Chapter 1100:


    Alden waited at the bottom step, holding a basket overflowing with ingredients for winemaking.


    His weing smile crystallized when he spotted Jett escorting me down.


    As I tried to think of a way to diffuse the awkwardness, an even more ufortable situation materialized before us. The princes approached from the corridor, their strides bringing them directly into our path.


    Makenna’s POV:


    The sudden appearance of the three princes, Jett, and Alden before me sent a wave of unease washing over me.


    Drawing a steadying breath, I reluctantly lifted my gaze to Bryan. “What are you all doing here?”


    Bryan stepped forward with deliberate grace, prying my sleeve from Jett’s grasp, his voice edged with hostility. “We found ourselves with empty schedules today and thought we’d offer youpany. We never expected Alden and Jett to show up as well.”


    His words trailed off as his piercing gaze swept over Jett and Alden, suspicion clear in his eyes. “And what brings you two here?”


    Jett, with his usual nonchnce, cast azy nce their way and drawled, “Merely passing through. When I saw Makenna venturing out, I decided to join her.”


    Alden clutched the small basket in his hands, visibly ufortable. His eyes darted between the three princes and Jett before he said, “I wanted to escort Makenna to make wine.”


    yton let out a scornfulugh, contempt thick in his tone. “Making wine? We can apany her for that. No need for outsiders to interfere. You two should leave.”


    Dominic, meanwhile, moved to my side and draped an arm casually across my shoulders, as if iming what was rightfully his.


    Before anyone could protest, he dered with unwavering confidence, “Makenna has alreadymitted to joining us.”


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    A weary sigh escaped me as I massaged my temples, feelingpletely cornered.


    Tension coiled between the men like a snake ready to strike, turning the atmosphere unbearably awkward. I could sense conflict brewing beneath their strained civility.


    Raising my eyes to meet the princes’ stares, I pleaded with growing frustration, “Can you all just stop this? I simply want to make wine. There’s no need for all theseplications.”


    Bryan’s icy gaze cut toward Jett and Alden. “Makenna belongs to the three of us.”


    Mustering my resolve, I offered apromise. “How about this? Why don’t we all make wine together?”


    “No way!” Alden protested instantly.


    “Sure!” The other four spoke in perfect unison.


    Alden’s expression clouded with frustration. He stepped forward, tugging my sleeve with yful desperation, his voice softening to a coaxing melody. “Makenna…”


    I exhaled deeply, patting his head while forcing a smile. “Let’s all go together, okay? They might find it fascinating to witness the winemaking process firsthand.”


    Hearing this, Alden bit his lower lip, reluctance clear on his face, but eventually nodded in concession. “Fine.”


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    Message from Noa: Hope you have a great day. God loves you and Noa wishes you all the best. (?O?=)? ?


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