Tangled in his Obsession novel Chapter 482

Andrea descended the hospital stairs and stepped out, her mind already on hailing a cab at the nearby stand. Just as she began her stride, a car door swung open by the curb.

Herman, who had left before her, was seated inside, a cigarette pinched between his fingers, his brows furrowed as he regarded her. "Get in," he commanded.

Pausing, Andrea responded, "I need to grab some food for Sera."

"She's got plenty of people to fetch her food; she doesn't need you running errands," Herman retorted.

Silenced by his remark, Andrea hesitated.

After another glance, Herman pressed, "Get in. I've got questions for you."

With a faint exhale, Andrea relented, pulling the car door open and settling into the passenger seat.

Herman's cigarette continued to smolder, prompting a slight cough from Andrea. He paused, then finally stubbed out the cigarette and took a long swig from a water bottle before broaching the subject. "So, you and Seraphina being blood sisters – if you two knew all along, why keep it from Simon... your dad?"

"Sera didn't want the spotlight on her true identity," Andrea stated. "We all understand that this kind of revelation won't do any good."

At her words, Herman's gaze flickered before he continued, "That means you're also aware of your dad's way of doing things, and the history of the Martin family's dealings?"

Confronted with his roundabout inquiry, Andrea's lips curled into a faint smile as she replied, "What do you think?"

Herman didn’t know what to say.

Her earlier comments had shown no surprise or shock upon learning Simon could be behind Seraphina's troubles. Instead, she had chosen to confront Simon with the truth to protect her sister, indicating she knew exactly what kind of man her father was.

"Seraphina doesn't want to drag you into this mess, so she's kept you out of the case," Herman explained. "But knowing your dad and understanding Sera's character, you must realize this end easily."

"I know." Andrea acknowledged, noncommittally.

"So, you're still planning to stay silent, to remain neutral?" Herman probed. "That's not an easy position to hold."

Andrea lifted her gaze, meeting his. "Then tell me, which is the easier stance to take? Siding with Sera, or with my dad?"

Herman's lips parted but no words came; instead, he concluded, "You ought to know in your heart."

"My heart's uncertain," Andrea confessed. "That's why I've remained invisible for so many years. This 'difficult neutral ground' you speak of, Mr. Herman, has been my refuge for my whole life. To me, neutrality is the path of least resistance."

At her words, Herman's brows knitted, and he fell silent.

"And so, getting anything substantial from someone who's practically invisible is next to impossible," Andrea added.

"I've heard your testimony," Herman countered. "I'll have to confront Lionel."

"Suit yourself," Andrea replied nonchalantly. "I misspoke once, that's all. Dad's in a good mood now he knows about Sera's identity, so a minor slip-up from me won't bother him. So go ahead and do what you must; I'll continue to stand where I've always stood."