?Chapter 1102:


    The vineyard’s steward, a distinguished gentleman in his fifties withugh lines etched around his eyes, greeted us with genuine warmth.


    “Wee, esteemed guests. Please, follow me.”


    We trailed behind him through the flower fields.


    “This vineyard cultivates these spectacr blooms purely for visitors to admire. Naturally, we also nurture every variety of grape necessary for our acimed wines.”


    As the steward described the vineyard’s heritage, I listened with rapt attention, my curiosity thoroughly captured.


    This marked my first encounter with winemaking, and the mere thought of witnessing grapes transform into something exquisite filled me with unexpected excitement.


    Observing my fascination, Alden leaned closer, his voice tinged with eagerness. “Makenna, are you truly looking forward to experiencing this?”


    I nodded appreciatively, but before words could form on my lips, Alden swiftly turned to the steward with an authoritative tone. “Sir, please bring her your finest wine. Let her sample it before we begin.”


    The steward’s eyes crinkled with understanding as he nodded, returning momentster bearing several sses of wine.


    I lifted one ss delicately, inhaling its bouquet with gentle appreciation. The harmonious blend of floral notes and rich wine essences immediately lifted my spirits.


    Each ss offered a different experience as I savored them, theplex vors dancing across my pte with surprising intensity, illuminating my expression. “This is amazing! The taste is so special.”


    Among the selections, the Merlot captivated me entirely. Its rich floral bouquet achieved perfect harmony—neither overpowering nor faint—a masterful bnce. The wine glided across my pte with silken elegance, leaving a haunting finish that beckoned for another taste, then another.


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    Noticing my evident delight, Alden leaned in conspiratorially, his eyes alight with mischief. “Makenna, which wine has won your favor? I’ll escort you to harvest the grapes ourselves, and we’ll craft something uniquely ours. Imagine how it might surpass even this!”


    Anticipation fluttered through me like butterfly wings. “Absolutely! I’ve always harbored a desire to create wine with my own hands.”


    Alden’s smile brightened at my agreement. Without hesitation, he gently took my wrist and began leading me forward.


    “Let’s go to the grapery now,” he suggested enthusiastically. “The sunlight is perfect, and we’ll get the freshest grapes if we pick them right away.”


    Just as we started moving, however, our path was suddenly blocked by the others.


    Dominic stood at the front of the group, his expression hovering between mockery and clear disapproval. “Did you forget something?”


    His words cast an awkward silence over us. I cleared my throat, attempting to ease the mounting tension. “Um… how about we all go together? It’d be more enjoyable with everyone participating.”


    “No way!” Alden rejected the idea immediately.


    “The grapery is too small. It couldn’t possibly amodate all of us. Besides, winemaking should be a special experience between Makenna and me. Why are you all so determined to intrude?”


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