Tangled in His Obsession (Seraphina)

Chapter 499

"Putting on an act just for me?" Seraphina chuckled, intrigued by the thought. "What's the endgame here?" "It might not be about what he wants," Leandro mused, "but rather what the people behind him are after."

Seraphina paused, considering his words. The idea wasn't new to her. After all, when Bowen had mentioned Simon earlier, he had seemed genuinely agitated. And if Simon was indeed trying to use the situation to strengthen his ties with Seraphina, then it was—

"Such tactics are definitely my style," Seraphina admitted with a smirk. "No wonder he said I remind him of himself."

Simon's ploy, if it were true, to draw her back to her biological father's side by exploiting her desire to outdo and suppress Bowen, was indeed clever. After a moment's thought, Seraphina burst into laughter. "Bowen's probably fuming right now. Oh, this is too good!"

Leandro gave her a sidelong glance before adding, "That's not all. He's had a few other setbacks recently."

Seraphina leaned closer, her curiosity piqued. "Like what?"

"Word is that the Martin Group's board has been shooting down his proposals left and right, all spearheaded by Simon. With the chairman against him, the others hardly dare to speak up."

"So, he's being targeted?" she probed.

Leandro's lips curled into a sly smile. "Simon only brought him into the Martin Group because they shared a common enemy-the Reynolds Group. But now, with you in the picture, Simon seems to have either put that vendetta on hold or pushed it down the priority list. And Bowen, who despises the Reynolds Group more than anyone, isn't going to let him run rampant and gain more power."

Seraphina bit her lip in thought.

Bowen had once used the Martin Group as a weapon against the Reynolds Group, infuriating Leandro who retaliated fiercely against the Martin Group. The result was Simon knocking on their door for peace talks. With Simon's pride, swallowing such a defeat was unthinkable.

Even though Simon had sued for peace, both openly and behind the scenes, the Reynolds Group remained the Martin Group's most formidable adversary.

Now, with the Reynolds Group, under Ferne's leadership, collaborating with the Martin Group, it would be all too easy for the Martin Group to set traps and ensnare the Reynolds Group. Yet, if Simon was truly stepping back from his feud with the Martin Group-

Seraphina looked up at Leandro. "Do I really hold such an important place in his heart?"

Leandro met her gaze, replying softly, "What do you think?"

hint of a smile played on Seraphina's

is why Carney

the mention of Carney, Simon, in his fury, could easily have

as Simon's daughter was confirmed, everything had

supposed betrayal was what pained him the most. Rebuilding a relationship with Seraphina was his way of holding

became his daughter could the love between him and Adelina be considered complete. But this so-called perfect love was

my influence," Seraphina mused. "Given that, maybe

noted the lack of real turmoil within. He simply drew

"Have you bugged

Seraphina, he finally spoke, "Someday, whatever you set

out a small

"And even if you

silent, then nestled closer to Leandro

annual reunion dinner was

seemed as

But those present knew that amidst the festivity, there

waiting eagerly for the clock to strike midnight, but this year, the party began to disperse well before eleven. Conway had likely anticipated this shift and seemed unperturbed, watching with glee as Leandro, Seraphina, and

atmosphere, the evening concluded with a sense

had been

on end, and

granted a two-day reprieve As

much-needed sleep-in, she was

New Year's morning by an

on her door, "Sera, we have company. Your grandpa

budge, grumbling under her breath,

you?" the servant didn't linger, calling out a few more times before

effort, Seraphina peeled herself out of the warm embrace of her blankets, quickly tidied herself up, and stomped downstairs, bracing to confront the early bird who dared