Tangled Temptations

The atmosphere inside the private booth was unexplainably tense. Brett's handsome fingers were gently caressing a card, his face sporting an unreadable expression, that left everyone guessing his thoughts.

Meanwhile, Orlena stood defiantly at the door, her eyes brimming with tears. She looked pitiful, just like a little puppy.

Slowly, Brett rose from his seat and began to walk towards the door. Ms. Olea seemed to sense something and called out to him, "Brett!"noveldrama

But Brett seemed oblivious. He continued to stride towards the door, his voice gentle and warm, "Why did you follow me here?"

Orlena just stood there, looking at him. And at everyone else in the room. And at Ms. Olea. Finally, she managed to squeeze out a sentence, "I forgot to get your autograph!"

It was an obvious lie. Everyone in the room could see that, but nobody dared to call her out, because Brett's feelings for this young girl were clearly different.

Brett smiled slowly, then turned to Ms. Olea, "Ms. Olea, this is your fault! Quickly sign something for her, so she can go home and complete her mission."

Ms. Olea was a master of social etiquette. She immediately opened her handbag, took out a fragrant picture of herself, signed it, and then walked over to Orlena, joking, "Brett is right, it was my fault!"

Orlena softly thanked her. She refused to look at Brett again, but he kept his gaze on her.

When she said goodbye, Brett arranged for someone to send her home.

"No need!" She shook her head, "I drove here."

Without saying anything more, Brett reached out, as if he wanted to touch her hair, but finally put his hand down, and smiled faintly, "Drive safely."

She nodded, turned around and left.

From beginning to end, there wasn't a single word of blame or resentment between them. Because such words are meant for lovers, and she and Brett, were nothing. Even her feelings for him were not allowed.

The luxurious brass doors slowly closed. He was inside, surrounded by luxury and beautiful women.

And she was on her own, her shadow stretching long under the crystal chandelier in the corridor.

The room became lively again.

Ms. Olea was still nestled next to Brett, serving him with the same tender affection, while Mr. Moreno joked, "We should've kept the girl here. Brett, she's your exclusive little tail. How could you let her go?"

Brett made a few casual jokes, but he felt a restlessness that shouldn't have been there.

"I'm done playing!" In the end, he pushed the cards away, ending the social gathering.

The room fell silent.

After a while, Ms. Olea managed to smile, speaking softly, "Are you feeling

unwell? Come with me. I'll help you relax. You're always so busy..."

Mr. Moreno quickly agreed, "Yes, let Ms. Olea take care of you."

Brett didn't want to embarrass her. He didn't care either way.

Ms. Olea's private residence was very elegant, and she had instructed the servants to light a lamp in the bedroom in anticipation of Brett's arrival. Brett used to love this atmosphere.

He leaned back on the sofa, closing his eyes and enjoying Ms. Olea's affection.

Ms. Olea was leaning against him, singing softly, her slim waist tightly wrapped in a dress, and her soft breasts on full display, making her incredibly tempting.

Brett listened for a while, but the more he listened, the more irritable he became, and he opened his eyes.

Ms. Olea was lying next to his legs, pleading softly, "Stay with me tonight, please?"

Any man would find it hard to resist such a tempting woman, but all Brett could think of was a certain young girl, who was on the verge of tears but still trying to act like she didn't care.

He gently pushed Ms. Olea away, started to put on his shoes, and casually said, "I have a ton of work to do tomorrow. I don't think I can..."

Ms. Olea was not happy. He was clearly just making excuses.

Brett pinched her face, soothing her with a gentle, "I'm really busy!"

Ms. Olea stomped her foot angrily, but didn't dare to lash out.

Brett walked out of the private residence, where Donny was already waiting for him by the car. Donny was quite surprised, "You're not staying with Ms. Olea?"

Brett got into the car without answering. After a while, he suddenly asked, "Do you think she'll be mad at me?"

Donny was taken aback. Then he realized who Brett was talking about, and laughed along, "She's just a kid; she'll forget about it in a few days."

Brett smiled faintly. Yeah, how long could a young girl's crush last?

He closed his eyes and ordered softly, "Drive to Horigan Mansion."

It was late at night.

Parker had just laid down when a servant knocked on the door, saying that Brett's car was outside.

After hearing the news twice, Parker sat up straight. Pauline also put on a robe, but was stopped by her husband. Parker gritted his teeth, "That Brett, he must be having some trouble. That's why he's coming here in the middle of the night!"

But he had no choice but to deal with it.

Harvey and Eloise's wedding was not yet arranged, so he had to keep Brett happy.

Parker put on a jacket, and by the time he was descending the stairs, he had put on a friendly face, "So it's Eloise's uncle Brett! How could you not tell me when you come to Peterborough? Otherwise I would have prepared a feast for you."

Brett stood in the hall, looking as elegant as ever. He smiled slightly, "It's not too late!"

Parker's face froze. Now? Was he joking? It was almost ten o'clock and he wanted to prepare a feast? That's ridiculous!

As they spoke, a figure came down the stairs. She was wearing a pure white lace dress, her hair dark, her eyes red.

It was Orlena.

She had heard the voices and came down to see what was going on, only to see Brett.

Why was he here?

Brett looked at her with a smile, as if he was looking at an ordinary young girl.

Under the light, her face was pale. Her father didn't notice. Parker instructed the butler to prepare dinner, and told his daughter, "You're here, why didn't you call out? Say hello to Brett."

Her lips moved, but she couldn't make a sound. She turned around and ran upstairs.

Parker shook his head and told Brett, "She's spoiled! Don't worry about it, Brett." Brett watched her go upstairs, smiling, "She's just a kid. It doesn't matter."

The butler personally brought over a selection of wine and appetizers, and Parker kept him company for an hour or so. Despite an hour of small talk, he still couldn't figure out what brought Brett here.

In the wee hours, Donny helped Brett into the car.

Brett had drunk quite a bit. As he leaned back on the car seat, he thought about how he had to return to Brockville in the morning, but the young girl was still clearly upset with him. He thought he should do something to cheer her up.

He dialed the young girl's number, but she didn't answer. After a few rings, Brett gently hung up. A dull pain filled his heart.

He, of all people, shouldn't be getting involved in romantic affairs, especially not with a young girl. Despite his stubborn denial, despite telling everyone around him she was just a younger acquaintance, he couldn't deny he treated her differently. He couldn't give her his heart, but he still cared for her.

Brett rolled down the car window to let the wind blow in, hoping it would clear his head. After a while, he put on a calm front and joked with Donny, "You've had a good laugh at my expense!"

There were far too many people who liked Brett. Perhaps they were attracted to his wealth, or his appearance. There were some he could barely remember their names, but only Orlena had a special place in his heart.

They had never been sexual, never had any grand adventures. They just had dinner together once, she only napped in his bedroom once, and they only kissed

once.

Just once, she had called him Brett.

For a long time, he didn't hear from her.

After Eloise became pregnant, the Horigan family came to propose marriage, and

he thought the young girl would come too since she enjoyed such events.

But she didn't.

He was somewhat disappointed. He spent a lot of time alone amidst the lively atmosphere, smoking half a pack of cigarettes.

At Eloise's wedding, he finally saw her, wearing a beautiful blue dress - the purest shade of blue he had ever seen. She was with a group of girls, acting distant towards him. He could only watch her from afar.

Brett thought, that's probably for the best. What could he say to her, anyway? He couldn't give her anything.

And he shouldn't. Their social status and age were too much of a barrier.

He didn't dare to think whether a young girl's affection could withstand such tests.

His deep affection for her was forced to be abandoned before it could be confessed.

Still, he cared about her.

He hadn't been in contact with his other friends for a long time.

Mr. Moreno and the others didn't understand, they thought he was focusing on self-improvement. Only he knew that he had unintentionally fallen for a young girl. When he was on a business trip to Rossland, he took time out of his schedule to personally queue up and bought two plush bunnies.

He heard they were called Bunnies by the Bay. Young girls all loved them.

When he brought them back to the office, Donny couldn't help but laugh, "These are so cute! You're going to Peterborough next week. You should bring them. The young girl will definitely like it."

Brett lit a cigarette, giving Donny a look, "Who said it's for her? Even if it is, it's

one for Eloise. It's not specially bought for her!"

Donny quickly said, "Right, right, right, it's mainly for Ms. Eloise."

Only then did Brett let him off.

When he was alone, he couldn't help but think, she would be happy when she

receives it, right?

Young girls, should always be happy.