Chapter 15
Seraphina had been hanging around this house for a whole three days.
During that time, Leandro didn’t show up even once.
Seraphina had no clue about how busy he was, nor did she really give a hoot, as all her attention was on the house opposite.
For three consecutive days, like clockwork, a window in the house across the street would light up at 3 a.m., then go out quietly half an hour later.
It was like some sort of ritual, happening in the dead of night, when everything was quiet.
Seraphina was sure, the house was hiding some juicy secrets.
But getting into that house was not going to be a walk in the park. Since Balch dropped her off last time, he hadn’t gotten in touch with her.
Seraphina knew she couldn’t rush things.
For several days on end, she just chilled out in Leandro’s house, only taking care of pick–ups and drop–offs for Valerio and sorting out her own stuff, while also getting the lay of the land about Balch’s daily routine next door, so she could dodge him perfectly when coming and going.
One afternoon, Seraphina woke up from her nap and got a surprise call inviting her to lunch.
Ever since she got back to Sunburst City, she hardly knew anyone. The only people she had exchanged numbers with were at Edith and Peterson’s engagement party. The guy who invited her for lunch, Nestor, was one of her dance partners that day.
Seraphina figured expanding her social circle would do her some good, so she gladly accepted the invite.
After handing off the task of picking up Valerio from school to the driver, Seraphina got herself dolled up and ready to go.
Just as she was about to head down the stairs, she heard the sound of a door opening and closing downstairs. Seraphina was about to go down and see what was up when she suddenly heard a young
woman’s voice.
“Mr. Reynolds, is this your house?” the woman’s voice was very soft, “It’s so beautiful.”
“Ms. Harrison, please have a seat.” Leandro’s cold voice followed.
Seraphina stopped in her tracks at the top of the stairs, two things flashing through her mind.
First, Leandro was back;
Second, he brought a woman home with him.
Maybe it was her reporter’s instinct, but for a moment, Seraphina actually felt a bit of excitement. She then just leaned against the stairway, quietly eavesdropping.
“I’m really sorry.” Pennie Harrison said, “I hitched a ride on your plane back home, and now I’m intruding on your house. My aunt said she’ll pick me up soon, so I won’t bother you for long.”
So, the reason Leandro hadn’t been home for three days was because he had gone abroad.
Seraphina couldn’t help but chuckle to herself. He knew she would be hanging around here for the next few days, yet he still left his child here?
“It’s fine.” Leandro’s voice was as cold as ever, devoid of any emotional ups and downs, even lacking any excess words.
Pennie Harrison gave a soft laugh, then said, “I’ve actually seen Mrs. Reynolds before, at my aunt’s house. She said she wanted to introduce us to each other, but never got the chance. It’s quite a coincidence that we meet
like this, due to a common interest.”
Hearing all this, Seraphina had a rough idea of the situation. This Ms. Harrison was likely someone arranged to have a date with Leandro, intentionally on the same flight back home.
Did someone like Leandro really need to date?
Just as Seraphina was about to laugh, her phone suddenly rang.
The room fell silent, and the chit–chat downstairs also quieted down.
Seraphina was intentionally eavesdropping, but it didn’t matter if she was caught. She hung up the call and descended the stairs with confidence.
In the living room, Leandro was sitting on the couch with his back to her. When he heard footsteps, he didn’t turn around. Pennie, however, seemed a bit surprised to see Seraphina. But being a lady, Pennie quickly recovered, giving Seraphina a polite nod.
“Hello,” Seraphina greeted her, “Sorry for interrupting your chat, I’ll get out of your hair now.”
Seraphina came down the stairs, and only when she entered his line of sight did Leandro finally glance at her.
Even in the presence of a woman introduced to him for a date, the man remained aloof and distant, dressed in a crisp suit, spotlessly clean, looking very serious.
As for Seraphina, he couldn’t be bothered to give any reaction.
Meanwhile, Pennie was fresh and gentle, wearing a decent trench coat dress, her smile very friendly and her demeanor somehow familiar.
Seraphina quickly remembered – Vivian, Leandro’s ex–girlfriend.
In that case, Ms. Harrison would be a good fit for Leandro. Realizing this, Seraphina’s smile only broadened, “Don’t get me wrong, I’m just the nanny here. But I’ve got things to do today, so I won’t get in your way. Make yourselves at home!”
Having said that, Seraphina gave Leandro a smile, then obediently headed for the door.
Watching her figure disappear at the door, Leandro returned his gaze, still calm as ever.
“That girl is really pretty.” Pennie said with a smile, “And quite interesting. Why did she say she’s a nanny?”
Leandro took out a cigarette, asked Pennie for advice before lighting it, took a puff, and then slowly said, “Don’t care about what she said.”
