Tangled in His Obsession (Seraphina)

The air outside was buzzing with the sounds of numerous guests enjoying the festivities, but within the walls of Simon's mansion, a tranquil silence prevailed, as if insulated from all the clamor.

In the living room, Simon was meticulously preparing a pot of artfully brewed coffee, engaging in casual banter with Leandro as he did so.

Owing to his fondness for Seraphina, Simon treated Leandro with a natural warmth. Leandro, however, accustomed to aloofness, remained cool regardless of his host's demeanor, offering little by way of conversation.

Seraphina wandered in without taking a seat, pacing around the room before halting by a window. From this vantage point, she could still see Lionel's estate. The windows that had glowed with light earlier were now swallowed by the night's darkness.

Andrea emerged from the kitchen with a tray of snacks. Noticing Seraphina standing motionless by the window, she called out, “Sera, chave a bite.” Seraphina acknowledged her with a short reply but remained rooted to the spot.

Simon, observing this, picked up a cup of the freshly brewed coffee and strolled over to Seraphina's side.

Leandro glanced over at the scene, remaining silent and still.

Simon handed the coffee to Seraphina, inviting her to taste it. Only then did Seraphina tear her gaze from the window, eyeing the cup in her hand with a moment's hesitation before taking a tentative sip.

“How do you find it?” Simon asked with a light chuckle. “Is the flavor to your liking?” "I'm not much of a coffee connoisseur," Seraphina admitted. "It's just surprising tothat someone like Mr.

Martin not only brews his own coffee but also indulges in the leisure of coffee artistry. Do such tranquil pursuits suit you, Mr. Martin?" Her words carried an unmistakable edge.

She was well aware of the Martin family's reputation and held certain grievances against Simon, which she didn't hesitate to express through her barbed comment.

Still, Simon remained unflustered, his laughter subsiding as he said, "Life is about choices, and sometimes we make them out of necessity. There are moments when one has no choice, so in our leisure, we might as well carve out a little sanctuary for ourselves." Necessity? The word caused Seraphina to furrow her brow slightly, a wry smile touching her lips. "Mr. Martin, | thought you were the type to do whatever you pleased. So you, too, have moments where you're compelled?" "There's no such thing as absolute freedom," Simon replied. "Our family has had our share of trials and sacrifices to get where we are today. I'm not getting any younger. All | hope for is that your generation won't have to endure the shardships as | did." "Your high principles are beyond my comprehension," Seraphina retorted. "I was nearly on the wrong end of a gun barrel not too long ago." At these words, Simon's expression darkened slightly as he cast his gaze toward the darkened silhouette of Lionel's house and spoke slowly, "Renee grew up by Lionel's side and he considers her paramount, naturally he worries. They have their way of interaction; you needn't concern yourself too much with it." "That's unfortunate. I'm inherently curious and love going against the grain," Seraphina declared. "I'm not the type of daughter you wish for, Mr. Martin, and you're not someone | can accept. So, it's best we go our separate ways." With that, Seraphina turned and walked back to the couch, setting down her coffee cup and pulling Leandro to his feet. "Let's go." Simon, too, turned back to them, inquiring, "Won't you stay a bit longer?" "No, thank you," Seraphina replied. "We're better off in our own homes, comfortable in our own ways." Leandro gave Simon a curt nod and then escorted Seraphina out of the room.

Watching them leave, Andrea looked at Simon with a hint of concern. "Dad, Sera's had a tough life, which is why she's like this. Please don't be mad at her—" Before she could finish, Lionel's figure appeared at the door, his gaze heavy as he observed the father-daughter duo.

Simon patted Andrea's shoulder, reassuringly saying, "It's alright. Go on up to your room." She nodded, casting one more glance at Lionel before heading upstairs.

Lionel sat down on the couch, sneering at the coffee set before him. "You're all about protecting this daughter who never truly cback to you, but it seems she doesn't hold you in high regard." Simon knew his brother well and understood his motives for coming. "Regardless, she is my flesh and blood." "She may be your daughter, but does she see you as her father?" Lionel abruptly stood, his voice rising. "I've seen the way she treats you. Don't forget who she is!" Simon's gaze swept over Lionel's face, but he remained silent.

Lionel pressed on, "From the start, she's been at odds with us. It's undeniable that she's skilled—did you forget how she sent Balch Lawson to prison? How Naylor and Keeley fell into her traps? Do you think she'll spare you any mercy? You killed Carney, and her hatred for you is bone-deep. If you keep indulging her, she'll beca threat to you!" "And what's your suggestion?" Simon asked. "That | should pre-emptively rid myself of my own daughter?" "I know you can't do it," Lionel said. "But | can help you." Simon watched him for a moment before simply stating, "No." Lionel's expression tensed.

Simon continued, "I understand you're angry about today's incident, but it was an accident." "An accident?" Lionel scoffed. "She did it on purpose!" "I know you care about Renee," Simon said. "But she’s my daughter, and you can’t hurt her." Lionel paused for a moment, then nodded, "Alright, | get it. You can't get over this hurdle. So I'll prove it to you— this daughter of yours, you're better off without her!" With those words, Lionel stood up and strode out of the room.

Simon was left alone, slumped on the couch. After a long while, he pulled out a cigarette and lit it, the ember glowing silently in the stillness.

On the way back, Seraphina fiddled with her smartphone incessantly in the car, while Leandro sat beside her, stealing a glance at the screen before swiftly looking away.

Suddenly, Seraphina sensed something and turned to him, "Was | too harsh today?" Leandro met her gaze for a moment before responding, "Simon puts up with you because he sees you as his daughter. But Lionel, that guy's cunning and ruthless. He's not to be trifled with."