Tangled in His Obsession Series

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.

telling that he only now sensed something amiss, which

more profound his disdain had been, the more interesting his current

of address; no need to get worked up,” Seraphina said. “Besides, that’s not really what

at her silently for a moment,

exact nature of Seraphina and Andrea’s relationship wasn’t of any real

he was focused

with Valerio, looking

then, let’s get going,” Seraphina

Herman gave

look, still without saying a

Andrea privately. And Seraphina, oblivious to any inconvenience she might be causing, chatted away with Andrea, almost completely

leave that Seraphina seemed to remember her good conscience, suggesting to Andrea,

until now, suddenly perked up at this suggestion.

quickly. “I’ll just take a cab. Mr. Herman is here

in Summitville.

Andrea stiffened slightly.

that settles it then. You can drop Andrea off at work, and if you’re free in the evening, bring her over to my place. We can

and said simply, “Let’s go. I’ll

anything. She

one of

Auntie Andrea?” Valerio asked,

wasn’t

she saw no reason not to

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

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

car, watching him navigate the familiar streets with ease, yet

not talking, huh?” After enduring the stifling silence, Herman finally couldn’t stand

flashed in Andrea’s eyes. “I’ve already told you, but

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

emotions, then he challenged, “How do you

classic, loved by many,

why have you been avoiding me since that night?”

a wry smile tinged with helplessness. “Because I know my place, Mr. Herman. I’m well aware of how you feel about me. Why would I bother showing up just to

words,

Andrea responded flatly.

her indifferent attitude. He was about to give up on the conversation

was simple and direct.

car came to a stop at a red light, and Herman turned to

no more, asked no more, and drove in silence to

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