American TV Writer

A lavish lunch began just as the drowsy Harry stumbled into the main house. When he learned that Gianna, who had been looking after him like a sister recently, would be returning to Rome the next day to spend Christmas and stay there until her baby was born, his mood noticeably dropped. After all, in his twenty-something years, aside from his parents, his cousin (who was once the world's top hacker), and Castle, Gianna was one of the few people who genuinely treated him like family. Much of the joy Harry had experienced recently was due to Gianna's intentional indulgence and care in her estate. Now, knowing that this woman who treated him like a little brother was about to leave, the usually cheerful Harry fell silent.

Seeing the pitiful look on Harry's face, Castle couldn't help but laugh, earning him a sharp glare from Gianna, who sat at the head of the table. Gianna hadn't expected to find in New York, of all places, the feeling of caring for a younger brother, something she never experienced with her own sibling, Santino. And this person she took under her wing was an emotionally rich and genuinely grateful individual. Gianna, who had grown up in a constant struggle with Santino, was deeply moved. So, when Castle mockingly teased Harry, Gianna immediately sided with the younger man.

Watching this mafia queen unexpectedly show a softer, sisterly side, Castle, ever the buzzkill, commented, "Come on, are you guys really being serious right now? Harry, don't you have money? If you miss Gianna, can't you just fly to Rome?"

"And Gianna, you have a private jet. Can't you just bring him over if you miss him? Don't forget, Rome is your real stronghold. If Harry goes to Italy, wouldn't you have him completely covered? There's no need to be so dramatic—you're not going to be separated forever."

Gianna shot Castle a death glare, wishing she could throw her fork and knife at him. Did this idiot really not understand? It wasn't just about being apart; it was about the genuine familial bond they'd both longed for—something untainted by ulterior motives.

Castle, of course, knew that Gianna and Harry weren't sad simply because they were parting ways. It was about the pure familial connection they had formed. Why else would John, Gianna's partner, be sitting on the side, smiling as he watched this display of "family love"? John's main concern these days was keeping Gianna, who was pregnant with their child, in good spirits. Even John, who was typically cold, had grown fond of the carefree, somewhat goofy Harry. Not only because Harry had helped him during the raid on the Tanasov family, but because, after spending time with him, John recognized Harry's pure-hearted nature. It was a kind of innocence and optimism about the world that John, a former top assassin, had never possessed—neither had Gianna.

So, after getting to know Harry, they both came to like him even more. Add to that Harry's brilliant hacking skills and his quirky, introverted nature, and it made sense why Gianna, whose maternal instincts had kicked into overdrive with her pregnancy, started taking care of him. And after she invested emotionally, she found herself receiving gratitude and affection in return. This was something Gianna, who had grown up in the cutthroat D'Antonio family, never expected.

Without Gianna's nurturing, even with Castle's connections, Harry might have been able to stay in the estate, but he wouldn't have been as comfortable, treating it as his own home. It was only because of Gianna's indulgence that he was able to thrive there.

Castle's comments didn't surprise Gianna or John. They had already considered having Harry visit Rome whenever he wanted. Their current sentiment was just a reflection of how much they'd come to care for him. But Castle's words did jolt Harry out of his sadness. "Wait, you're right! I have money. I can visit Rome anytime. Why didn't I think of that?"

Seeing Harry's sudden realization, Gianna, who had been in a somber mood, burst out laughing. She loved this aspect of him—the way he was like a child, always a bit clueless.

With this new perspective, Harry quickly returned to his usual goofy self. "Uncle Rick, I heard you got shares in Northrop Grumman? You're one of their shareholders now? But only 1% for your drone designs and that flight control software? Isn't that too little?"

Castle casually sipped the fine wine from Gianna's collection and explained his strategy to the group. "It's just the opening bid. I got 1% for now, but that doesn't mean I won't get more later. I've already promised them I'll develop a new military drone based on my current design to compete in the U.S. military's next-generation drone bid in March. There's no rush—I'm playing the long game."

Harry's eyes lit up. "So, can you get Northrop Grumman to upgrade the surveillance equipment on our drones? You know, we're still using the last-gen military reconnaissance gear, and while it's good, wouldn't the latest version be even better? Come on, Uncle Rick, that shouldn't be too hard for you, right?"

Castle was stunned by the request, not quite sure what Harry was planning. But before he could ask, Gianna jumped in with a stern tone. "Harry, what are you up to? Don't think I don't know that you've been secretly using those drones to spy on some girl! I've told you before: if you like her, go after her. Stop using drones to peep!"

Her words had everyone at the table, except Harry, laughing. Castle instantly understood Harry's "devious" intent. This introverted guy had a crush on someone but was too shy to approach her directly, so he resorted to using drones to watch her from afar—a habit Gianna had long since noticed.

Gianna, frustrated with Harry's lack of confidence, had been urging him to pursue the girl who lived not far from her estate. But Harry, lacking self-assurance, couldn't muster the courage, relying on the drones to spy on her instead. Now, learning that Castle had a stake in Northrop Grumman, Harry's first thought was to upgrade his surveillance gear? Both Gianna and Castle were amused and exasperated at this request. Even John, a man of few words, couldn't help but find it funny.

The three men exchanged glances, silently agreeing to stay out of it as Gianna scolded her "little brother" Harry. They clinked their wine glasses and sat back, ready to watch the show unfold.

Harry, intimidated by his stern "big sister," looked down, struggling to come up with a rebuttal. Castle and Moz, being the mischievous duo they were, could barely contain their laughter.

Seeing that his "Uncle Rick" had no intention of helping him, Harry finally mustered the courage to look up at Gianna. "I want to go after her, but I don't know how! And she lives in a Long Island estate—her family must be rich. Why would she be interested in someone like me?"

Gianna was having none of it. "What does that matter? Her family's status isn't an obstacle. What matters is that you take action! Sneaking around with drones isn't going to get you anywhere."

Castle, now fully aware of the situation, realized that Harry had a crush on the young lady living in an estate near Gianna's. This revelation sparked an idea in Castle's mind: maybe he should buy an estate on Long Island too. It wouldn't need to be as grand as Gianna's, but having a property in New York's backyard would give him a safe base of operations.

With that thought, Castle immediately shared his idea with the group, receiving enthusiastic support—especially from Harry, who was now brimming with excitement.

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