Her expression did not betray surprise at Damien's mental retreat; on the contrary, it seemed like a development she had long anticipated. Judging by her slightly narrowed eyes, this was not the first time she had encountered such a situation. It appeared casual, almost as a mere move in the long game played between her and Damien.
Despite noticing his quickened pace, her light smile combined with those half-closed eyes conveyed an unwillingness to match his speed. She continued along the dusty road leisurely, likely owing to her business footwear adorned with heels.
Even with her slow and deliberate pace, seemingly meant to tease and test his patience, they inevitably arrived before an ornate gate over the dusty path. The gate, adorned with elaborate script, welcomed visitors to the lands and plantations of Fiorella Arianna de Marco. Her lands were not the only ones in the valley - it was dotted with other similar estates, large and small, all luxurious in appearance. In the valley's center, amidst the plantations, a small town was visible. As she had once described to her companion, the town was mainly composed of low, white-plastered buildings with ample glass and expansive gardens, avenues, and pools. The way these structures were integrated into the terrain also suggested underground sections.
The road now straightened, leading directly to the main building on her property, with cultivated fruit trees planted on either side.
"[Catch.]"
She snapped her companion out of his thoughts about meeting her father. When Damien looked towards her, she was perched high in the crown of a pseudo-apple tree, ready to toss him one of the freshly picked red and yellow fruits.
