Tangled in his Obsession novel Chapter 490

In the darkest hours before dawn, when Reynolds Vista Retreat lay silently enshrouded in the night's embrace, Leandro returned to the grandeur of Reynolds Manor. The estate, a silhouette against the nocturnal landscape, was all but asleep, save for the gentle luminescence that seeped through the window of his bedroom.

Ascending the grand staircase, Leandro pushed open the door to find Valerio in a solitary slumber upon the bed. As he adjusted the covers around his son, he noted the undisturbed state of the rest of the bed - Seraphina had not been to sleep since he left.

His search through the house yielded no sign of her until he reached the third-floor terrace. There she was, nestled in a lounge chair, gazing up at a sky where thin clouds danced around a veiled moon and stars. The night air was crisp, almost to the point of biting.

Seraphina was wrapped in a thick robe but was barefoot, her feet untouched even by socks. Approaching, Leandro touched her feet and, feeling their chill, draped his coat over them.

"I heard you come back," Seraphina finally spoke, her voice as tranquil as the night. "I just didn't want to move."

Leandro grunted his acknowledgment and sat down beside her. She leaned into him, her gaze returning skyward, and after a while, she said, "Do you remember? Long ago, the stars used to shine so bright."

He followed her gaze into the heavens and murmured his agreement.

Catching a glimpse of him, she teased, "You're not the romantic type, are you? I bet you've never really looked at the stars. But my dad, he loved them."

"In the summers, he'd take me out to the courtyard to cool off and star gaze. I never saw what was so special about the stars until he began to tell their stories. I was addicted to his tales; I wanted to join him every time just to hear more."

"My mom, of course, wouldn't join us. She didn't fancy getting bitten by bugs on warm summer nights. But she never scolded my dad for his hobby. She supported everything he did because she truly loved him, and he was truly worth loving..."

"Leandro, it's a shame you never met my father. He was the most learned, charming man in the world..."Her voice trailed off with those last words.

After a long silence, she whispered, "Life's not fair... it's just not fair..."

Leandro remained silent, simply pulling her closer into his embrace. Seraphina buried her face in his chest, clutching at the fabric of his shirt, staying still for a long time...

The next morning, Seraphina stood at the entrance of the Martin Group, requesting to see Simon at the reception.

"I'm sorry, miss, but if you wish to meet Mr. Martin, you'll have to schedule an appointment through his secretary or assistant," the receptionist replied politely.

With a slight smile, Seraphina suggested, "Then, could you please call his secretary or assistant and let them know I'd like to meet their boss?"

The receptionist maintained her professional demeanor. "You could leave your name and number, and we'll forward your request to Mr. Martin's secretary upstairs."

As Seraphina contemplated whether to contact Simon directly through Andrea, a familiar voice with a hint of laughter came from behind her, "Sera?"

She turned to see Bowen, his handsome face breaking into a welcoming smile.

"What a coincidence," Bowen remarked, his eyes hinting at something more. "Didn't expect to bump into you here. Do you need something?"

"I was hoping to see Mr. Martin. I hear you're one of the top dogs at the Martin Group. Could you help me out here and introduce us?" Seraphina responded with a small smile.

Bowen chuckled, helping her towards the elevators. "With your current status, Sera, I might be the one needing introductions from you."

"Are you sure you dare let me make introductions?" she quipped.

With a light laugh, Bowen pressed the button for the 66th floor. As the elevator ascended, he mused, "Uncle Simon's been in high spirits these past days, probably because of you, right?"