Tangled Temptations

As they exchanged playful banter, Orlena made a hasty retreat.

Brett didn't leave immediately. He sat in his car, taking slow drags from his cigarette, watching the slender figure disappear behind the black wrought-iron gate, swallowed by the night.

He couldn't help but think of someone. His sister, Louise Noland.

Louise had died young, without having a chance to say goodbye to her family. This had always been a thorn in Brett's side.

He had seen photos of Eloise. Like the rest of the Noland family, she had rosy skin and chestnut brown hair. But in terms of temperament, Brett saw echoes of Louise in Orlena. No, she was even more naive than Louise.

Brett held the cigarette between his long fingers but forgot to puff on it. When the ash fell onto his trousers, he chuckled softly to himself.noveldrama

What was wrong with him today? He had merely encountered a cheeky kid. Why was he feeling so sentimental?

He sat there for a long while before starting the car to return to his hotel. Back in his suite, Donny was pacing like an ant on a hot pan. Seeing Brett, he rushed over, feigning rebuke. "What were you thinking, going out alone? What if something happened..."

Brett sank into the couch. Even in his fatigue, he maintained his impeccable posture, not showing a hint of exhaustion.

He picked up a throw pillow and prepared to put it back, but then he held it up to his nose. There was a faint, delicate scent on it. Not perfume, but the natural fragrance of a girl. Sweet, like the scent of oranges...

Brett raised an eyebrow, giving a faint smile. "If something happens, wouldn't that be a perfect excuse to drop all these responsibilities? You have no idea how tired

I am of dealing with so many people and so many problems every day."

Donny poured him a cup of tea, patiently listening to his complaints. He knew that Mr. Brett would only speak so freely in front of him. In front of others, Mr. Brett was always flawless.

After a few words, Brett prepared to take a bath.

Donny helped him with his shirt, then suddenly asked, "Would you like Ms. Olea to come and keep you company?"

Olea. A famous, beautiful, and graceful actress from the theater. She got along well with Mr. Brett. She often accompanied him when he visited Peterborough.

Brett was on his way to the bathroom when he heard this. He pondered for a few seconds before replying, "No need. I'm not in the mood."

Donny followed him, speaking gently, "Sometimes, you suppress yourself too much..."

At this, Brett turned around, his voice filled with a touch of mockery. "Did she ask you to play mediator? She's fine but a bit too cunning for my taste. She's beautiful, yes, but being with her feels like I'm in a diplomatic negotiation. It's exhausting."

Donny fell silent. Indeed, the beautiful actress had pleaded with him a lot. He thought she was quite nice, but ultimately, it was up to Mr. Brett. Clearly, Mr. Brett didn't value her that much.

The sound of running water came from the bathroom. Taking the hint, Donny left. A man in his 40s surely had some personal matters to attend to.

Indeed, Brett did. After the rush of emotions, he leaned against the bathroom tiles, washing himself clean.

Despite his body's needs and the beautiful women ready for his affection, he simply wasn't in the mood. When he was lost in his desires, the image in his mind was of Orlena kneeling on the couch.

She was truly innocent and did not understand men at all.

Horigan Mansion.

Orlena slept in. When she woke up, her older brother, Harvey, was sitting by her bed. She shuffled closer, resting her head on his lap, calling out to him like a

kitten, "Harvey, how are you and my sister-in-law Eloise doing?"

Harvey pinched her cheek. "You're still calling her sister-in-law?"

The revelation of Eloise's relationship with Max had initially been met with disapproval from their father, Parker. After all, the situation was delicate, and as a father, favoring one child over another wasn't good.

So, the solution was simple, they all had to break up.

But Brett's visit stirred things up, igniting Parker's stubbornness. Oh, so the Noland family thought they were all that? Well, Harvey was still marrying Eloise.

Harvey was worried about Eloise and did not want her to be around Dwight. Plus, Landon was also in Rossland.

But Orlena was also important to him. He gently stroked her hair, softly asking, "Are you sure about this?"

Orlena snuggled against him, giving a soft nod.

Harvey wanted to ask something else but swallowed his words. Kitty had called him, telling him about what happened yesterday. He figured that given Brett's status and reputation, he probably viewed Orlena as a child.

That man was a true gentleman. Plus, having something to keep Orlena busy would help her recover faster.

Their sibling bond was strong. Harvey stayed with her for lunch before heading to the office.

Orlena had never worked a day in

her 27 years of life. In the afternoon, she roamed around the house,

eventually growing bored and

deciding to drive out. She aim/l

drove around, eventually ending up outside the hotel where Brett was staying.

Why was she here?

Orlena was a bit dazed, her cheeks heating up.

He had said just last night that she wasn't suitable for him. Who wanted to be suitable for him anyway? She only cared about him because he was Eloise's uncle. He was just... a bit good-looking, that's all.

Just then, a black Audi slowly pulled out, its license plate reading 123RICH. It was Brett's car.

Orlena blinked, and then, she followed.

Inside the Audi, Donny sat in the front seat. He glanced in the rearview mirror, speaking softly, "It's Ms. Horigan's car."

Brett was resting with his eyes closed. At this, he opened his eyes slightly. "Ignore her."

About an hour later, they arrived at a cemetery.

He had been here a couple of days ago. But today was Angus' death anniversary; so he wanted to pay his respects. Brett was deeply grateful to Angus. Not only had he taken Louise in and cared for her, but he had also treated Eloise like his own child.

Brett brought wine for Angus and lilies for Louise.

The weather was hot. He stood still, the white shirt clinging to his body, soaked

through, but he didn't move.

Donny held an umbrella over him, silently keeping him company.

Orlena, who had come along for the ride, initially watched covertly. Eventually, her feet grew tired from the heels she was wearing, and she squatted down like a little puppy. She had never seen a man so heartbroken.

No tears were shed, but the melancholic atmosphere was heart-wrenching. After a long while, Brett suddenly spoke up, "Why are you hiding? Come here."

Was he calling her?

Orlena was stunned, and slowly, she got up and moved towards him. She softly called his name, "Brett," and then her arm was grabbed by a strong hand and gently pulled to his side.

Only then did she realize how tall Brett was. Even without her heels, she was 5'6", but standing next to him, she was only up to his ear. He had to be over 6'1".

Brett gently touched the picture on the tombstone. In the picture, Louise looked young and innocent, smiling carefreely.

Brett smiled softly. "Angus, Louise, this is the wild child of the Horigan family, Harvey's little sister. If you were still here, you'd have seen Eloise getting married. Don't worry, I'll keep an eye on Eloise for you."

After he finished speaking, he got up and lightly patted Orlena's head. "Speak up."

Orlena was a bit dazed, after a moment, she stuttered, "Hello, I didn't mean to disturb... uh, my brother will treat the bride well, if not, my dad will beat him." Brett laughed lightly. His gloomy mood seemed to lighten up a bit. Orlena turned to look at him and quietly asked, "Brett, do you agree with my brother being with Eloise?"

Brett started walking away. "Did I say that?"

"You did. No take backs."

She followed him, instinctively hugging his arm and gently swaying it back and

forth.