Chapter 464
Since Leandro had been injured, Seraphina found herself softening towards him more and moretely,
and each time she did, it seemed toe with a price-
Especially when dealing with someone who was injured, when she had to take the initiative for most of
their interactions, this kind of yielding was particrly exhausting.
Seraphinay beside Leandro, being careful not to press on his wounds while also trying to pamper
him-it was like she was a glutton for punishment.
It took all her patience until Leandro finally scrapped the idea of going out. The moment he did,
Seraphina’s demeanor flipped, and she abruptly pushed him away, turning over to sleep.
But then Leandro snuggled up behind her again, wrapping an arm around her and inhaling the scent of
her perfume and shampoo, murmuring, “I’m serious, we can let go of Valerio’s tutors.”
“Why?” Seraphina asked, turning to nce at him.
“He was ate talker, already an outsider to the world around him. Now that he’s finally speaking, of
course he should integrate into school life, get used to the new world quickly,” Leandro replied.
“I know that,” Seraphina said, “but if he enrolls here and then we go back to Summitville, he’ll have to
start all over again. That’s going to be hard on him.”
Hearing this, Leandro suddenly looked at her, “Back to Summitville?”
“Of course.” Seraphina raised her eyebrows, “We stayed in Sunburst City because of your
hospitalization. But now you’re
discharged, and your wounds are healing. It’s time for us to go back to Summitville, don’t you think?”
After a moment’s gaze, Leandro slowly nodded in agreement, “Summitville is indeed a great ce for
recovery.”
Seraphina pulled back slightly, studying him closely, “What are you talking about? You’reing back
to Summitville with us?” “Can’t I?” Leandro countered.
“No,” Seraphina replied, “What if you discover the other man I’ve been keeping?”
Leandro gently caressed her face, “By then, you’ll realize you’ve been wasting your time.”
Seraphina couldn’t help but burst intoughter, “With the shape you’re in now? Dream on!”
After a round of teasing andughter, Seraphina looked at Leandro again, “Are you reallying to
Summitville with us?”
“What’s the problem?” Leandro asked..
“Aren’t you worried about leaving all the people and things behind in Sunburst City?” Seraphina
pressed.
Leandro said, “What people and things do I have left to worry about?”
Seraphina hummed softly, turning away, “Just don’t go getting all homesick for Sunburst City once
we’re in Summitville.”
Leandro twirled a strand of Seraphina’s hair in his fingers, falling silent for a moment.
After a brief stillness, Seraphina turned back to him, “I knew it! You didn’t mean it! Forget it, men are
unreliable! My son and I can only rely on ourselves!”
“Hmm?” Leandro asked with interest, “And how do you n to do that?”
Seraphina red at him, “By getting him to adapt to Sunburst City all over again! What else?”
Leandro chuckled at her response, “Changed your mind?”
“Stopughing,” Seraphina huffed, “It’s not for you, but for the safety of my other man!”
Leandro didn’t say anything more, justughed softly, and then leaned in to kiss her.
As it turned out, even though Leandro had temporarily stepped back from the Reynolds Group’s affairs,
he was still unable to leave Sunburst City behind so easily.
Gloria’s case had entered the trial phase, and he had much to do before the court date.
Seraphina didn’t pry into his business, watching as Keen, thewyers, and others came and went from
the house, while she focused on caring for Valerio./
A monthter, the case went to court.
08:35
Because the facts were clear and Gloria had confessed to her crimes, the verdict was immediate-
The court acknowledged Gloria’s emotional disturbance before the incident, her loss of control during
the crime, and the Reynolds family’s long-standingpensation to the victims and their families,
which had earned their forgiveness. Taking all these factors into ount, Gloria was sentenced to one
year in prison, suspended for two
At the announcement, Leandro exhaled slowly.
On the defendant’s bench, Gloria couldn’t stop her tears.
The trial wasn’t public, but still, reporters swarmed the courthouse doors.
F￥
years.
Keen and thewyers exited first, holding off the press so Leandro could escort Gloria out through an
alternate exit.
After more than a month apart, Gloria’s primary concern was Leandro’s health.
“How are you? Have your wounds healed? Are you all better?” Gloria asked with red eyes.
Leandro just nodded, “Don’t worry, I’m almostpletely healed.”
Despite his assurances, Gloria insisted on seeing his wounds. Resigned, Leandro lifted his shirt to
show her.
Seeing the scar on his abdomen, Gloria’s tears flowed anew, “It’s good you’re healed… If you’re okay,
then mom can rest easy… I’m sorry, son, I’m so sorry…”
Leandro gently took her hand and shook his head, then asked, “Are you sure you don’t want to go
back?”
The conversation between them was tender and fraught, a mix of regret and hope for the future.
Gloria cleaned her tears, turning her gaze towards the window with a dismissive air. “There’s no point
in going back. There’s nothing worth seeing… In that house, I had nothing from the start, nothing worth
a second nce.”
Leandro heard her words but remained silent for a moment.
Suddenly, something seemed to strike Gloria, “Valerio… I told Karan to pick up a gift for Valerio. I
wonder if she actually got it… I can’t bear to face him again, but getting a little something for him is the
least I can do…”
“I’m certain that Karen took care of the task you entrusted her with.” Leandro responded.
A
As the car made its way to the airport, sure enough, Karan was already there waiting in the terminal.
Upon seeing Gloria, she rushed over, grasping Gloria’s hands and bursting into tears.
“Enough with the tears,” Gloria chided. “I’m right here, aren’t I? In one piece.”
Karan, trying to regainposure, replied through her tears, “I’m just so relieved, that’s all.”
Property belongs to N?vel(D)r/ama.Org.
“Did you manage to get the gift I asked for?” Gloria inquired further.
Karan nodded vigorously, “Yes, yes, I got everything you asked for. It’s all at the house. Leandro, don’t
forget to pick it up when you head back.”
Leandro nodded, then slowly said, “Karan, I’m entrusting my mom to your care.”
“Don’t worry,” Karan assured him. “I’ll be right by her side. The South is great; the air is clear, the
climate’s mild, and the people are kind. It’s perfect for us-”
Gloria nodded, then turned to Leandro, “It’s gettingte. You should head back.”
Leandro acknowledged but remained rooted to the spot.
Gloria didn’t hesitate. She pulled along the luggage that Karan had prepared earlier, strode towards the
security checkpoint with Karan in tow.
Karan looked back repeatedly, but Gloria only nced over her shoulder once before entering the
checkpoint, offering a faint wave before disappearing from Leandro’s/view.
Leandro lingered in the airport for a long while, only leaving after the announcement that their flight had
taken off without a hitch.