Chapter 480
Chapter 480
At that moment, Andrea was too concerned to think of anything else. As soon as she saw Seraphina’s eyes flutter open, she rushed to her side and grasped her hand.
“How are you feeling?” she asked, her voice tinged with anxiety, “Your hand is so cold. What did the doctor say?”
Seraphina, still groggy from her slumber, replied with a faint smile, “I’ve barely woken up, and you’re bombarding me with questions. How am I supposed to answer all that?”
With a playful squeeze of Andrea’s hand, the message was clear.
Andrea dropped her gaze for a moment before looking back up at Seraphina, whispering, “I’m sorry, Sera. I didn’t have a choice…”
Seraphina instantly understood the reason for Simon’s visit. Herman eyed Simon with suspicion and caution, while Leandro was the exact opposite.
Without sparing Simon a glance, Leandro focused on fluffing the pillows behind Seraphina, his eyes seemingly calm but his emotions stormy beneath the surface.
Seraphina knew Leandro all too well; his pent-up anger was reaching its peak. With a gentle touch, she took his hand before finally addressing Simon with a cool nod, “Mr. Martin, good to see you.”
Simon, a man seasoned by many a hardship, maintained a calm facade as his eyes met Seraphina’s, betraying a hint of regret. He approached and leaned in slightly, asking with a grave tone, “Are you alright?”
As you can see, I’m still breathing,” Seraphina retorted.
Simon’s gaze darkened momentarily before he continued, “I know this isn’t the best time, but I’d like to talk to you.”
“You and me, talk?” Seraphina raised an eyebrow, “I don’t recall any business between us.”
Andrea, witnessing the exchange, bowed her head slightly, uncertain of what to do.
Herman glanced between her, Simon, and Seraphina, as if coming to a realization.
Simon nodded slightly, pressing on, “You have every right to be angry with me. For years, I failed in my responsibilities.”
Leandro, listening intently, let out a scoff.
Seraphina turned to him, feigning curiosity, “What’s so funny?”
“What do you think?” Leandro shot back.
Ignoring the question, Seraphina giggled and leaned into Leandro’s embrace.
“Mr. Martin.” Finally, Leandro looked Simon in the eye. His gaze was lazy and cool but icily detached, “This is a private room, and my wife doesn’t seem inclined to chat. Perhaps you should leave. If you truly have something to discuss, I can spare some time later.”
Though his tone was even, the underlying fury and threat were unmistakable.
Simon remained composed and, after another glance at Seraphina, said, “I know you’ve suffered, and I won’t forget that. I won’t intrude further for now and will come back later. Just knowing you’re safe brings me relief.”
With that, he reached out and gently patted Seraphina’s hand, which she swiftly withdrew.
Unperturbed, Simon added softly, “Take care of yourself. Rest up; that’s what’s important now.”
Seraphina didn’t look at him or respond, instead focusing on soothing Leandro’s anger while straightening his collar.
Simon then turned to Andrea, murmuring, “Stay with your sister.”
His words shifted the mood in the room once again.
The relationship between Seraphina and Simon was known to everyone present. Even Herman, who only had a vague idea, now saw his suspicions confirmed by Simon’s statement.
The dynamic became delicate. Seraphina and Andrea were biological sisters, and Seraphina was also Simon’s biological daughter. However, Simon had been unaware of this, having thought Seraphina was the daughter of Carney and Adelina.
In his heart, Adelina had betrayed him, with Seraphina as the living testament to that betrayal.
Now that Adelina and Carney were gone, only Seraphina remained—her existence a constant reminder of his past humiliation.
How could he not resent her? Especially after Seraphina’s repeated provocations and reminders of Carney, Simon had resorted to violence against her. But the revelation that Seraphina was his own flesh and blood was something he had never anticipated.
He had almost killed his own daughter.
Despite Seraphina’s existing grievances, this new knowledge only intensified her hatred for him.
Yet, no matter the depth of her animosity, the ties of blood remained undeniable.
Without lingering, Simon cast one more glance at Seraphina and swiftly exited the room.
Leandro didn’t watch him leave, nor did Seraphina. Only Herman and Andrea silently observed his retreating figure until it was no longer in sight.
When their eyes met, Herman gave Andrea a look filled with complexity before quickly averting his gaze.
Andrea then turned back to Seraphina, reaching out to gently take her hand in a gesture of apology.
Now that the secret was out, and as Andrea had admitted, she had no other choice, Seraphina found it hard to hold onto her anger.
Exhaling softly, Seraphina turned to Andrea and asked, “How did you know it was him who hurt me?”
Andrea’s expression was strained, and it took her a while to speak up, “I overheard my uncle ordering someone to set fire to the Carney Artful Reverie gallery. I tried calling you, but it was your bodyguard who answered. That’s when I realized you were in trouble too… Dad’s ruthless, when he sets his mind to something, he goes through with it… But this, this is something he should have never even considered.”
Seraphina listened without interrupting, but Herman jumped in, “You overheard Lionel Martin ordering a hit? So you mean you could testify and help us nail the real culprit?”
Andrea’s lips quivered slightly, but she didn’t respond.
“Enough,” Seraphina turned to Herman sharply. “Andrea only caught a snippet of conversation. Knowing the Martins, that shred of evidence won’t be enough to convict them. They’ve got a hundred ways to wriggle out of trouble.” Exclusive content © by Nô(v)el/Dr/ama.Org.
“Evidence isn’t always unique, Herman countered. “If we dismiss every piece, how will we ever bring criminals to justice?”
“I’ll handle this myself,” Seraphina declared, “Don’t put Andrea in a tight spot.”
Herman had had his fair share of shocks that day, and Seraphina’s words set him off. He turned on his heel and stormed out.
The room was tense in the aftermath of his departure. After a while, Andrea spoke in a hushed tone, “I’m just glad you’re okay. It’s a huge relief.”
“You were this close to never seeing me again,” Seraphina replied, then suddenly, as if struck by a thought, she turned to Leandro, “How did you find me, exactly?”