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.

the more interesting

up,” Seraphina said. “Besides, that’s not really what you’re concerned about right

looked at her silently for a moment, not

nature of Seraphina and Andrea’s relationship wasn’t of

focused on was

and Andrea emerged with Valerio, looking calmly at the two of them before saying slowly, “Valerio’s

get going,” Seraphina announced cheerfully. “Let’s grab some food!”

Herman gave

look, still without

chance to speak to Andrea privately. And Seraphina, oblivious

wasn’t until the bill was paid and they were ready to leave that Seraphina seemed to remember her good conscience, suggesting

had been disinterested until now, suddenly perked up

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

“My grandfather’s house is actually in Summitville. I practically grew up here, so I know the place

Andrea stiffened slightly.

work, and if you’re free in the evening, bring her over to my place.

Andrea and said simply, “Let’s go. I’ll take

Seraphina, eventually didn’t say anything. She got up and left with Herman.

one of someone enjoying a spectacle.

Herman like Auntie Andrea?” Valerio asked, looking up at

other or not, she wasn’t sure. But there was

to Summitville, and she saw no reason

for the specifics of their situation, she’d just have to wait for one of them to come forward and

Summitville was indeed his granddad’s hometown, and he had grown up there, which meant he knew every corner of the town center like

of his hand.

the familiar

11:42

Chapter 431

After enduring the stifling silence, Herman finally couldn’t stand it any

eyes. “I’ve already told you, but you just don’t want to

both of them- “In the

emotions, then he challenged, “How do you explain

replied. “It’s a classic, loved by

been avoiding

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

momentarily lost for words, then added,

responded flatly. “Well,

boiling point with her indifferent attitude. He was about to give up on the conversation when, moments later, he involuntarily asked, “Was it really you

answer was simple and direct.

a stop at a red light, and Herman turned to look at her for a long while, finally nodding slowly, resigned. “Okay.”

in silence to the

quickly unbuckled her seatbelt, turned to him with a