Tangled in His Obsession (Seraphina)

Chapter 431

When Andrea spoke those words, a frown creased Seraphina’s face.

“Just go then,” Seraphina said with a scowl. “And if you leave, don’t bother coming back to us.”

Although Valerio was exceptionally good at adapting to new surroundings, the sight of someone from his past brought a unique sense of security. So when he heard Andrea was leaving, he immediately stood up and reached out to take her hand.

“Auntie Andrea…” he whispered, his eyes shimmering like pools of clear water, his expression the epitome of forlorn.

Andrea found it so hard to leave him. She paused, then silently nodded in agreement.

Andrea might have agreed to stay for dinner, but she hardly exchanged a word with Herman, sticking close to Valerio instead, showing him the clothes and gifts she had brought for him.

Herman sat quietly to the side, his gaze almost unabashedly fixed on Andrea. And yet, Andrea didn’t so much as glance his way.

Clearly agitated, Herman couldn’t help but step outside to light up a cigarette.

Seraphina had just been over at the neighbor’s for a visit and caught sight of him standing at the door, smoking, his brows deeply furrowed.

The sight made Seraphina smirk. Herman caught her schadenfreude and shot her a glare.

“Oh, glaring at me now?” Seraphina teased. “You really ought to be thanking me, you know. If my son and I hadn’t intervened, do you honestly believe Andrea would have stuck around?”

Herman responded without a change in his frosty demeanor.

Seraphina snorted. “Fine, maybe I got it wrong. Maybe you don’t want her to stay? I can go and send her on her way right now if that’s what you want.”

Herman reached out and grabbed her arm at those words, and Seraphina couldn’t help but laugh.

“What’s the deal?” Seraphina asked. “Is there something going on between you two that I don’t know about? I remember you weren’t too fond of her before. Did you chase her all the way to Summitville this time?”

“I told you, I’m here on business,” Herman said.

“Sure, keep playing tough,” Seraphina replied. “If you’re not going to open up, don’t blame me when I don’t help you out.”

She turned to head inside, but Herman grabbed her again.

Seraphina thought he might finally have something to say, but Herman instead asked, “Why does Valerio call her ‘Auntie’?”

Seraphina stopped short, then finally said, “She’s close to me, so my son calls her whatever he likes. Why, is that your business too?”

“Is she as close as Sandra Smith was to you?” Herman pressed.

Seraphina huffed and crossed her arms, offering no reply.

With Herman’s detective instincts, it was telling that he only now sensed something amiss, which spoke volumes of his previous disdain for Andrea.

disdain had been, the more interesting his

no need to get worked up,” Seraphina said. “Besides, that’s not really what you’re concerned about right now, is it?”

at her silently for a moment, not saying

stage, the exact nature of Seraphina and Andrea’s relationship wasn’t of any real consequence

was focused

door opened, and Andrea emerged with Valerio, looking calmly

well then, let’s get going,” Seraphina announced cheerfully. “Let’s grab some

Herman gave

without saying a word.

without Herman getting a chance to speak to Andrea privately. And Seraphina, oblivious to any inconvenience she might be causing, chatted away with

they were ready to leave that Seraphina seemed to remember her good conscience, suggesting to Andrea, “Don’t you

been disinterested until now,

okay,” Andrea said quickly. “I’ll just take a cab. Mr. Herman is here on business, unfamiliar with the place-it wouldn’t be right

is actually in Summitville. I practically

Andrea stiffened slightly.

outright, “Well, that settles it then. You can drop Andrea off at work, and if you’re free

looked at Andrea and said simply, “Let’s go. I’ll take you.”

anything. She got up and

one of someone enjoying a

Valerio asked,

not, she wasn’t sure. But there was definitely something tangled up between

special trip to Summitville, and she saw no reason not to lend a hand to this clueless man.

wait for one of them to come forward

he had grown up there, which

of his hand.

the passenger seat of his car, watching him navigate the familiar streets with ease, yet she remained silent as the grave.

11:42

Chapter 431

finally couldn’t stand it any longer and spoke up to break

told you, but you just don’t want to believe me.”

song that was all too familiar to both of them- “In the dead of night, gazing at the stars alone, the stars

succession of emotions, then he challenged, “How do you explain this song,

classic, loved by many, including me. Just like

avoiding me since that night?”

wry smile tinged with helplessness. “Because I know my place, Mr. Herman. I’m well aware of how

for words, then added, “I don’t dislike

flatly. “Well,

attitude. He was about to give up on the conversation when, moments later, he involuntarily asked, “Was it

Andrea’s answer was

a stop at a red light, and Herman turned to look at

and drove in silence to the hotel where Andrea was staying.

quickly unbuckled her seatbelt, turned to him with a “Thanks,” and stepped out of the