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 spoke volumes

the

Seraphina said. “Besides, that’s not really what you’re concerned about right now, is it?”

at her silently for a moment, not saying

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

was focused on was

opened, and Andrea emerged with Valerio, looking calmly at the two of

let’s get going,” Seraphina announced cheerfully.

Herman gave

without

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

Seraphina seemed to remember her good conscience, suggesting to Andrea, “Don’t you have to get back to work? Let Herman give you a

who had been disinterested until now, suddenly perked up at

Mr. Herman is here on business, unfamiliar with the place-it wouldn’t be right

up, casual but firm, “My grandfather’s house is actually in Summitville.

Andrea stiffened slightly.

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

said simply, “Let’s go.

say anything. She got up and left with Herman.

go, her expression one of someone

Auntie Andrea?” Valerio asked,

liked each other or not, she wasn’t sure. But

she saw no reason not

she’d just have to wait for one of them to come forward

up there, which meant he knew every corner of the town center

navigate the familiar streets with ease, yet she remained silent as the grave.

finally couldn’t stand it any longer and spoke up to break

“I’ve already told you,

car’s stereo suddenly jumped to a song that was all too familiar to both of them- “In the dead of night, gazing at the stars alone, the stars remain constant every night, shining brightly…”

quick succession of emotions, then he challenged, “How do you explain

“It’s a classic, loved

you been avoiding me

well aware of how you feel about me. Why would I bother showing up just to be a nuisance?”

momentarily lost for words,

Andrea responded flatly.

his boiling point with her indifferent attitude. He was about to give up on

answer was simple and

Herman turned to look at

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

quickly unbuckled her seatbelt, turned to him with a “Thanks,” and stepped out of