Female Novel
Chapter 480
At that moment, Andrea was too concerned to think of anything else. As soon as she saw Seraphina’seyes 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 thedoctor say?”
Seraphina, still groggy from her slumber, replied with a faint smile, “I’ve barely woken up, and you’rebombarding 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 andcaution, while Leandro was the exact opposite.
Without sparing Simon a glance, Leandro focused on fluffing the pillows behind Seraphina, his eyesseemingly 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, shetook 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 youalright?”
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 totalk 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 myresponsibilities.”
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 youtruly have something to discuss, I can spare some time later.”
Though his tone was even, the underlying fury and threat were unmistakable.novelbin
Simon remained composed and, after another glance at Seraphina, said, “I know you’ve suffered, and Iwon’t forget that. I won’t intrude further for now and will come back later. Just knowing you’re safebrings 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 whilestraightening 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, whoonly 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 alsoSimon’s biological daughter. However, Simon had been unaware of this, having thought Seraphina wasthe 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 reminderof his past humiliation.
How could he not resent her? Especially after Seraphina’s repeated provocations and reminders ofCarney, Simon had resorted to violence against her. But the revelation that Seraphina was his ownflesh 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 hisretreating figure until it was no longer in sight.
When their eyes met, Herman gave Andrea a look filled with complexity before quickly averting hisgaze.
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 ithard 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 orderingsomeone to set fire to the Carney Artful Reverie gallery. I tried calling you, but it was your bodyguardwho answered. That’s when I realized you were in trouble too… Dad’s ruthless, when he sets his mindto something, he goes through with it… But this, this is something he should have never evenconsidered.”
Seraphina listened without interrupting, but Herman jumped in, “You overheard Lionel Martin ordering ahit? 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 hundredways to wriggle out of trouble.”
“Evidence isn’t always unique, Herman countered. “If we dismiss every piece, how will we ever bringcriminals 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 hisheel 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 athought, she turned to Leandro, “How did you find me, exactly?”