Tangled Temptations

Eloise had agreed to collaborate with Ravenna, but she had no desire for any more contact than necessary. After a brief exchange, Eloise dismissed her with little ceremony. Ravenna left feeling discontented, her mind churning as she sat in her convertible, the engine murmuring softly. Even if she could marry into the prestigious Velona family, something was missing - a child. But she couldn't have children anymore; the possibility of giving birth to Jacob's offspring was nonexistent. Therefore, a child of her own bloodline became paramount.

Lost in thought, Ravenna remembered the daughter she had abandoned years ago. Yes, she decided, she would bring her back. The red sports car sped away. Upstairs in the cozy little sitting room, Eloise stood by the window, watching quietly. Her face revealed no emotion. She didn't hate Ravenna; it was more like revulsion. She could plot against her without any feeling, just as Ravenna had once done to her. Only this time, it was Eloise who orchestrated the scheme, with Ravenna as a mere pawn.

...

Ravenna drove to an orphanage and was greeted by the matron upon arrival. In the modest, cramped office, the matron poured her a glass of water and asked with some difficulty, "Ms. Ravenna, are you here to see one of the children today?"

Ravenna replied urgently, "I want to take my child with me."

The matron remained silent.

Unfazed, Ravenna continued, "I've changed my mind. I want to give her the life she deserves. I'll treat her like a princess. Please, give her back to me, and I'll donate half a million to your institution. That should cover the children's meals for two years."

The matron's lips quivered slightly.

A sinking feeling hit Ravenna. "Where is my child?"

"She's been adopted."

"By whom? Bring her back immediately. She's my child; how can you give her away?"

Eventually, the matron calmed down. She adjusted her thick glasses and spoke slowly, "When you, brought your child here, we really shouldn't have taken her in, but you insisted on leaving her. And as per the agreement we signed, if a suitable couple wished to adopt, we could let her join a new family."

She brought out the agreement.

Ravenna stared at the document. Yes, she had signed it. But so what? The child was hers, born after ten months in her womb. No one else had the right to her.

Ravenna tore the agreement to shreds. She sneered, "Two million. Give me back my child."

The matron watched silently as the document was ripped apart, then spoke softly, "It's too late. The couple who adopted her are from abroad. They left with the child six months ago. They're archaeologists. Right now, they could be in the ruins of South America or exploring the tombs of Ancient Egypt."

Ravenna slumped in her chair. When she looked up again, her eyes were bloodshot, her lips trembling. "I'll sue you."

The matron looked apologetic.

After Ravenna stormed out, the matron made a phone call. "Mrs. Horigan, I've done as you instructed... Yes, a person like Ms. Ravenna truly isn't fit to raise a child. Thank you for your donation of five million and for the new housing for the children."

On the other end, Eloise smiled faintly. "Don't worry about the lawsuit. Just take good care of the children."

Hanging up the phone, Eloise remained by the window. A maid brought her a cup of hot milk, whispering, "Sir called to say you should have some milk and rest a bit."

Eloise smiled lightly. "He treats me like a child."

She was independent and took good care of herself. But no matter how busy Harvey was, he always found time to call home several times a day, fussing over her. It might have seemed trivial, but to Eloise, it was nothing but sweet.

...

No amount of effort or connections helped Ravenna find her child. She was devastated. That evening, she went to Jacob's apartment. He answered the door. His hair was still damp from the shower, and a bathrobe was loosely tied around his waist. The scent of women's perfume lingered in the air.

Sure enough, a tall girl emerged from the bedroom, wrapped in a towel, clinging to Jacob's waist with a look of hostility in her eyes. "Jacob, who's this old lady?"

Ravenna's face soured. She was in her early thirties, hardly old.

Jacob slapped his companion's behind, not in reproach but in dismissal. "Go on, I'll call you next time."

The girl left with a laugh, confidently kissing Jacob goodbye.

Ravenna could usually keep her composure, but this was too much. She demanded, "Jacob, can't you survive a day without a woman?"

He lounged on the sofa, lighting a cigarette, and smirked at her. "I'd die without it.

Ms. Ravenna, what do you see in me? I'm just a playboy with no inheritance. Give it up. The door's to your left."

Ravenna was furious. She had gone to great lengths to please Eloise and stooped low before Veronica, all for him. She had even sought to retrieve her abandoned child for him. For whose sake was she doing all this?

She wanted to lash out, but her anger had no effect on Jacob. He liked his freedom and wasn't one to be controlled by women. So she swallowed her pride and asked, "How long will you keep playing around?"

Jacob's grip on her arm was gentle yet firm. Ravenna found herself pulled onto his lap. The lit cigarette hovered dangerously close to her cheek, threatening to burn her. But she felt a thrill instead of fear. She had been with many men, but none stirred her like Jacob. They were meant for each other.

Ravenna, too, had her desires. She quickly took the initiative. Clothes fell to the floor. She embraced the young, attractive man, passionately kissed him, and murmured amidst the chaos of their intimacy, "Jacob, you're such a jerk."

His gaze on Ravenna in his arms carried a barely perceptible sneer, but the thrust did not cease.

Afterward, Ravenna caressed his face tenderly. "Jacob," she whispered. "I understand you're young and want to have fun."

He lit another cigarette, laughing sarcastically after a drag. "You're not thinking of marrying me, are you?"

"Why can't we?"

Ravenna looked up. "Let's get married. I'll give you the freedom you want."

Jacob pushed her away, his expression cooling as he adjusted the lapels of his bathrobe. "What if I told you I yearn for a marriage based on loyalty?" Something like what Harvey and Eloise had – a lifetime commitment. No succumbing to temptation. Holding both oneself and one's partner to a high standard. Not just settling.

Ravenna was clueless about such ideals. She assumed that a man like Jacob desired freedom within marriage. His words were little more than idle chatter to her, not to be taken seriously.

She broached a different subject. Jacob gave her a sidelong glance. "The stakes are high this time. Lots of folks are betting on Dwight, and the club's prepping me to take the lead spot."

In other words, betting on him was a sure win.

Ravenna was hesitant. "You sure it's a safe bet?"

Jacob exhaled a stream of smoke and chuckled softly, "If you're scared of losing money, don't gamble. That's the safest bet of all."

Ravenna felt snubbed.

Jacob nudged her with his foot. "Time to go. I don't let women stay the night."

Her pride was wounded, but she knew that in their current relationship, she had no right to stay. It didn't matter. Once she had Mr. Velona's favor, would the doors to the Velona family not swing wide open for her?

After Ravenna left, Jacob showered away her scent and stood sipping a drink by the floor-to-ceiling windows.

Over the years, he'd played the game of love effortlessly. Ravenna might've been

a player, too, but she was out of her league with him.

In love and in bed, whoever got serious first lost.

...

The next evening at the Miles family

estate, Ravenna waited in her car for half an hour before Eloise finally appeared. The sleek black limousine pulled up, and as the bodyguard opened the door, Eloise emerged, the epitome of understated elegance in a black haute couture feathered dress, adorned with a full set of emerald jewelry. Her poise was impeccable, giving no hint of her pregnancy.

Ravenna felt a twinge of envy. Her own multi-million-dollar jewelry suddenly seemed petty. Despite her discomfort, she complimented Eloise, "You look absolutely stunning tonight."

Eloise glanced at her, well aware of Ravenna's thoughts, but merely replied with a light laugh, "All for Katherine's sake," before proceeding inside with Natalia.

Eloise was close to the Miles family and needed no invitation to enter. Ravenna followed. As she stepped inside, she realized what true high society was like - where your name let you cut through the crowd.

The elite ladies took note of Ravenna trailing behind Eloise, recognizing that Ms. Ravenna had latched onto Mrs. Horigan.

Eloise mingled with ease among the high society ladies. Someone mentioned Pauline, and Eloise engaged in light conversation.

After a few pleasantries, Eloise, eyeing two men ahead, turned to Ravenna and murmured, "That's Mr. Velona from Rossland."

Ravenna saw him, too, but she hadn't expected Jacob to be at the party. Usually casual, he was now in formal attire, looking every bit the elite. She couldn't help but feel attracted. She was right not to have second-guessed her instincts.

Mr. Velona and Dwight's father were business associates. As Mr. Arellano's goddaughter, Eloise naturally knew him.

Mr. Velona greeted Eloise warmly, "I heard from Stuart you're expecting but still

out and about. How are you feeling? Stuart is quite concerned about his goddaughter."

Eloise smiled gracefully. "Quite well, thank you."

After exchanging more pleasantries, Mr. Velona turned to Jacob, "This is Uncle Stuart's goddaughter, quite the businesswoman. You could learn a thing or two from her instead of squandering your time amidst women." Jacob's gaze was intense but he acted nonchalant as he replied, "I'd love to learn if Eloise were willing to teach, but I suspect she's not exactly eager." Unfazed by his flirtatious undertone, Eloise smiled and introduced Ravenna, "Mr. Velona, meet Ms. Ravenna, my college friend who's making a name in the film industry."

Ravenna was relatively unknown. A man of Mr. Velona's status, would normally pay no heed, but out of respect for Eloise, he shook Ravenna's hand. Eloise added, "She is currently seeing Jacob."

Mr. Velona was surprised, considering Ravenna appeared to be in her thirties while Jacob was much younger. He smiled politely, making his stance clear.

Ravenna couldn't help but feel anxious. Eloise smiled faintly and said, "Jacob is young and indecisive, with many girlfriends, so Ravenna has had her share of trouble."

Upon hearing this, Mr. Velona felt relieved. At least she was one of his girlfriends. Ravenna was frustrated by not having the opportunity to prove herself, but luckily she had Eloise by her side.

Eloise chatted with Mr. Velona, mentioning, "Ms. Ravenna is planning a commercial blockbuster with a racing theme and wants Jacob for the lead. Mr. Velona, I see potential in this market and am considering investing."

Mr. Velona, having lost a son, was protective of his only remaining heir. If Jacob

wouldn't join the family business, then focusing on a project could be beneficial.

His demeanor softened as he patted Eloise's shoulder. "I appreciate you looking

out for Jacob on behalf of the Velona family."

Eloise's smile was gentle. "All credit goes to Ms. Ravenna."

Elevated by Eloise's words, Ravenna smiled at the right moment.

Finally, Mr. Velona regarded her seriously, asking, "When do you plan to start filming? Make sure safety is a priority."noveldrama

Eloise stood in front of Mr. Velona, effortlessly singing Ravenna's praises.

The movie was a must-do. If it was a hit, she could find her way into the Velona family's good graces. But Ravenna wasn't keen on spending her own money. The startup capital needed was at least 300 million. What if it flopped? Ravenna figured she'd need to dip into the country club's coffers.

She looked at Mr. Velona with a light smile and assured, "We'll kick things off after

the New Year."

"Sounds excellent." Mr. Velona was quite pleased and complimented, "Ms.

Ravenna is quite the go-getter."

Eloise chimed in, "Ms. Ravenna is pretty resourceful, and she's genuinely fond of

Jacob. Mr. Velona, you mustn't stand in the way of true love."

Mr. Velona was sharp as a tack. He

didn't really care for Ravenna, but he wanted her to pony up the cash and

do the legwork. So, he chun

"Nonsense, as long as Jacob happy, that's what matters. Eloise, don't worry, I am quite progressive."

Eloise gave a subtle smile, and Ravenna, standing by her side, took it all in.

Ravenna knew that with Eloise in the picture, the Velona family would regard her differently. It seemed it was time to change her strategy.

Eloise could be very useful, and there could be many opportunities to leverage that in the future. Ravenna couldn't afford to offend her. At the same time, she was

determined to take a gamble. To make this movie, she needed to secure the

funding.

Eloise left the soiree early.

Mr. Velona asked Jacob to see her out, playing right into his hands, as he had matters to discuss with Eloise. Natalia tagged along. They reached the mansion's ground floor, where a black limousine waited. The chauffeur stood by the car.

Eloise guessed Jacob had something on his mind. She told Natalia, "You go ahead and get in the car."

Natalia glanced at Jacob, offered a faint smile, and stepped into the limo.

Jacob stood in the dark night, observing Eloise standing across from him. She had donned a warm coat over her evening dress, concealing the finery but not her striking features. Eloise was beautiful, but it was her aura that

was the most captivating

That mature, womanly charm was something the younger girls lacked.

And she was so... pristine.

Jacob shelved his internal musings, pulled out a cigarette, and was about to light it, but then remembered Eloise was pregnant and crushed it impatiently. He asked

irritably, "I've done as you asked. When will you do something for me?"