Tangled in His Obsession

Chapter 455

Eight years ago, Seraphina could still conjure up an image of Leandro as a child, all wide-eyed and innocent. But nowadays, the very thought seemed like a page torn from an ancient fairytale.

Would Leandro even know how to be childlike anymore?

Seraphina, skeptical as ever, led her son Valerio through the hospital doors, only to have her mood sour at the sight that greeted them.

There, by Leandro’s bedside, stood Keen, stooped slightly, whispering something with a hushed urgency.

Leandro listened, his gaze heavy and detached, the very picture of adult reserve. Where was the trace of that childlike spirit now?

As the door creaked open, both men turned to see Seraphina and Valerio.

Keen, caught mid-conversation about matters he deemed pressing, halted abruptly, his words choked off by the sight of Seraphina’s stormy expression. “Daddy!” Valerio, spotting Leandro, dashed to his side, scanning him from head to toe with a mix of excitement and concern. His eyes, tinged red, looked up at his father.

“Did your mom bring you here?” Leandro managed a smile, reaching out to caress Valerio’s reddened eyes. “Miss me?”

Trying to stifle his tears, Valerio nodded.

Leandro glanced at Seraphina before turning back to his son. “Alright, then you’ll stay with me all night, okay?”

“Does it hurt, Daddy?” Valerio’s gaze fell on the IV in Leandro’s hand, his voice laced with worry.

As father and son began to catch up, Seraphina’s attention shifted to Keen, who seemed to shiver under her gaze, contemplating a quick escape. Yet before he could excuse himself, Seraphina motioned him over with a finger, “You, with me.”

Keen’s eyes, pleading, sought Leandro for rescue, but Leandro, engrossed with Valerio, paid him no heed.

With a sinking heart, Keen followed Seraphina out.

“What were you telling him?” Seraphina demanded, arms folded, the moment they were out of earshot.

“I was just… updating Mr. Reynolds on the current situation…” Keen stammered.

“And you think now’s the time for that?” asked Seraphina.

“Mr. Reynolds has been at the helm of the Reynolds Group for years. He can’t just let go overnight…”

“So you thought it best to bombard him with this the day after his surgery?”

“He asked for the update-“Keen protested.

“So you just do whatever he says?” Seraphina’s tone was sharp. “Don’t you think for yourself?”

Keen fell silent, then finally admitted, “As Mr. Reynolds’ personal assistant, I’m to follow his instructions to the letter…”

Before Seraphina could retort, the hospital door swung open. Valerio peered out, his gaze shifting from the formidable Seraphina to the dejected Keen. “Mom, Dad wants you inside.”

Seraphina caught Leandro’s calm gaze through the slightly ajar door, and after a brief stare-down, turned back to Keen, “Just remember, weigh your words next time. Or I’ll make sure Leandro fires you!”

Keen, outmaneuvered by the so-called “Iron Lady,” made a hasty retreat.

Back in the room, Leandro seemed to be in good spirits, chatting with Valerio. Seraphina, however, remained stern. “Can’t let go of the Reynolds Group, huh? Shall I have you discharged tomorrow so you can get back to ruling your empire?”

Karan, just returning, caught the tail end of the exchange, his surprise evident as he glanced from Seraphina to Leandro.

Leandro, ever the picture of composure, cleared his throat before explaining, “Keen was only briefing me on the press conference today.”

“Does it make a difference?” Seraphina’s voice was laced with indignation. “It’s still about the Reynolds Group, isn’t it? Since you’re so concerned, why not have Keen bring all the unfinished paperwork here? Move the boardroom to this hospital room, summon all the execs, and you can run the show from your sickbed. Happy now?”

The room fell silent. Valerio, who had never seen Seraphina this irate, was struck mute, looking between his parents in confusion. Karan, equally stunned, was speechless.

Leandro, unaccustomed to such a dressing-down, remained silent, exchanging a wordless look with Valerio, the epitome of a “whipped man.” The tension was palpable.

Snapping back to reality, Karan gently prompted Valerio, “Go on, reassure your mom that Leandro will not repeat his mistake. Ask her not to remain upset.”

Valerio glanced at Leandro, catching the subtle cue in his eyes, then he quickly stepped forward and grabbed Seraphina’s hand. “Mom, don’t be mad. Dad won’t do it again-I promise.”

Seraphina reached out and gently ruffled Valerio’s hair, but when she lifted her gaze, she still shot Leandro a sharp look.

That was when Leandro finally spoke up. “Alright, I’ll stay out of the Reynolds Group business from now on. Let them handle it.”

“We’ll see about that, Seraphina huffed, her words clipped and devoid of any further conversation.

Leandro coughed discreetly behind his hand, wisely choosing not to argue.

Karan, who had just managed to collect herself, felling helpless at the scene before her. After a brief pause, she said, “Well, I’ll get out of your way now.

09:21

You three should enjoy your family time.”

After gathering her things to leave, Karan turned back to Seraphina with one last instruction. “Leandro was thirsty earlier, so I made him some juice. Make sure he drinks it.”

Once Karan had left, Seraphina made her way back into the hospital room and set the freshly made juice that Karan had brought on the bedside table. “Here’s your juice,” she said curtly.

Leandro gave her a glance, then looked at the cup of juice. Finally, he reached out, trying to grasp the cup in his weakened state.

Seraphina had every intention of ignoring him, but when she saw his struggle, she relented, picked up the juice, and held it to his lips.

A small smile crept onto Leandro’s face as he watched her movements.

“I just don’t want Grandpa to be sad if you died of thirst,” Seraphina said coldly.

Leandro nodded slowly, starting to say, “Yeah, I’m also afraid-” Nôvel/Dr(a)ma.Org - Content owner.

Seraphina promptly pressed the cup to his lips, silencing him.