively scene with a smile. "What a lively day we have here."

At the sight of Brett, Jacob didn't dare to step out of line, respectfully addressing him, "Mr. Brett."

Brett glanced at Orlena, who immediately moved to his side.

Tracey and Mr. Velona also returned from their stroll. Assuming the role of host, Brett invited Mr. Velona and Harvey to the drawing room for a chat, leaving Jacob, who had no place sitting with them, to stand by and listen.

Orlena watched them leave. She whispered to Eloise, "Your uncle just doesn't seem to be from the same generation as my brother."

Eloise was pregnant. Standing in the quaint garden of Noland's Mansion, she gently caressed her belly and smiled softly, "What's the matter? Do you think my uncle's too old? I recall you quite liked him over the years."

Orlena couldn't argue with that logic, nor would she dare.

Michelle joined them, draping a woolen shawl around Eloise's shoulders, "You ladies chat. I'll accompany Tracey for a bit."

Eloise hummed in agreement, her eyes and smile radiating warmth and beauty.

Orlena felt a twinge of envy and gently touched Eloise's stomach, thinking to herself how pregnant women seemed to have a certain charm. If only she had looked and felt half as elegant when she was pregnant with Daniel.

Eloise sent the kids off to play, with Luca, her little helper, leading his siblings away.

Eloise and Orlena went inside to the warmth of the south-facing bedroom. Orlena helped Eloise sit down and shrugged off her coat. "Taking it easy?"

Eloise gave her a playful glance, teasing, "No gift for me this year, auntie?"

Orlena poured her a glass of water, whining playfully, "Don't bring that up again, Eloise. My brother would kill me."noveldrama

Eloise wouldn't let her talk nonsense. "It's a festive time, and besides, you'll be married in just over a month. Don't jinx it."

Orlena nodded obediently.

Eloise handed her a gift. "A New Year's gift."

Orlena opened it to discover a beautiful pair of pearl earrings, clearly top-notch Southern Sea gems. They matched her woolen dress perfectly, making her shine.

She loved them instantly and touched her earlobes. "Eloise, you have such great taste."

Eloise repeated the instructions from Parker and Pauline, her tone carrying the authority of an elder sister-in-law. Orlena, completely subdued by the family ties, didn't dare to act like a cheeky auntie anymore.

Eloise, seeing her point taken, gently changed the subject. "Are you settling in well?"

Orlena, touched by Eloise's genuine concern, replied softly, "Tracey's been really kind to me, and so has Brett."

Orlena's mind drifted to Jacob. "Him hanging around won't affect you and Harvey's relationship, will it?"

Eloise simply tapped Orlena's head and chose not to answer.

During dinner, Eloise excused herself, claiming she wasn't feeling well.

A lavish feast was laid out in the grand dining hall of the Noland home. The

Velonas were noticeably disappointed at Eloise's absence.

Tracey just smiled and suggested, "Pregnant women often lose their appetite. Harvey, go check on her."

Harvey nodded, extinguished his cigarette, and brought her a plate of her favorites. Entering the bedroom, he found Eloise sitting by the window on a plush couch, a book in hand. She looked serene and beautiful.

Harvey always thought she was beautiful, but today, he found himself lingering a little longer before approaching. He set the food down and gently supported her by the shoulders, asking softly, "What's wrong? Where does it hurt?"

Eloise glanced at the tray. On it was a plate of her grandma's famous mini meatballs, a couple of sides, a bowl of tender mushroom soup – it all looked appetizing.

She set down her book and smiled faintly. "I didn't want to play my hand too early."

Understanding what she meant, Harvey chuckled and helped her to the dining table. She picked up a meatball and offered it to Harvey. "You can tell Grandma made these. Try one."

After tasting it, Harvey agreed, then curiously asked, "You haven't spent much time with the Nolands. How could you tell?"

Eloise silently ate another meatball, then looked up at him and said softly, "After Linda was born, I stayed here for two months."

Harvey was taken aback. He covered her hand with his, his voice slightly hoarse, "Eloise, I'm sorry for that time."

The topic was heavy, not something they discussed lightly.

Eloise smiled at him. "Harvey, I don't blame you anymore. What's important is that we're happy now. I feel very happy by your side."

Harvey gently stroked her long hair, lightening the tense air with a playful quip. "Then I owe you a debt of gratitude."

"You know it." She shot back with a smirk, then she he urged him, "Go entertain our guests. I'm fine."

With a tender touch to her cheek, Harvey departed for the living room, where the atmosphere was buzzing with excitement.

Mr. Velona, eager to network, found an agile conversational partner in Brett. The two quickly became acquainted.

Harvey was aware of Mr. Velona's flourishing business ventures and the promising new renewable energy project that would be perfect for Brett. So, he joined the gathering, drinks in hand.

After dinner, Tracey took the children to another room, leaving the men to their whiskey and business talk.

Mr. Velona kept bringing up Eloise, suggesting she mentor young Jacob, while Harvey deftly steered the conversation back to the renewable energy project, a hint not lost on Brett.

The meal was consumed with various underlying intentions, save for Jacob, who was bored to the point of restlessness.

As the late-night feast concluded, Brett saw the guests out, and a tipsy Harvey returned to the bedroom. Eloise was still awake, to his surprise.

Without bothering to remove his shoes, he clambered into bed beside her, enveloping her in his arms with his face buried in the warmth of her belly, and his hand sneaking under the covers in search of more.

"Stop that. Your hands are cold," Eloise whispered softly.

Harvey chuckled, "Cold? They couldn't be hotter."

She pulled him to face her, her slender arm emerging from the blankets to wrap around his neck, negotiating in a soft voice, "Tonight, I'm staying with Grandma." Their foreheads touched as he murmured, "But we're already cozy under the covers, and it's chilly outside."

Despite knowing his reluctance, Eloise persuaded him, eventually agreeing to some rather one-sided terms, much to the delight of any man.

However, the alcohol in Harvey's system made him too eager, which Eloise, blushing, resisted, "You're drunk; it could harm the baby."

She firmly declined any further advances that night, managing only to steal a kiss.

Harvey was content. He helped her dress, joking, "Well, Ms. Laurent. You have big plans tonight, and as your husband, I wouldn't dare not support you-not if I want to end the year on a good note." As he spoke, he affectionately kissed her stomach.

Eloise's heart melted, caressing his handsome face. "How did you know I had something important?"

Post-drinks, Harvey was uninhibited. He laughed softly, "I know you inside out. I

know exactly where you're heading, Ms. Laurent-you can't hide a thing from me."

In the sweetness of their banter, Eloise also felt the warmth. If not for pressing matters, she would have loved just to hold him and chat into the night. But there would be time for that.

Harvey escorted Eloise to Tracey's. Tracey, still awake, was delighted to see Eloise and quickly ushered Harvey back to his room.

Once alone, grandmother and granddaughter spoke intimately. Tracey admired Eloise's complexion and noted the solid relationship with Harvey.

Eloise agreed, and as Tracey reminisced, she quickly pushed past memories

aside.

The purpose of Eloise's visit remained unspoken until Tracey, with a keen glint in

her eye, teased about Eloise's newfound depth and resemblance to her uncle.

Eloise couldn't help but reveal her intentions, to which Tracey playfully scolded her; "What's so troubling about that? It's all just formalities, and besides, I could tell at dinner

Harvey was also trying to secure something for Brett."

It was all just a dance of interests and appearances.

Feeling reassured, Eloise playfully flattered her grandmother, "You say I take after

my uncle, but I think I'm more like you, Grandma—smart because I come from

you."

This charmed Tracey immensely.

They spoke of the children, with Linda being the sharpest and Luca the most stable. Eloise expressed concern over their strong-willed nature, fearing they might not be the best match as they grew older.

Tracey reassured her, insisting that children had their own fortunes. Eloise was content and about to settle in for the night when Tracey, citing her age and stiffness, suggested Harvey would be a better company for the evening. Mindful of Harvey's drinking, Eloise playfully insisted on staying with Tracey for

the night.

In the morning, Eloise awoke to find Harvey, dapper in a navy shirt and charcoal overcoat, unaffected by the previous night's indulgence.

"You look good," she murmured, asking why he was up so early after drinking.

"On Ms. Laurent's turf, I've got to put on a good show," Harvey replied, teasing

her.

They bantered softly until Harvey mentioned the snow outside and the children playing with Orlena.

Eloise shook her head, preferring to stay in bed with her unborn child.

Their quiet was interrupted by the butler announcing Mr. Velona and Mr. Jacob's

arrival.

Eloise glanced at Harvey, who quipped, "You've brought this upon us. With Uncle away, I'll go play host."

He hurried off, leaving Eloise to ready herself. She combed her brown hair with

her fingers, contemplating the situation. It was time to face Mr. Velona. She dressed and joined him in the living room.

Mr. Velona greeted her with a beaming smile. "How's the pregnancy? Nearly six

months along?"

With a modest smile, Eloise savored the delicate pumpkin soup the servants

brought, though her appetite allowed her only half a bowl.

Harvey crafted her breakfast with care, and she found it much more to her taste.

Jacob stood off to the side, his brow furrowed in surprise. He had always

pictured Eloise living the

quintessential life of luxury with net

Harvey a life where dinners were served on silver platters and designer jewelry was as common as cutlery.

The idea that Harvey himself would take the time to whip up breakfast for her was

beyond Jacob's comprehension. He knew he couldn't match up to that. This realization soured his mood.

Jacob's feelings for Eloise were tinged with a sense of awkward envy, akin to knowing she was a prize he could never claim.

His petty affections mattered little to her. Eloise's interactions with Mr. Velona

were purely strategic, aimed at securing a business deal. It was a dance of wits, leaving no trace.

Eloise made no mention of involving Jacob in her schemes, offering a smile and

the excuse, "I'm afraid my pregnancy is taking up much of my attention these days, and I'm stepping back from business affairs."

Mr. Velona couldn't hide his disappointment. Yet, he stayed for lunch. After the meal, Harvey and Mr. Velona retreated to discuss their business while

Eloise took a leisurely stroll in the sunroom, where a large trellis blossomed with

roses.

With scissors in hand, she clipped a bunch of champagne-colored roses, and handed them off to a servant. As she turned to leave, she was taken aback. "Jacob? What are you doing here?"

At some point, the servant had been replaced by Jacob, who looked visibly upset.

He placed the roses on a nearby table and confronted her, "I've done what you

asked. I've had my fill of that woman to the point of sickness. When are you going to keep your end of the bargain?"

Eloise glanced at him casually. She continued to clip roses, intending to arrange a

bouquet for Orlena to add some romance to her room.

Jacob grabbed her wrist. Eloise's voice was icy, "Let go. Show some respect."

Jacob felt the sting and released her hand, retorting defensively, "What? I'm just asking when you're going to take care of the things you promised!"

Eloise set down her scissors and sat down, supporting her belly. "What's the rush? I'm on it, aren't I?"

Jacob was left feeling bitter. To him, she clearly seemed to be on holiday, either

resting for the baby or puttering with her flowers. It all seemed too leisurely to be considered serious business.