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.

he only now sensed something amiss, which spoke

the

worked up,” Seraphina said. “Besides,

a moment, not saying

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

focused on was

was about to speak, the door opened, and Andrea emerged with

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

Herman gave

another look, still without

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

paid and they were ready to leave that Seraphina seemed to remember her good conscience, suggesting to Andrea, “Don’t you have to get back to work? Let Herman

until now, suddenly perked up at this

quickly. “I’ll just take a cab. Mr. Herman is here on business, unfamiliar

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

Andrea stiffened slightly.

drop Andrea off at work, and if you’re free in the evening,

said simply, “Let’s go. I’ll take you.”

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

expression one of someone enjoying

Valerio asked,

she wasn’t sure. But

special trip to Summitville, and she saw no reason

just have to wait for one

there, which meant he

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

talking, huh?” After enduring the stifling silence, Herman finally couldn’t stand it any longer and

flashed in Andrea’s eyes. “I’ve already told you, but you just don’t

familiar to both of

then he challenged, “How

a coincidence.” Andrea replied. “It’s a classic, loved

you been avoiding me since that

Mr. Herman. I’m well aware of how you feel about

for words, then added,

flatly. “Well, that’s

was about to give up on the conversation when, moments later,

answer was simple and

and Herman turned to look at

more, and drove in silence to the hotel

unbuckled her seatbelt, turned to him with a “Thanks,”