Tangled in His Obsession (Seraphina)

Chapter 490

In the darkest hours before dawn, when Reynolds Vista Retreat lay silently enshrouded in the night's embrace, Leandro returned to the grandeur of Reynolds Manor. The estate, a silhouette against the nocturnal landscape, was all but asleep, save for the gentle luminescence that seeped through the window of his bedroom.

Ascending the grand staircase, Leandro pushed open the door to find Valerio in a solitary slumber upon the bed. As he adjusted the covers around his son, he noted the undisturbed state of the rest of the bed - Seraphina had not been to sleep since he left.

His search through the house yielded no sign of her until he reached the third-floor terrace. There she was, nestled in a lounge chair, gazing up at a sky where thin clouds danced around a veiled moon and stars. The night air was crisp, almost to the point of biting.

Seraphina was wrapped in a thick robe but was barefoot, her feet untouched even by socks. Approaching, Leandro touched her feet and, feeling their chill, draped his coat over them.

"I heard you come back," Seraphina finally spoke, her voice as tranquil as the night. "I just didn't want to move."

Leandro grunted his acknowledgment and sat down beside her. She leaned into him, her gaze returning skyward, and after a while, she said, "Do you remember? Long ago, the stars used to shine so bright."

He followed her gaze into the heavens and murmured his agreement.

Catching a glimpse of him, she teased, "You're not the romantic type, are you? I bet you've never really looked at the stars. But my dad, he loved them."

"In the summers, he'd take me out to the courtyard to cool off and star gaze. I never saw what was so special about the stars until he began to tell their stories. I was addicted to his tales; I wanted to join him every time just to hear more."

"My mom, of course, wouldn't join us. She didn't fancy getting bitten by bugs on warm summer nights. But she never scolded my dad for his hobby. She supported everything he did because she truly loved him, and he was truly worth loving..."

"Leandro, it's a shame you never met my father. He was the most learned, charming man in the world..."Her voice trailed off with those last words. After a long silence, she whispered, "Life's not fair... it's just not fair..."

Leandro remained silent, simply pulling her closer into his embrace. Seraphina buried her face in his chest, clutching at the fabric of his shirt, staying still for a long time...

stood at the entrance of the Martin Group, requesting to see Simon

Mr. Martin, you'll have to schedule an appointment through his secretary or assistant," the receptionist

secretary

your name and number, and we'll forward your request

contact Simon directly through Andrea, a familiar voice with a hint of laughter came from behind

hinting at something more. "Didn't expect to bump into you

one of the top dogs at the Martin Group. Could you help me out

towards the elevators. "With your current status, Sera, I might be the

you dare let me

As the elevator ascended, he mused, "Uncle Simon's been

what about you, Bowen? Are you in good spirits?" Seraphina

reconcile, I'd be

replied with a sly grin. "After meeting with me, Mr. Martin might

such a father," Bowen sighed, then added,

only that, I remember my debts," she said, locking

nodded slowly. "You might hate me now, but one day, you may come to me for help. So let's not say things we might

the doors opened, Seraphina left him with a parting shot, "Take that advice to

she stepped out onto the 66th floor, leaving Bowen to watch her go before turning towards

Simon's office just as his assistant, Isaac, was stepping out. Startled by her sudden appearance, Isaac halted mid- stride before quickly advancing and murmuring

can call me

promptly, then added, "Are you here to see Mr. Martin? He's currently

said, "I've

into the visitor's lounge, served her a cup of