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

had been, the more interesting his current interest appeared.

need to get worked up,” Seraphina said. “Besides, that’s

silently for a moment, not saying another

nature of Seraphina and

focused

speak, the door opened, and Andrea emerged with Valerio, looking calmly

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

Herman gave

still without saying

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

seemed to remember her good conscience, suggesting to

had been disinterested until now, suddenly perked up at

a cab. Mr. Herman is here on business, unfamiliar with the

house is actually in Summitville. I practically grew up here, so I know the

Andrea stiffened slightly.

settles it then. You can drop Andrea off at work, and if you’re

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

anything. She got up and

go, her expression one of

Herman like Auntie Andrea?” Valerio asked, looking up at her.

each other or not, she wasn’t sure.

trip to Summitville, and she saw no

wait for one

there, which meant he knew every corner of

the familiar streets with ease, yet she remained silent as the

enduring the stifling silence, Herman finally couldn’t stand it any longer and spoke up to break the

eyes. “I’ve already told you, but you just don’t

familiar to both of them- “In the dead of night, gazing at the stars alone, the stars remain constant every

of emotions, then he

“It’s a classic, loved by many, including me. Just

you been avoiding me since that

my place, Mr. Herman. I’m well aware of how you feel about me. Why would I bother showing up just to be

momentarily lost for words, then added, “I don’t dislike

flatly.

give up on the conversation when, moments later,

Andrea’s answer was simple and direct.

light, and Herman turned to look at her for a long while, finally nodding slowly, resigned. “Okay.”

drove in silence to the hotel where Andrea was

seatbelt, turned to him with a “Thanks,”

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