With his excited daughter Alexis in tow, Castle, who hardly resembled a typical father, cheerfully drove toward Gianna's family estate, the D'Antonio estate on Long Island. He was preparing Alexis for what was to come: "Alexis, Dad and Harry, you know, that nerdy hacker kid, have developed two very impressive drones. Today, we're going to demonstrate them to representatives from Northrop Grumman. So, you'll have to entertain yourself with Aunt Gianna while I handle the negotiations with your godfather and the Grumman people."
Alexis, hearing this for the first time, looked at her father in surprise: "Dad, what did you say? You and that chubby Harry developed a drone? Haha... Dad, you're hilarious. Have you forgotten how bad your DIY skills are? Haha..."
Castle, unable to retort, watched as his daughter mocked him: "Don't be so sure I'm that bad. Haven't you heard the saying, 'A scholar who has been away for three days must be looked at with new eyes?'"
Alexis didn't hold back: "Yeah, right... I've known since I was little that your strengths are in the humanities. Science and engineering have always been your weakest points. Are you trying to tell me you've suddenly awakened your inner engineer?"
Castle felt a bit annoyed by his daughter's teasing, but her casual remark gave him an idea for a convenient excuse. Who said a nearly forty-year-old couldn't have a sudden knack for engineering?
He decided not to continue arguing. After all, once they arrived at the estate, Alexis would see the drones for herself. No amount of explaining now would convince her. It was better to wait and let her be impressed.
Castle and Alexis arrived at the D'Antonio estate, located by the sea on Long Island. He drove to a small house not far from the main residence. This was where Harry would be working for the foreseeable future. They had agreed the previous night that, given Harry's social awkwardness and Gianna's pregnancy, it would be best for Harry to stay in a separate house. The estate had plenty of such houses.
Harry was busy setting up the drone control station with the help of Gianna's men. Alexis, however, was immediately drawn to the two drones parked on the lawn in front of the house, marveling at the sight and running over to examine them. Meanwhile, Harry was directing two of Gianna's men as they set up the control station in the living room.
Seeing Castle walk in, Harry excitedly abandoned his task and approached: "Uncle Rick, this place is amazing! The scenery is beautiful, and my room has an incredible sea view. If I'd known it was this great, we should have moved here sooner. And the drones can take off from here without flying over the city, which greatly enhances their stealth."
Castle, amused, stopped Harry's rambling: "This afternoon, representatives from Northrop Grumman and a technical director from a European aircraft manufacturer will be here to watch a drone flight demonstration. I'll handle the technical specs, but the flying is up to you. Are you confident?"
Harry grinned: "Of course! With my drone piloting skills, you'll be amazed. I'll definitely blow their minds this afternoon!"
Their discussion was interrupted by Alexis: "Dad, did you really build these drones yourself?"
A red-haired girl, full of energy, burst in, looking curiously at the round, chubby figure standing next to her father. "Are you the chubby Harry my dad talks about?"
Harry, no longer as socially awkward as he had been a month ago, cheerfully waved: "Hi, Alexis. I'm Harry, your dad's good friend!"
Castle was pleased to see his daughter and Harry getting along. After all, Alexis was no pushover. In the original story, she had secretly interned with the medical examiner at the police department and later, after graduating from college, had successfully run her father's private detective agency. Knowing Harry could provide her with useful information from the web would be beneficial for her restless nature.
To Castle's surprise, Alexis was more fascinated by the high-tech, industrially beautiful drones than by Harry. She barely acknowledged Harry before turning to her father: "Dad, did you really make these drones?"
Castle, seeing his daughter's excitement, knew he had to respond: "Yes, Alexis. Those drones outside are controlled from here. Harry can manage both drones from this station, conducting different reconnaissance missions. For obvious reasons, I haven't equipped the drones with weapons, so they can only perform reconnaissance."
"Wow..." Alexis didn't wait for her father to finish. She rushed to the control station, eyes shining with excitement. She had played with civilian drones before, but nothing compared to this professional setup. The three LCD screens and the cockpit-like controls made her eager to try it out.
Seeing his daughter's enthusiasm, Castle had to stop her: "Hold on, you'll get to see the drones in action this afternoon. Harry will be doing a flight demonstration. After that, you'll have plenty of time to play with them. For now, your godfather's private jet has landed, and they're on their way. Let's go to the main house and wait for them... Harry, do you want to come with us?"
Harry shook his head: "No, I've got to finish setting up the computer networks and check the drones. I need to prepare for the demonstration."
Castle nodded, understanding Harry's need to prepare for the important flight demonstration. After all, they had to impress the representatives from Northrop Grumman and the European aircraft manufacturer. He didn't push Harry to come along and instead took Alexis to the main house to meet John Wick and Gianna.
The estate's butler, already familiar with Castle, greeted him warmly: "Hello, Mr. Castle. Miss Gianna and Mr. John Wick have landed and are on their way. They should arrive in about twenty minutes. Can I get you anything to drink?"
Walking into the opulent main hall, Castle couldn't help but envy John's luxurious lifestyle. He casually responded to the butler: "Just water for us, thanks. We'll wait for Gianna and John."
The butler left to get the drinks, while Alexis marveled at the elegantly decorated hall: "Wow, Dad, Gianna's family must be really wealthy. Look at all these historical European artifacts."
Castle explained with a smile: "Yes, Gianna's family has a long history in Italy. Their castle is over four hundred years old. Maybe one day I'll take you to Italy to see it."
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