Tangled Temptations

Harvey mulled it over, and decided to pass. He dialed Eloise's number, and after a few rings, she picked up promptly, "Harvey?"

Harvey loved how she said his name. He savored the sound for a moment before replying with a light chuckle. "I'm going to skip the wrap party. I'll stay home with the kids. I'll come to pick you up when you're done."

Eloise could read him like a book. He didn't want to get entangled with the showbiz crowd-better to just not show up.

Eloise didn't press the issue. She hummed in acknowledgment, then added, "Just stay home. The driver can drop me off."

Harvey was insistent on picking her up personally. With a smile in her voice, Eloise agreed.

After the call, she turned around to find Natalia ushering over some fresh faces, supporting roles in the film Eloise had invested in several strikingly attractive young actors.

They were all very polite and called Eloise Ms. Laurent.

Tonight was the wrap party. Eloise naturally dressed to the nines-a flowing, deep violet gown that brushed the floor, accented with emerald jewelry. Her chestnut hair cascaded down her back like a waterfall.

She stood by the floor-to-ceiling window, looking down at her phone, and replied absently. Her air of nonchalance carried a hint of aloofness, quite captivating. The youngsters were visibly tense but couldn't help stealing glances at her.

Eventually, Eloise lifted her gaze and looked over. Then she paused, as one of them bore a striking resemblance to Max. He was clean-cut, with a restraint in his desires.

Eloise watched him, and her eyes tinged with sadness yet focused, something others quickly noticed. The young man grew uncomfortable, saying softly, "Ms. Laurent."

Eloise snapped back to reality. A touch of tears brightened her eyes as she smiled faintly. "You remind me of someone from my past."

Natalia then whispered from the side, "He's the third lead in the film. His name is Jeffrey Velona."

And his last name is also Velona...

Mustering his courage, Jeffrey asked, "Is that a friend of yours, Ms. Laurent?"

Eloise gave a soft smile. "In a way. You're better off."

At least he was full of youthful vigor, while Max lay buried in the earth. He was gone at just 34, without leaving a legacy for the Velona family.

With that, Eloise gracefully made her way out.

Everyone envied Jeffrey for having caught Ms. Laurent's eye. Natalia warned them in a low voice, "That was Ms. Laurent's first love. He passed away recently, and she's been upset. Don't bring it up again."

First love... Jeffrey glanced towards the door, pursing his lips slightly.

...

The wrap party was a grand affair.

Tiara had officially signed with Eloise's company, infuriating Ravenna enough to call and berate her, threatening to blackball her permanently. But in Peterborough, who didn't know Ms. Laurent's clout overshadowed Ravenna's?

Tiara was grateful to Eloise. On stage, she expressed her heartfelt thanks.

Eloise sat below, her expression serene. She had the look of someone who had grown weary of her own influence, which was still utterly charming.

At 24, Jeffrey was smitten with Ms. Laurent.

As the dinner neared its end, Eloise prepared to leave early, and Natalia went to arrange the car.

Eloise walked through the hotel's atrium alone. The night air was brisk. A young man's voice called from behind. "Ms. Laurent."

Eloise turned around.

Jeffrey stood not far off, silently admiring her. The youth, in his good looks, couldn't mask his affection. He approached her, step by step. Eloise didn't step away.

In Jeffrey's hand was a white rose, which he offered with a bashful yet eager voice. "Ms. Laurent, I thought this flower matched your dress perfectly tonight."

The white rose symbolized purity. Eloise accepted the bloom. She watched the young man and said softly, "It's beautiful. Thank you. My husband brings me one every morning to place on my pillow."

This gentle rebuff colored the young man's cheeks.

Eloise was kind. She added softly, "You're a fine young man. There's no need for apologies or shame."

Falling for someone was never wrong, as long as you didn't act wrongly because of it.

The night was cool, and a high-quality men's jacket was draped over Eloise's shoulders. She looked up to see Harvey.

Harvey gazed down at her, chiding softly, "It's cold out. Why did you come out without a coat?" Eloise looked up and smiled softly.

Jeffrey was even more flustered.

Harvey glanced at Jeffrey. He was a sharp man who quickly saw the

resemblance, and noted the boy's tender age. But that didn't stop him from being

a suitor to his wife.

Harvey nodded at him and escorted Eloise away.

As they got into the car, Harvey eyed the rose in her hand. "Plucked from a centerpiece, I suppose?"

Eloise settled into the car, looking up at him. "That was Jeffrey, just 24 years old, according to his profile."

Harvey grunted. He went to the trunk, opened it, and placed a whole bunch of roses in her arms. Coincidentally, they were white roses, too.noveldrama

Eloise blinked slowly, a hint of surprise and delight in her eyes. Was this for her?