Tangled Temptations

Brett caught sight of Stephanie as he entered the room. A flicker of surprise crossed his face, followed by a slight annoyance. He thought he had made things crystal clear to her. Stephanie was no fool, yet here she was, dropping by uninvited on New Year's Eve, presumably to ruffle Orlena's feathers.

As a man of Brett's standing, it was unthinkable to simply send her away. He shrugged off his coat, revealing a crisp gray shirt paired with dark wool slacks— the epitome of refined elegance.

A servant handed him a warm towel, which he used to wipe his hands. With a smile, he turned to Donny. "Hey, since Stephanie's here to ring in the New Year, why don't you stick around too? Call your wife over, and we'll all have a casual dinner."

Donny was always good at playing along. Taking the towel from his boss, he chuckled, "Oh, I wouldn't dream of imposing on you this festive season, Brett. I'll scoot back to where I came from. My wife and kids are waiting to celebrate the New Year with me."

Brett returned the smile with a nonchalant one of his own. He leaned in, raising his voice in a natural tone. "Orlena, Donny's heading home for the festivities. Aren't you going to see him off? After all, you always greet him with such warmth."

From inside, Orlena gritted her teeth. He was doing this on purpose. Fully aware of her irritation with Stephanie, he was still asking her to play the hostess.

But the man had spoken, and she couldn't afford to lose face in front of him, nor did she want to appear weak.

Rushing out, she clutched a tube of ointment in her hand, her mouth smeared with a messy patch of it, hardly presentable in front of guests.

Stephanie watched silently, a peculiar feeling creeping inside her. She knew Brett well; he was a perfectionist. Orlena's disheveled state would be intolerable to him; it was unseemly.

Sure enough, Brett frowned. He pulled Orlena, her face crinkled like a dumpling, close to him. "What happened?"

Orlena leaned into him, close enough to see the small bite mark on his neck from the night before. Her cheeks flushed as she whispered, "Burnt my mouth on a meatball."

She quickly found an excuse, "Tracey made them too irresistible."

Brett, however, took the ointment and started applying it to her burn, gently chiding her, "Always finding excuses for your gluttony. Can't even apply ointment properly, like a child."

His reproach was soft, his touch and gaze filled with tenderness.

Orlena wasn't afraid of him. For a moment, she forgot about the others in the room, sliding her hand into the pocket of his trousers.

Brett looked down at her. "What are you rummaging for? That's not proper." Orlena just laughed.

Stephanie watched in silence, feeling as though she had fallen into an icy cave. Brett was indulging Orlena like this.

Besides her beauty, Orlena had nothing that would make her fit to be the lady of the Noland family. How could Orlena be worthy?

Just then, Donny pulled out a gift box from his briefcase. "Last time I gave one to Daniel, and this one's for you."

Donny was on a salary, and Orlena felt it wasn't right to take his money, but Brett patted her head, urging her, "Take it. He's setting a good example for me."

Donny grinned, "You know me too well."

Orlena accepted the gift. With no pockets on her dress, she simply stuffed it into Brett's trouser pocket, a move that earned her several looks from Brett. He called over the butler and casually gave instructions.

These New Year's preparations should have been Orlena's to arrange, but she was only good at having fun. Moreover, Brett didn't want to burden her, so he took care of everything himself.

While the butler spoke with him, Brett suddenly remembered something and turned to Orlena. "What are you waiting for? See Donny out. Oh, and Stephanie, too."

Stephanie's face turned sour. With just a few words, Brett had underscored the difference in status between her and Orlena.

Stephanie forced a smile. "No need for the trouble, Ms. Horigan."

Still clinging to Brett's arm, Orlena reached for the coat on the nearby sofa. It was Brett's. She wrapped herself in it tightly. "Donny, let me walk you out."

Donny smiled appreciatively. "With this weather and scenery, walking with a beauty like Ms. Orlena is a delight in itself." He tucked his briefcase under his

arm.

Orlena followed him out, leaving Stephanie with no reason to stay. She looked at Brett, overcome with sadness.

Brett had many confidantes, and she was among them. She didn't seek a formal status by his side, only hoping that one day he would settle down and naturally realize she was the one best suited for him.

She never imagined he would fall for a young girl. He was even considering leaving the career he loved for Orlena.

Stephanie's lips quivered. "I heard you're leaving the system to enter business?"

Brett finished giving instructions. He dismissed the butler and glanced at Tracey, who sat still as a statue. With a resigned air, he pulled out a cigarette and took a slow drag. "How did you find out?"

Stephanie suppressed her emotions. "I have my ways. Someone saw your resignation letter."

The thought of Brett resigning from all his positions after the mission was both shocking and infuriating to her. How could he... How could he love Orlena to such an extent that he would give up his career just to be with her and marry her?

"Brett. You belong where you are now. You started a business for some clueless girl. Isn't it too late? Can you compete with the Horigan family in business? Without the halo of Mr. Brett, why would she still want to be with you?"

Brett lit his cigarette; his voice was soft but firm. "All of this is none of your business, Stephanie. Let me go, and give yourself a break. Orlena may be young, but that doesn't mean she's clueless. She's chosen me more resolutely than anyone else." So, he had chosen her too.

Stephanie wanted to say more, but Orlena returned.

Brett took her hand, glanced at the burn on her lip, and called out to Tracey, "Take care of things for me, will you? I'm going to help Orlena change her clothes."

Tracey nodded in agreement.

Orlena strolled alongside him, her voice light with playful accusation. "Hope I'm not neglecting your guests."

Brett hadn't seen her in a while, and he found himself missing her more than he expected. Pinning her against the hallway wall, he gently probed the healing bruise on her arm. "Does it still hurt?"

"Not anymore."

A soft chuckle escaped Brett, his voice dropping even quieter. "I meant here," he teased, referencing the little yelp of pain she had let out the night before.

Orlena's cheeks flushed a brilliant rose. Leaning against the wall, she playfully punched his chest, a small act of sweetness that made them momentarily forget about Stephanie's presence.

Brett was always considerate, never overstepping, and soon, they changed and headed back out.

By then, Stephanie had left.

Daniel trailed after Tracey, who was bustling about with her usual holiday fervor - quite the contrast to her typical leisurely pace. This year, she was exceptionally diligent. As Brett watched his mother's soft expression, his heart felt a tender pull. He lifted his son. "Let's go set off some fireworks in the yard."

Secretly, Orlena longed to join.

Her adventurous spirit yearned for play, but her current role...

"I'll help Tracey with the holiday feast."

Tracey nudged her, scolding gently, "You're young. Why waste away in the kitchen

with an old lady like me? Go have some fun."

Once given permission, Orlena dashed off, swift as the wind.

Tracey ribbed Brett, "You've married a child. But it's good; it keeps things lively around here."

And indeed, Orlena was a sight to behold.

Brett, carrying Daniel, headed to the shed to retrieve over a dozen fireworks, large and small, and arranged them carefully.

As twilight approached, a faint glow lingered on the horizon, the only light apart from the sporadic twinkles in the yard.

Brett cut a lean figure dressed in black slacks and a navy cashmere sweater. The dim light cast his profile in a gentle glow. His features weren't as sharply defined

as Harvey's; they were softer, but still strikingly handsome.

Fireworks burst into the sky at their peak, dazzling.

This was Daniel's first New Year's with his dad, and his excitement was palpable as he jumped and clapped along with Orlena. She looked up at the swirling colors, and after a few seconds, she dropped her gaze to the man she loved deeply Brett, too, was watching her with an intensity and tenderness that was difficult to articulate.

Orlena's cheeks warmed, but she couldn't bear to look away.

Brett gave a gentle laugh, took a deep breath amidst the smoky air, and moved on

to light more fireworks. The night sky was ablaze, all for her.

Eventually, he came to her side, lifting Daniel into his arms and wrapping his other arm around his petite wife.

Leaning into his embrace, Orlena thought of all the past New Year's Eves. None were as lively and fulfilling as this one. Her heart swelled, eager to express her feelings, but Brett whispered in her ear, "May we spend every New Year together, just like this."

He didn't speak of love but togetherness, which was just as sweet to Orlena. Her arms encircled his waist, her heart fluttering.

The Noland household buzzed with a vibrant celebration on New Year's Eve.

On New Year's Day, Brett was back to work despite the many visitors who came

to visit. Tracey usually entertained these guests, but this year, she turned them all

away.

Orlena was puzzled, and Tracey explained, "After the holidays, Brett might step down from his position."

These visitors were likely seeking favors, and there was no need to entertain them

any longer.

Orlena suspected it was because of her that Brett was considering resignation. Her concerns didn't go unnoticed. Tracey, dressed in her new outfit and sipping on soup, chuckled, "I'm actually hoping he'll retire. He's always busy, hardly ever home. I think he's just looking for an excuse to be lazy, using you and the little guy as a pretext."

Orlena laughed, "You're just trying to flatter me."

Her shyness was enchanting. Tracey was delighted and teased her further, "I'm

not nearly as good at flattery as Brett is. I've been watching him over the years; he's absolutely smitten with you."

Orlena, flustered, was about to retort when the butler arrived, announcing, "Ms. Tracey, Ms. Orlena, Mr. Velona, and his son have arrived and wish to see you." Mr. Velona? Who was this Mr. Velona, bringing his son along? Tracey rubbed her temples, half-joking. "The Noland family has no daughters to offer; our only one is already spoken for. What do these people want, coming here with their sons? I don't need any more help around the house."

The butler, hiding a smile, added, "They seem quite respectable."

He leaned in to whisper, "He's Rossland's second wealthiest businessman. I've done some digging, and it seems he's had some interactions with Ms. Eloise." Tracey was not privy to the gossip. Orlena, however, suddenly remembered. "Oh. I know who this is. His name is Jacob, and he once sent roses to Eloise... She threw them away, though. He's quite presumptuous."

Amused, Tracey realized why her son was so taken with Orlena. Orlena was truly special.

Composing herself, Tracey instructed the butler, "Let them in, please."

As the butler left, she warned Orlena, "When they arrive, don't offend our guests

too easily."

Orlena wasn't upset. Before the visitors arrived, she cuddled up to Tracey, cooing,

"I know."

Despite the impending interaction, Tracey's heart was bursting with joy. Brett's

wife might've been young and simple-hearted, but to Tracey, she was like a daughter rediscovered, a source of great happiness.noveldrama

As they chatted, Mr. Velona and Jacob entered. They carried gifts and luggage

with them. Upon arrival, Mr. Velona removed his scarf and warmly greeted Tracey. "Tracey, I've come to wish you a happy New Year."

He urged Jacob, "Say hello to your grandmother. She's Eloise's grandmother, so she's yours too."

Jacob, slightly embarrassed, approached Tracey, who complimented his good looks and questioned Mr. Velona directly, "Angus has other children? I've never

heard Michelle mention them."

Mr. Velona was taken aback.

Tracey was no easy mark; she was playing dumb on purpose. She then gestured

to the luggage, feigning ignorance. "If Angus' children are visiting, we better prepare the guest rooms. We can't have family staying in hotels."

She sent Orlena to make the arrangements. Orlena had a sharp wit about her. "His last name's Velona, Jacob's not one of Mr. Angus' brood." Tracey gestured graciously for tea, then took a sip herself and chuckled, "Silly me, I heard he was Eloise's brother and just assumed he was one of Angus' kids. Since he's not, maybe we should give Eloise a ring and see what she has to say."

Mr. Velona had a thick skin. He lightly touched Tracey's hand and then received a gift from his aide. It was quite a precious thing.

His face was all smiles. "Tracey, you really shouldn't have gone to all this trouble.

Jacob and I just came to scope things out. We're definitely staying at a hotel."

Tracey nodded. "Oh. I see. I thought you were planning to stay here, with all your luggage."

Mr. Velona looked slightly uncomfortable. He still couldn't get the better of Tracey.

Tracey may not have been willing to put up with them, but she had the good grace to offer a meal, ordering her staff to prepare a feast and sending for Brett to come home early to entertain the guests As for

the valuable gift, it would wait until Eloise returned.

At the moment, it was only three in the afternoon. Noland's Mansion was known in Brockville for its exquisite gardens, and the

Velona father and son, strolled around, with Orlena tagging along out of pure boredom.

Ahead, Tracey and Mr. Velona were exchanging pleasantries. Trailing behind, Orlena glared at Jacob. She huffed, "What are you doing here during the holidays? Don't think I don't know what you're up to. My brother and his wife are happily married. You won't stand a chance as the other man." Jacob was well aware of her. He fancied Eloise and enjoyed teasing her, but he

had no illusions about being the other man. However, he didn't mind annoying Harvey's sister.

Thinking of Harvey, stirring up his sister seemed like a good idea. So Jacob couldn't resist taunting, "Maybe I do want to be the other man."

Orlena was instantly provoked. "Shameless. My sister-in-law would never fall for you."

Jacob crossed his arms. "Wanna bet?"

"Bet on what?" A voice came from the garden entrance.

They turned to see Harvey.

He was dressed in a sharp overcoat, exuding an air of affluence and elegance. He

was quite the sight.

With snow predicted in Peterborough by morning, he had decided to bring his wife

and kids to Brockville early to celebrate the New Year. Little did he expect to find Jacob here spouting nonsense.