Chapter 154

Amelia had already caught Benjamin's words, her ears turning a shade of red. But she played it cool, ducking her head and moving to another grapevine to keep picking.

Benjamin watched her, a flicker of disappointment in his eyes.

They soon had enough grapes and started washing them. The grapes bobbed in the water, getting cleaned, and then they spread them out to dry.

A girl dressed like a staff member came over with drinks for everyone, her eyes darting between Michael and Benjamin.

Isabella noticed that even though all the staff wore uniforms, the other staff members seemed to treat this girl with a bit more respect. She quickly figured out this girl wasn't just any employee.

Out of nowhere, Michael put his arm around Isabella's shoulder and said to the girl, "Miss, we've had way too much to drink. My wife has already made several trips to the restroom!"

Isabella pinched Michael's waist, annoyed. She knew Michael was just trying to let the girl know he was taken.

Sure enough, the girl looked bummed when she heard Michael was married, and then she turned her attention to Benjamin.

Benjamin was about to say something, but Amelia walked off in another direction, leaving him looking glum.

"Hi, I'm Aria Clark, the vineyard owner's daughter. Sir, it looks like your girlfriend left. Need any help?" Aria said, smiling at Benjamin.

Isabella shook her head, thinking Aria's attempt to figure out if Amelia and Benjamin were a couple was pretty obvious.

Benjamin paused for a moment, then shook his head. "She's not my girlfriend. I'm single."

Aria's eyes lit up instantly.

Suddenly, Benjamin felt a chill. He turned to see Michael giving him a sharp look.

'Haven't you figured out who you want? Stop messing around with other women! If you hurt Amelia and mess things up between Isabella and me, I'll kill you!' Michael's eyes seemed to say.

Benjamin and Michael had been friends for ages and could read each other well. He got the message loud and clear.

Benjamin gave a wry smile and shook his head. Then he turned to Aria and said, "Ms. Clark, could you come with me for a moment? I need your help with something."

Aria was surprised but followed Benjamin with a happy look on her face.

"What are they up to?" Isabella asked Michael, frowning.

Michael shook his head calmly. "I don't know, but I trust Benjamin will handle it well."

Aria followed Benjamin to a corner. She thought he was going to say something to her, but when he turned around, his expression was complicated.

"Ms. Clark, I need a favor," Benjamin said sincerely.

'Is he going to ask for my number or invite me to dinner?' Aria wondered, her heart pounding as she waited for Benjamin's request.

"Look, the lady you saw earlier and I aren't a couple, but I'm trying to win her over. I can tell she's into me, but there's this invisible wall between us. So, I was hoping you could help by acting a bit close to me to see if it makes her jealous. I want to know if she has feelings for me," Benjamin explained, looking at Aria.

Aria blinked, her expression stiffening, feeling like something inside her had shattered.

'So, that's what this is about,' Aria thought, not exactly thrilled to help.

"Please, I really need your help. By the way, your winery offers memberships, right? I'll sign up for the most premium membership if you help me with this!" Benjamin said earnestly, grabbing Aria's hand excitedly.

Aria felt the warmth of Benjamin's hand and thought, 'If that girl doesn't like him, doesn't that mean I have a chance?'

Aria immediately nodded in agreement with Benjamin's request.

Benjamin let out a sigh of relief and looked at Amelia's back in the distance, a smile appearing on his face.

Amelia pretended to go to the restroom, but when she returned, she found Benjamin missing.

"Where's Benjamin? Where did he go?" Amelia asked Isabella, trying to sound indifferent.

Isabella smiled slightly. "He's barely out of sight for two minutes, and you're already on the hunt. Got a thing for him?"

Amelia blushed and waved her hand dismissively. "I just see him as a friend, and he's my mom's primary doctor. It's all about my mom's health, not some crush or anything."

Isabella rolled her eyes, thinking Amelia clearly liked Benjamin but was pretending not to care.

Michael was flipping the grapes to dry them, his movements steady, showing no concern about the situation.

When Benjamin reappeared in front of everyone, they were all stunned.

Aria, who had previously brought them drinks, was now holding Benjamin's arm, acting all flirty. "Benjamin, trust me, I know my stuff when it comes to wine. Let's go pick grapes together later. It must be fun!"

Benjamin patted Aria's head and said with a smile, "Sure, once the grapes are dry, we'll go pick more. You always remind me of my sister. She's just as lively and cute as you."

Isabella frowned and looked at Michael in surprise.

"Does he have a sister?" Isabella asked quietly.

Michael rolled his eyes and replied in a low voice, "That doesn't matter. What matters is your friend's expression. She looks pretty upset."

Isabella immediately looked at Amelia, whose face was dark, as if she had just received some very bad news.

Isabella's mouth twitched. "Amelia, these grapes are for stomping, not squeezing. Hand-crushed grapes won't cut it for the good stuff."