Tangled in His Obsession

Chapter 437

Valerio was a boy with a heart for adventure, his eyes lighting up whenever he saw soldiers or police officers. He spent the entire car ride with his nose pressed against the window, saluting every uniform that passed by.

Seraphina had never seen such fanfare either. She couldn’t help but glance at Leandro and say, “You never mentioned that Herman’s grandparents lived like… well, like this…”

“It was never a secret, Leandro replied casually. “So I never felt the need to bring it up.”

“And how did you get connected with them, living all the way out in Summitville?” Seraphina asked hurriedly, as the car began to slow down.

Leandro turned to her with a smile. “When the Reynolds Group was struggling, how could I possibly turn it around all by myself? I had to rely on some heavy hitters along the way.”

“Herman’s grandparents were your heavy hitters?”

“One of my heavy hitters, Leandro said simply.

As they spoke, the car came to a stop. Herman was waiting on the porch for them.

Seraphina eyed the quaint cottage, imagining what kind of people Herman’s grandparents would be.

She and Leandro had barely helped Valerio out of the car when Herman’s Grandma Ross emerged from the house, exactly as Seraphina had pictured. Though she was well into her seventies, Ross was the picture of vitality, with her jet-black hair and bright eyes. She wore a tasteful, modernized dress that spoke of elegance and grace.

“Mrs. Ross, it’s been too long,” Leandro greeted her with Seraphina and Valerio in tow, his tone respectful and warm.

“It has,” Ross smiled gently. “But I know you’re busy, and it’s good for young people to keep busy.”

Then Ross turned to Seraphina and Valerio. Leandro quickly introduced them. “This is my wife, Seraphina, and Valerio’s mother.”

“I’ve heard all about it from Herman. It’s wonderful news.” Ross took Seraphina’s hand and examined her closely. “No wonder Valerio is such a handsome boy, with a stunning mother like you. You’re a lucky man, Leandro.”

Used to compliments, Seraphina humbly said, “I am, Mrs. Ross.” Content property of NôvelDra/ma.Org.

“Now, none of that Mrs. Ross’ business-it’s too formal. Leandro might be set in his ways, but you can call me Grandma.”

“Alright,” Seraphina said cheerfully, “Grandma Ross! I never got to meet my own, so it feels nice to call you that.”

Ross laughed heartily at that, looking at Leandro approvingly. “You’ve gotten yourself a bright and lively wife, a perfect complement to you.”

Leandro just smiled, then asked, “Where is Mr. Neil?”

“The doctor was just upstairs giving him a check-up,” Ross said hurriedly. “Come in, come in, let’s talk inside.”

As they entered the house, they were greeted by Grandpa Neil coming down the stairs with the doctor.

Grandpa Neil, with his military background and imposing presence, matched Ross perfectly, a true power couple.

“Leandro’s here?” Neil’s voice boomed. “It’s been two years since you’ve visited!”

“I apologize,” Leandro admitted, almost sheepishly. “I’ve been too focused on work and should have visited sooner.”

“Never mind that,” Neil waved the apology away. “At least you’ve settled down. That’s an achievement for you. Unlike Herman, nearly thirty and not a thought of family life in his head!”

Seraphina couldn’t help but laugh, earning a glare from Herman. She quickly quipped, “Grandpa, don’t worry. Herman will find a nice girl when the time is right!”

“And this must be Leandro’s wife?” Neil appraised Seraphina, then nodded his approval. “Pretty, bright eyes, vibrant! Good choice.”

Thank you for the compliment, Grandpa, Seraphina said with a smile.

The doctor, sensing the family atmosphere, excused himself. “Since you have company, I’ll leave you to it.”

“We’re all family here, it’s okay,” Neil insisted. “Stay for dinner. This is Dr. Garrison from the Summitville Hospital, a renowned gastroenterology expert and an old friend of mine.”

Leandro nodded at Garrison in greeting, ut hearing the name, Seraphina was struck by a distant memory.

“Dr. Garrison?” she asked, searching her recollections. “The deputy chief physician in gastroenterology at Summitville Hospital over a decade ago?”

Surprised at being remembered so precisely, Garrison adjusted his glasses and looked closely at Seraphina. “You are?”

Seraphina sighed softly, a smile in her voice. “Years ago, my father was your patient. His name was Carney Bennett, do you remember him?”

The name seemed to trigger something in Garrison, who hesitated before his expression grew somber. “I remember him… I’m sorry we couldn’t save

him.”

“well, Seraphina sighed again. “Such is the nature of illness Regardless, I wanted to thank you for all you did to try to save my father.”

Garrison also sighed, replying softly, “I wish I could have done more…”

Don’t be so hard on yourself, Seraphina brightened up again. “I’m thankful. Let’s not dwell on sad memories. It’s fate that we meet again today, and I’ll be sure to toast to you later.”

Sure thing, Garrison murmured in a low voice, not adding anything else.

09:42

Over the past twenty-odd years, Seraphina had met with lots of elderlies, but Herman’s grandparents were a rare sort that made her feel warmth and affection from the first handshake. Therefore, on this particular evening, she felt completely at ease, her mood light and joyful.

Her cheerfulness naturally rubbed off on Valerio, and Leandro couldn’t be happier with the atmosphere.

After a delightful dinner, as they bid their farewells and the car rolled past the front gate, Valerio leaned against the window and gave a respectful salute to the guard standing at attention.

Suddenly, Seraphina let out a sigh. Leandro gently took her hand into his, holding it firmly.

“Missing your dad?” he asked.

Seraphina shook her head softly. “It’s been so many years; I’ve let that go. Just now… I was suddenly reminded of Andrea. Herman is such a good man, and it’s highly likely that he shares a special connection with Andrea. If they really are meant to be and come together, wouldn’t that be wonderful? If only-”

“If only what?” Valerio turned his head around, his expression a mix of confusion.

Seraphina looked at his innocent face and slowly smiled, “If only, dear, Herman’s family wasn’t so intimidating.”