Chapter 437
Valerio was a boy with a heart for adventure, his eyes lighting up whenever he saw soldiers or police
officers. He spent the entire car ride with his nose pressed against the window, saluting every uniform
that passed by.
Seraphina had never seen such fanfare either. She couldn’t help but nce at Leandro and say, “You
never mentioned that Herman’s grandparents lived like… well, like this…”
Upstodatee from Novel(D)ra/m/a.O(r)g
“It was never a secret, Leandro replied casually. “So I never felt the need to bring it up.”
“And how did you get connected with them, living all the way out in Summitville?” Seraphina asked
hurriedly, as the car began to slow down.
Leandro turned to her with a smile. “When the Reynolds Group was struggling, how could I possibly
turn it around all by myself? I had to rely on some heavy hitters along the way.”
“Herman’s grandparents were your heavy hitters?”
“One of my heavy hitters, Leandro said simply.
As they spoke, the car came to a stop. Herman was waiting on the porch for them.
Seraphina eyed the quaint cottage, imagining what kind of people Herman’s grandparents would be.
She and Leandro had barely helped Valerio out of the car when Herman’s Grandma Ross emerged
from the house, exactly as Seraphina had pictured. Though she was well into her seventies, Ross was
the picture of vitality, with her jet-ck hair and bright eyes. She wore a tasteful, modernized dress that
spoke of elegance and grace.
“Mrs. Ross, it’s been too long,” Leandro greeted her with Seraphina and Valerio in tow, his tone
respectful and warm.
“It has,” Ross smiled gently. “But I know you’re busy, and it’s good for young people to keep busy.”
Then Ross turned to Seraphina and Valerio. Leandro quickly introduced them. “This is my wife,
Seraphina, and Valerio’s mother.”
“I’ve heard all about it from Herman. It’s wonderful news.” Ross took Seraphina’s hand and examined
her closely. “No wonder Valerio is such a handsome boy, with a stunning mother like you. You’re a
lucky man, Leandro.”
Used topliments, Seraphina humbly said, “I am, Mrs. Ross.”
“Now, none of that Mrs. Ross’ business-it’s too formal. Leandro might be set in his ways, but you can
call me Grandma.”
“Alright,” Seraphina said cheerfully, “Grandma Ross! I never got to meet my own, so it feels nice to call
you that.”
Rossughed heartily at that, looking at Leandro approvingly. “You’ve gotten yourself a bright and lively
wife, a perfectplement to you.”
Leandro just smiled, then asked, “Where is Mr. Neil?”
“The doctor was just upstairs giving him a check-up,” Ross said hurriedly. “Come in,e in, let’s talk
inside.”
As they entered the house, they were greeted by Grandpa Neiling down the stairs with the doctor.
Grandpa Neil, with his military background and imposing presence, matched Ross perfectly, a true
power couple.
“Leandro’s here?” Neil’s voice boomed. “It’s been two years since you’ve visited!”
“I apologize,” Leandro admitted, almost sheepishly. “I’ve been too focused on work and should have
visited sooner.”
“Never mind that,” Neil waved the apology away. “At least you’ve settled down. That’s an achievement
for you. Unlike Herman, nearly thirty and not a thought of family life in his head!”
Seraphina couldn’t help butugh, earning a re from Herman. She quickly quipped, “Grandpa, don’t
worry. Herman will find a nice girl when the time is right!”
“And this must be Leandro’s wife?” Neil appraised Seraphina, then nodded his approval. “Pretty, bright
eyes, vibrant! Good choice.”
Thank you for thepliment, Grandpa, Seraphina said with a smile.
The doctor, sensing the family atmosphere, excused himself. “Since you havepany, I’ll leave you
to it.”
“We’re all family here, it’s okay,” Neil insisted. “Stay for dinner. This is Dr. Garrison from the Summitville
Hospital, a renowned gastroenterology expert and an old friend of mine.”
Leandro nodded at Garrison in greeting, ut hearing the name, Seraphina was struck by a distant
memory.
“Dr. Garrison?” she asked, searching her recollections. “The deputy chief physician in gastroenterology
at Summitville Hospital over a decade ago?”
Surprised at being remembered so precisely, Garrison adjusted his sses and looked closely at
Seraphina. “You are?”
Seraphina sighed softly, a smile in her voice. “Years ago, my father was your patient. His name was
Carney Bet, do you remember him?”
The name seemed to trigger something in Garrison, who hesitated before his expression grew somber.
“I remember him… I’m sorry we couldn’t save
him.”
“well, Seraphina sighed again. “Such is the nature of illness Regardless, I wanted to thank you for all
you did to try to save my father.”
Garrison also sighed, replying softly, “I wish I could have done more…”
Don’t be so hard on yourself, Seraphina brightened up again. “I’m thankful. Let’s not dwell on sad
memories. It’s fate that we meet again today, and I’ll be sure to toast to youter.”
Sure thing, Garrison murmured in a low voice, not adding anything else.
09:42
Over the past twenty-odd years, Seraphina had met with lots of elderlies, but Herman’s grandparents
were a rare sort that made her feel warmth and affection from the first handshake. Therefore, on this
particr evening, she feltpletely at ease, her mood light and joyful.
Her cheerfulness naturally rubbed off on Valerio, and Leandro couldn’t be happier with the atmosphere.
After a delightful dinner, as they bid their farewells and the car rolled past the front gate, Valerio leaned
against the window and gave a respectful salute to the guard standing at attention.
Suddenly, Seraphina let out a sigh. Leandro gently took her hand into his, holding it firmly.
“Missing your dad?” he asked.
Seraphina shook her head softly. “It’s been so many years; I’ve let that go. Just now… I was suddenly
reminded of Andrea. Herman is such a good man, and it’s highly likely that he shares a special
connection with Andrea. If they really are meant to be ande together, wouldn’t that be wonderful?
If only-”
“If only what?” Valerio turned his head around, his expression a mix of confusion.
Seraphina looked at his innocent face and slowly smiled, “If only, dear, Herman’s family wasn’t so
intimidating.”