?Chapter 1099:


    The idea sparkled with intrigue—I’d never crafted wine before. “Alright,” I agreed with genuine enthusiasm. “It sounds fun. I’ve been craving something to do anyway.”


    Hearing my answer, Alden’s expression bloomed into radiance, joy illuminating his eyes.


    “Great! I’ll prepare everything. Pack your things, and we’ll leave soon.”


    I nodded and retreated to my room to gather essentials. The packing took mere moments.


    As I pulled open the door to depart, I collided with an unexpected presence.


    I stumbled backward, my bnce faltering, when steady hands caught me mid-fall.


    “Careful,” murmured a deep voice near my ear.


    I nced up, startled to find Jett standing at my door.


    His presence had been a ghost until that moment—his piercing gaze already capturing me in its hold. Those dark, fathomless eyes studied me with their usual enigmatic intensity.


    My pulse stuttered wildly. Worried the aphrodisiac would kick in again, I wrenched away from his steadying grip and stumbled backward, creating a fortress of space between us.


    Jett’s expression darkened, displeasure etching into the granite lines of his face.


    Recognizing my own defensiveness, I deliberately softened, my voice sliding into honey-warm tones as I asked, “What are you doing here?”


    “It’s been a few days since Ist saw you. I wanted to check on you,” Jett answered, his voice a low rumble. His attention drifted to the bag clutched in my hand. “Are you going somewhere?”


    I lifted my face to his, sunshine breaking through my earlier wariness. “Alden invited me to make wine. I thought it’d be interesting to join him.”


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    The revtion darkened Jett’s countenance like storm clouds gathering over mountains as he muttered between clenched teeth, “Damn, that guy’s quick.”


    “What?” I questioned, bewilderment threading through my voice.


    Jett banished the moment with a dismissive head toss, his response carved into careful nonchnce. “Nothing.”


    After a weighted pause, his gaze anchored on my face, his voice suddenly threaded with uncharacteristic uncertainty. “Actually, I came here today to invite you out as well.”


    I offered him a smile tinged with genuine regret. “Unfortunately, I’ve already promised Alden. It wouldn’t be right to go back on my word.”


    Jett absorbed my refusal with suspicious calm, as if he’d anticipated my response. His lips curved into an easy smile as he dered, “In that case, I’ll join you. I’ve never witnessed the winemaking process either.”


    Surprise rendered me momentarily speechless as Jett’s fingers closed around my sleeve with quiet determination.


    Before I could voice any objection, he began pulling me forward with purpose. I stumbled alongside him, caught between frustration and reluctant amusement at his boldness.


    “Hey, slow down!” I called out, my protest floating uselessly in his wake as he guided me relentlessly down the staircase.


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