?Chapter 1101:


    Dominic issued a swiftmand, and within moments, arger car appeared before us.


    I was the first to enter and take a seat. Then, Alden suddenly lunged forward, pushing past the other four men to im the seat beside me.


    The others’ expressions twisted instantly into masks of displeasure.


    Bryan, in particr, fixed Alden with a cial stare.


    He stalked toward Alden with predatory grace andmanded, “Move. Now.”


    Alden sat rigidly upright, arms crossed defiantly across his chest, lips curling into a triumphant smirk. “I arrived first. The seat belongs to me!”


    Bryan’s face darkened ominously as he growled, “One more second of defiance, and you’ll live to regret it.”


    Alden turned to me, his eyes widening with practiced innocence. “But Makenna, I want to sit here. You epted my invitation first.”


    At the sight of Alden’s vulnerable expression, something in my heart softened.


    I nced at Bryan with pleading eyes. “Maybe… just let him sit here? It’s not a big deal, really. And we’ll be terriblyte if we keep arguing about seating arrangements.”


    With gentle persuasion, I managed to coax the other four into taking different seats, though their movements betrayed reluctance.


    Alden, meanwhile, wore a self-satisfied smirk.


    Throughout the journey, Alden deliberately projected his voice, showcasing our conversation like a prized trophy. “Makenna, look! The scenery outside is absolutely breathtaking!”


    His voice resonated with exaggerated volume, leaving no doubt about his intention to ensure everyone overheard our exchange.


    From the back row, yton maintained his characteristic gentle smile, but frost had crept into his gaze, chilling his usually warm demeanor. His eyes swept over us with calcted precision as he interjected sharply, “Makenna, Alden is young and prone to be noisy. Should you find hispany tiresome, I would dly take his ce beside you. I’m better equipped to take care of you.”


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    Upon hearing this, Alden’s features instantly contorted into a frown as he pivoted to challenge yton. “Your Highness, could it be that jealousy has taken root because I’m seated beside Makenna? She hasn’t voiced anyint, yet your anxiety is already so transparent.”


    yton, typically the embodiment ofposure, narrowed his eyes at the barbedment, his expression hardening.


    Feeling the atmosphere thicken with hostility, I hastily intervened before the situation could deteriorate further.


    “Alright, alright, let’s not argue. The seating arrangement hardly matters. We’re fortunate to enjoy this outing today, so let’s appreciate it in rtive peace.”


    Though discontent still lingered in their expressions, my words seeded in silencing further confrontation among the group.


    A fragile quiet descended upon the car, yet the undercurrent of tension remained—invisible but unmistakably present, like static before a storm. After what seemed like an eternity of strained silence, we finally reached a vineyard on Marehelm’s outskirts.


    The vineyard nestled within a vast sea of flowers, where vibrant blossoms of every hue bloomed beneath the golden sunlight. The air swirled with waves of delicate floral fragrance, a perfume impossible to resist.


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