Chapter 473


    The reporters were at it again, buzzing around Leandro, who remained silent, taking Seraphina’s hand


    as they prepared to head inside.


    But the press wasn’t about to let him off the hook that easily, tugging at his sleeve to grill him about the


    Reynolds Group.


    “Mr. Reynolds, you took a leave from the Reynolds Group due to an injury. When do you n on


    returning?” one of them asked.


    “What do you think would be the biggest challenge in returning to the Reynolds Group, Mr. Reynolds?”


    “How do you view the uing development ns for the Reynolds Group, Mr. Reynolds?”


    Leandro didn’t respond to the rapid-fire questions.


    “We’re here for a wedding today,” Seraphina interjected, “Let’s keep the focus on the happy couple and


    leave unrted issues for another time.”


    Just then, new guests arrived, and seeing that Leandro really wasn’t going to answer, the reporters


    finally let them be.


    Arm in arm with Leandro, Seraphina walked into the hotel, and as they reached the entrance of the


    banquet hall, they were greeted by the groom, Bowen.


    They say happiness is infectious, but the moment Seraphina caught sight of Bowen, she could tell his


    joy wasn’t genuine.


    Sure, he looked dashing in his ck tuxedo, standing out in the crowd, but the usual warmth and


    laughter in his eyes didn’t reach deep.


    Seraphina thought to herself, she had seen Bowen’s true smile before, and now she could instantly tell


    this wasn’t it.


    As for the reason behind his subdued demeanor, Seraphina couldn’t care less; his discontent was her


    delight.


    Bowen had been chatting with Georgina and a few other guests by the entrance. Catching sight of


    Leandro and Seraphina, he excused himself and approached them.


    “Mr. Reynolds,” Bowen said with a light smile, ncing briefly at Leandro’s abdomen before turning to


    Seraphina. “Sera, d you could make it. I apologize for not greeting you sooner.”


    Leandro looked at him calmly. “Congrattions.”


    “Thank you,” Bowen replied, then continued, “I heard about your ident, Mr. Reynolds. I wanted to


    visit, but with the wedding preparations, I just couldn’t find the time. By the time I was avable, I heard


    you had gone home to recuperate. I didn’t want to intrude on your rest. Seeing you looking well now is


    a relief.”


    “Appreciate your thoughts,” said Leandro. “I understand, Mr. Smith. A wedding is a once-in-a-lifetime


    event. To marry the woman of your dreams is what every man wanted, isn’t it?”


    Seraphina couldn’t help butugh at Leandro’s backhandedpliment.


    Still smiling, Bowen turned to Seraphina. “Not a single word from you, justughter. What’s that


    supposed to mean?”


    “Sorry, the reporters outside wouldn’t let us leave, and I was freezing. I’m just starting to thaw out,”


    Seraphina exined, shrugging off her coat. A staff member immediately approached to take it from


    her, and Bowen’s gaze fell on the dress she wore beneath, pausing for a moment.


    Seraphina was donning a ck and white color-blocked gown, subtly off-shoulder, entuating her


    figure. The dress itself was simple, but what stood out was the white part on the top—a pair of eyes


    printed on it.


    Property belongs to N?vel(D)r/ama.Org.


    Clearly, they were a woman’s eyes, soft and tender, an unusual yet striking design choice.


    Those were Sandra’s eyes, how could Bowen not recognize them?


    Meanwhile, Georgina, about to enter the hall herself, nced over and walked towards them. “Mr.


    Reynolds, Mrs. Reynolds,” she greeted.


    Leandro nodded slightly, and Seraphina reached out to Georgina, “It’s been too long, gorgeous.”


    “It has, and you look radiant,” said Georgina, admiring Seraphina’s dress.


    “Do you like it?” Seraphina shed her dress proudly. “I had it custom-made.”


    “Really?” Georgina asked. “Which designer? It’s quite spirited.”


    Seraphina replied. “I’ll introduce you sometime.”


    With that, Seraphina turned back to Bowen. “Today’s your big day; you must be swamped. We won’t


    keep you. Rest assured, I’m going to pay close attention to the ceremony and send all my best wishes


    your way.”


    Bowen’s eyes lingered on the printed eyes on Seraphina’s dress, and after a brief smile, he said, “I’ve


    always known you to be thoughtful, Sera. I’ll treasure the blessings from you and Mr. Reynolds.”


    Without another word, Seraphina took Leandro’s arm, ready to make their entrance.


    But as they brushed past Bowen, Seraphina’s phone slipped from her hand,nding right at Bowen’s


    feet. She turned back, slightly embarrassed, offering a sheepish smile to Bowen.


    Bowen looked at her, his eyes holding a trace of frost before he stooped to pick up the phone.


    As he did, the screen lit up automatically.


    On the disy was a Sandra he didn’t recognize, standing in the middle of a supermarket aisle,


    examining something closely.


    Before Bowen could get a good look, the image shed, reced by another photo of Sandra in a


    restaurant, her eyes red as she tried to eat.


    And then, just as quickly, the image changed again.


    She was standing outside a quaint pet store, her silhouette outlined against therge disy window.


    With a gentle smile ying at the corners of her mouth, she gazed intently at the small animals


    frolicking inside, seemingly lost in a world of innocent delight.


    The window cast her reflection—alone and slightly curved at the belly, a subtle hint of new life.


    Bowen’s stare fixed upon her once again, intensifying in a mere moment.


    But before he could take in the full scene, Seraphina’s hand reached out, snatching the phone from his


    grasp, “Thanks, Bowen.”


    In a swift motion, Bowen’s hand shot out, gripping Seraphina’s wrist. When he looked at her again, his


    eyes were tinged with red, his face etched with an ominous intensity.


    With a protective instinct, Leandro pulled Seraphina into his embrace while firmly sping Bowen’s


    wrist, “Mr. Smith, I must insist that you conduct yourself with decorum.”


    Georgina, who stood nearby, was momentarily stunned by the unfolding drama, before she instinctively


    stepped back to give them space.


    Bowen’s gaze shifted between Leandro and Seraphina before he let out a low chuckle, speaking with a


    mocking ease, “Is that all you’ve got? Trying to rile me up with some pathetic fake photo? Do you really


    think I’d fall for that?”


    Seraphina withdrew her hand, blowing on her fingertips as if to cool them from the encounter. With a


    nonchnt smile, she countered, “Whether they’re true or not, how would I know? But surely, Bowen,


    you must remember your own doings.” With that, she shed him a coy smile and obediently followed


    Leandro deeper into the venue.


    As the guests milled about them, the cold expression on Bowen’s face took its time to fade, but the chill


    in his eyes remained stark and unyielding.