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.

only now sensed

the more interesting his

a form of address; no need to get worked up,” Seraphina said.

for a moment, not

the exact nature of Seraphina and

he was focused on

door opened, and Andrea emerged with Valerio, looking calmly at the two of them before saying slowly,

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

Herman gave

without

Seraphina and Valerio around, the meal passed without Herman getting a chance to speak to Andrea privately. And Seraphina, oblivious to any inconvenience she might be causing, chatted away

to remember her good conscience, suggesting to Andrea, “Don’t

had been disinterested until now, suddenly perked

Andrea said quickly. “I’ll just take a cab. Mr. Herman is here on business, unfamiliar with the place-it wouldn’t be right to trouble him.”

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

Andrea stiffened slightly.

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

Andrea and said simply, “Let’s

Seraphina, eventually didn’t say anything.

one of

Valerio asked, looking

Whether they liked each other or not, she wasn’t sure. But there was definitely something tangled up between

saw no reason not to lend a hand

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

granddad’s hometown, and he had grown up there, which meant he knew every corner of the town center like the back of

navigate the familiar

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

told you, but you

of them- “In the dead of night, gazing at the stars alone, the stars remain

face went through a quick succession of emotions, then he challenged, “How do you explain

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

have you been avoiding me since that night?”

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

for words, then added,

responded flatly. “Well,

attitude. He was about to give up on the conversation when, moments later, he involuntarily

was

red light, and Herman turned to look at her for a long while, finally

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

him with