Nestled in one of San Fierro’s most prestigious university districts, the neighborhood was surrounded by upscale campus residences and luxury school-zone properties. Naturally, the businesses that catered to the area reflected the wealth of its residents.

Elegant cafés lined the streets, boutique stores occupied nearly every corner, and the local supermarket resembled a high-end shopping mall more than an ordinary grocery store.

Rather than taking either the Mercedes G-Wagon or the Koenigsegg One:1, Luca decided to enjoy the pleasant morning on foot. The supermarket was barely a ten-minute walk from the penthouse, and after everything that had happened the previous night, a quiet stroll sounded far more appealing than driving.

The morning breeze carried the scent of freshly baked bread from a nearby bakery, while sunlight filtered through rows of neatly planted trees that lined the sidewalks. Joggers passed by at an unhurried pace, and a few university students chatted over cups of coffee before heading to class.

It was peaceful.

Exactly the kind of morning Luca enjoyed.

The supermarket itself occupied five spacious floors, each meticulously organized into different departments. Gleaming marble floors reflected the warm lighting overhead, while soft instrumental music drifted through the building. Every shelf was perfectly stocked, and the produce looked fresh enough to have been harvested only hours earlier.

Since he only needed ingredients for lunch, Luca skipped the lower floors and took the escalator directly to the third floor, where the premium meat and organic produce sections were located.

As he browsed the displays, his thoughts naturally drifted back to Naomi.

She had taken a huge step in their relationship the previous night.

Although she had tried to hide it behind her adorable shyness that morning, he knew she was still feeling sore. Remembering the slight wince on her face made him smile helplessly.

’I should make something nourishing for her.’

After a moment’s thought, he picked out a rack of premium pork ribs along with several fresh organic radishes.

A slow-cooked pork rib and radish soup would be perfect.

Simple.

Nutritious.

And exactly what she needed.

Just as he approached the meat counter to place the items into his basket, a familiar figure entered his line of sight.

The woman wore a crisp white blouse tucked neatly into fitted denim jeans. A small designer crossbody bag rested against her waist, and her shoulder-length hair was tied back in a practical ponytail. She carried herself with the confidence of someone used to handling responsibilities on her own.

Even so...

Her expression betrayed obvious worry.

She accepted a neatly wrapped package of meat from the store employee, thanked them politely, then turned to leave while absentmindedly staring at the shopping bag in her hand.

Luca recognized her immediately.

"Camilla."

She paused.

"It really has been a long time."

A warm smile appeared on Luca’s face as he walked toward her.

"I never expected to run into you here."

Hearing the familiar voice, Camilla turned around.

The moment her eyes landed on him, she froze.

"Luca...?"

She blinked twice as though she couldn’t quite believe what she was seeing.

For several seconds, she simply stared.

The last time she’d seen Luca Hale, he had already begun changing, but the man standing before her now felt like an entirely different person.

He was taller than she remembered.

His posture carried effortless confidence.

His features had become even sharper and more handsome, while the quiet composure surrounding him made him seem far more mature than the university student she once knew.

His clothes looked simple at first glance, yet Camilla immediately recognized several luxury brands. Years of working in a business environment had trained her eye for those details.

Just the outfit he was wearing probably cost more than most people earned in months.

She couldn’t help wondering...

Exactly how wealthy had he become?

"Luca Hale?" she repeated, still sounding slightly dazed.

"I honestly almost didn’t recognize you."

Luca laughed.

"Has it really been that long?"

"You’ve changed."

Camilla shook her head in disbelief.

"No..."

She corrected herself with a smile.

"You’ve changed way too much."

Seeing her continue staring at him, Luca waved a hand in front of her face.

"What?"

"Did you forget what I look like?"

That finally pulled her back to reality.

She laughed and lightly brushed his hand aside.

"I’m serious."

"You don’t even feel like the same person anymore."

"There was already that ridiculously expensive watch you gave me before..."

She glanced at the designer jacket he was wearing before looking back at him.

"And now you’re dressed like someone walking out of an international fashion show."

Luca chuckled.

"I just put on whatever was in my closet."

Camilla looked at him with an expression that clearly said she wasn’t buying it.

"That’s exactly the kind of thing rich people say."

"I’m not sure whether that’s a compliment."

"It isn’t."

They both laughed.

The awkwardness that usually came after not seeing someone for years quickly disappeared.

Camilla had always been Vanessa’s closest friend, yet unlike Vanessa, she’d never judged people by the size of their wallets.

Luca still remembered countless occasions during university when Camilla had quietly helped him out.

Whenever Vanessa became unreasonable, Camilla was usually the one trying to smooth things over.

Whenever misunderstandings arose, she was often the one encouraging both sides to communicate instead of arguing.

She’d always been hardworking, independent, and kind.

Those memories were enough for Luca to remain grateful, even after everything that had happened with Vanessa.

Camilla looked at the shopping basket in his hand.

"Pork ribs?"

"And radishes."

Luca nodded.

"I’m making soup."

"You cook now?"

"I’ve learned a few things."

She smiled.

"I never would’ve guessed."

"What about you?"

Luca noticed the lingering worry on her face.

"You looked troubled just now."

Camilla glanced down at the shopping bag in her hands before letting out a helpless sigh.

"It’s... nothing too serious."

"You sure?"

She hesitated for a moment.

"I’ve just had a lot on my mind lately."

Her smile was polite, but it couldn’t quite hide the exhaustion in her eyes.

Luca didn’t press further.

If she wanted to talk, she would.

Instead, he smiled.

"Well, whatever it is, I hope it works out."

Camilla nodded appreciatively.

"Thanks."

For a brief moment, she simply looked at him again.

Then she suddenly laughed to herself.

"You know..."

"Hm?"

"The more I look at you..."

"The less any of this feels real."

Luca raised an eyebrow.

"What’s that supposed to mean?"

Camilla folded her arms, studying him from head to toe.

"In just a few short months, you’ve gone from an ordinary university graduate to someone driving million-dollar cars, wearing luxury brands without thinking twice, and casually giving away watches that cost more than most people’s annual salaries."

She shook her head slowly, still unable to make sense of it.

"The speed of your rise is honestly unbelievable."

Her eyes remained fixed on him.

A teasing smile gradually appeared on her lips.

"So tell me honestly..."

She tilted her head.

"...did your wealth come from some kind of divine intervention?"