**Chapter 17: A Meeting in the Lavender Fields**
The morning sunlight painted the lavender fields in hues of gold and violet, the fragrance carrying a soothing warmth across the estate. Elena wandered through the rows, her mind heavy with questions about the woman in the photograph and the mysterious Emilia. She traced her fingers over the delicate blooms, lost in thought, until a voice broke through her reverie.
"You must be one of the Morettis."
Elena turned sharply, her eyes landing on a man standing a few rows away. He was tall, with dark curls and a confident stance that seemed to blend effortlessly with the surroundings. His smile was disarming, but there was something in his eyes—a flicker of curiosity that mirrored her own.
"And you are?" she asked, her tone guarded.
"I'm Marco," he said, stepping closer. "I manage the vineyard on the other side of the hill. I heard the estate had new owners."
Elena raised an eyebrow, unsure whether to trust his easy charm. "Well, I wouldn't say we're owners yet. Just sorting through some family… history."
Marco's smile faltered slightly, his gaze drifting to the fields. "This place has a lot of history," he said quietly. "Some of it better left untouched."
Elena felt a pang of curiosity and doubt, but before she could respond, Matteo's voice called out from the distance. She turned to see her brother approaching, his expression annoyed.
"Who's this?" Matteo asked, his eyes narrowing at Marco.
"Elena's brother, I presume," Marco said with a nod. "Marco. I manage the neighboring vineyard."
Matteo barely acknowledged the introduction. "Elena, we need to go. There's something you need to see."
As Marco watched them walk away, his gaze lingered on Elena, a hint of intrigue lighting his features. Elena couldn't help but glance back, the connection between them—however brief—leaving her unsettled yet curious.
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