Tangled in his Obsession novel Chapter 500

Upon hearing Simon's words, Seraphina's expression subtly shifted.

Valerio seemed a bit stunned, not understanding why Simon had suddenly become Grandpa, his eyes filled with confusion as he glanced at Seraphina for confirmation.

Seraphina felt a headache brewing and avoided the topic, turning to Valerio, "What did you go out to buy so early? Let me see."

In truth, not many stores were open on New Year's Day morning; the father and son had simply gone out early for a stroll out of boredom, picking up a couple of toys for Valerio along the way.

Simon watched as Valerio displayed the toys, a smile quickly spreading across his face. He pushed a large box towards Valerio, "This is a gift from me."

The box was nearly as big as Valerio himself, who was visibly taken aback. Once again, he looked towards Seraphina, seeking her guidance.

Seraphina's face wasn't looking too pleased, but perhaps for Andrea's sake, and because it was New Year's Day, she managed to keep her cool and said to Valerio, "Don’t you know to say thank you when you receive a gift?"

"Thank you—" Valerio blurted out, but after the thanks, he was at a loss for what to say next.

Simon patted his head and smiled, "No worries, take your time."

He then reached into his pocket and pulled out two envelopes, handing one to Valerio, "This is your allowance."

"Thank you." Valerio took the envelope, politely expressing his gratitude.

Only then did Simon turn to Seraphina, extending the other envelope to her, "Sera, this is for you."

"Me?" Seraphina let out a light laugh, "I've been an adult for quite some time now."

"Mm-hmm." Simon nodded and continued, "But I've never given you anything, and although it's just a formality, I’d like to make up for the past."

Hearing this, Seraphina subtly turned her face away, reluctant to accept the envelope.

Luckily, Andrea quickly reached out, took the envelope from Simon, and placed it in her hands, "Take it, it's a token of dad's affection."

Seraphina stiffened for a moment, but eventually accepted the envelope, carelessly tossing it onto the couch before standing up abruptly, "I need to make a phone call."

She walked out, her figure quickly disappearing through the door.

However, it was obvious to everyone that her cell phone was left on the couch, alongside Simon's envelope. The room fell silent except for the sound of Valerio unwrapping his toy.

Leandro, set in his ways and indifferent to others' feelings, didn’t pick up on the awkward atmosphere and just emotionlessly watched Valerio unpack a large box of LEGO.

Conway, as the elder and head of the family, soon broke the silence with a smile, "Sera's always been tough on the outside but soft on the inside."

Simon nodded, showing no signs of blame or anger, simply saying, "I haven’t done enough."

After a pause, Simon stood up and made his way outside.

In the hallway, Seraphina sat on a bench, staring blankly at the garden, the early New Year's chill bringing a faint red to her eyes.

Hearing footsteps, she turned, and her gaze hardened upon seeing Simon.

Simon sat beside her and said, "Do you feel I came too unexpectedly?"

"No." Seraphina replied, "I think Mr. Martin, so shrewd and decisive, might be a little too naive."

"Oh?" Simon raised his eyebrows slightly, waiting for her to continue.