Tangled Temptations

Orlena never expected to meet Brett so soon, especially in such an unusual setting.

The next day, she was having coffee with a friend. The café was located on the ground floor of a five-star hotel, offering a pleasant ambiance.

Across her sat Kitty, her childhood friend, who asked with concern, "Are you okay now? Seriously, Orlena, he's just a jerk. Was he worth the three sleeping pills you took?"

Orlena's voice was as soft as a kitten's. "I had no idea he had been involved with my sister-in-law. I hate him for deceiving her for years."

She sniffled, "Thankfully, my sister-in-law wasn't completely fooled."

Kitty chuckled. What a naïve girl Orlena was.

As they leaned in and bantered, they didn't notice a group of well-dressed men

and women seated a couple of tables away. It was Brett, Donny, and a few others.

Donny was the first to notice. He whispered, "Mr. Brett, that's Miss Orlena Horigan."

Brett coolly sipped his coffee. He had spotted her earlier and overheard the conversation between the two girls. What a naive girl.

Brett was busy and didn't lack female company. He had no intention of interacting with Miss Horigan and was about to leave when a shout of Orlena's name halted him.

"Orlena!"

An attractive man suddenly appeared, gently grabbing Orlena's wrist. It was Max. Ever since his affair had been exposed, Orlena had been avoiding his calls and refusing to hear him out.

She had taken sleeping pills, and now, he was finally seeing her.

Orlena yanked her hand away, her delicate face crinkling in discomfort. "You hurt me."

Max wanted to make amends. Sure, he had an obedient and cute mistress, but she was just a distraction. With her prestigious background and innocent nature, Orlena was his ideal choice for a wife. He swallowed his pride. "Let's have a proper talk."

Kitty couldn't hold back anymore. "What is there to talk about, Max? You've been exposed, and now you're banking on Orlena's kindness to get away with it."

In the elegant café, the situation was heating up. Brett, who was initially planning to leave, sat back down, watching the unfolding drama with interest. He turned to Donny. "Look at the youngsters nowadays."

Donny, always keen to please Brett, feigned annoyance. "You're only in your early 40s and still young yourself."

Brett chuckled.

Just then, what seemed like a heated argument resulted in a minor scuffle. Orlena's bag fell from the chair, and its contents spilled all over the floor.

Several lipsticks, cute little trinkets, an adorable little lamb, and, shockingly, a tiny baby bottle.

The atmosphere turned awkward.

Brett was surprised. He knew Orlena was older than Eloise, but why... was she

still carrying a baby bottle and a stuffed animal? Was she still a baby?

Donny witnessed the normally stoic Mr. Brett break into a faint smile. It was subtle, but unmistakably a sign of amusement.

Orlena's eyes welled up. She felt embarrassed and bit her lip. "Max, let's call off the engagement."

Max was about to respond.

But Brett spoke first, "Help her pick up her things."

A young girl's baby bottle wasn't something to be casually observed.

Donny agreed and helped her collect her belongings. He even thoughtfully zipped up the bag and placed it back on the chair.

Orlena stared blankly at Brett.

Her friend, Kitty, was equally stunned. Who was this man? Why did he look so imposing? Despite his fair skin and refined demeanor, he had an overwhelming presence.

After a while, Orlena managed to utter a few words, "Brett."

Brett sat amidst the crowd. He had no intention of getting up, but when she called his name, he found

himself standing and walkingnoveldrama

towards her. She tilted her head

slightly upwards, her sparkling eyes

glistening with tears, and stared at

him, like a lost puppy.

Brett had a strange urge to pat her head, but he restrained himself, simply asking

with a casual tone, "Feeling better today?"

Orlena barely made a sound. She kept staring at him.

Kitty was on the verge of passing out. Yes, this man was incredibly attractive, but Orlena could've shown some restraint.

However, Brett didn't seem to mind. It had been a long time since he had seen such pure eyes. They were like a little bunny. Her body, too, seemed soft, yet firm in the right places.

Just as their eyes locked, Max couldn't hold back. He felt threatened by the man before him. He asked Orlena, "Who is he? Your new lover? Orlena, didn't you attempt suicide because of me?"

His words were laced with male ego and jealousy.

Max was proud. In his relationship with Orlena be had always been in control. He knew Orlena loved deeply and was always

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accommodating. So, when his affair with his mistress was exposed, he didn't think much of it. He thought he could simply end things with the mistress and woo Orlena back. He never anticipated seeing Orlena looking at another man with such adoration.

Brett completely ignored Max. In his opinion, Max was no different from Griffin.

He raised his hand casually. "Please escort this gentleman out."

Max was stunned. Suddenly, eight burly bodyguards appeared, each wearing an earpiece and looking extremely professional. The one leading the group said, "Mr. Brett would like you to leave."

Mr. Brett...

Max was unsure about Brett's identity, but he felt a sense of familiarity. Being a practical man, Max straightened his suit and said to Orlena, "We'll talk another time," and left.

Orlena turned away. She would never talk to him again. What was there to talk about? She had decided to move on.

But the corner of her eyes turned red. After all, she had once loved him.

Brett watched the redness creep into the corners of her eyes, smiled, and prepared to leave. Then he felt someone tugging at his sleeve.

Orlena locked eyes with him, her voice soft as a kitten's purr. "Brett, I need to talk to you. Would you let me take you out for a meal?"

Brett raised an eyebrow slightly. He didn't really have the time; he had a meeting with a few people later on.

But maybe it was the loneliness that had been lingering for a while, or maybe it was the pleading look in the eyes of this cute, soft-spoken girl, he found himself unable to refuse. "Let's go then." He said, walking out of the coffee shop.

A dozen or so assistants and

bodyguards followed in his wake. Despite his casual attire and seemingly carefree demeanor, there was no mistaking the aura of authority that radiated off him. His skin was fair, his features refined and aristocratic. One look was enough to tell he was a man of power.

Orlena picked up her purse and followed. Her childhood friend, Kitty, grabbed her

arm. "Are you crazy? You're messing with that kind of man?"

Orlena licked her lips. "He's my sister-in-law's uncle. That's Mr. Brett, the one you

see on the news... Brett."

With that, she ran off.

Kitty was stunned.

Mr. Brett was one of the top figures in Southern River, a man who held the most cutting-edge technology in the country. He was a big shot among big shots. And now, he had seemingly descended from his lofty perch.