7. Chapter 7
Chapter 7
Vicente Godoy
I can’t believe I’ve been in Chile for a week already. Despite the long workdays and splitting my time between managing my London investments and relearning the ropes at the vineyard, I feel more relaxed than I’ve felt in a long time.
Today marks the first day of meeting employees. First in line is Juan Carlos, the agricultural engineer.
“Good morning, come on in,” I say as I hear a knock on the studio door.
Good morning? Damn, I’m even becoming nice here.
Not true—you’re just an arse with Camila.
“Mr. Godoy, good morning. What a pleasure. I’m Juan Carlos Bravo,” he says, stepping into the room.
I nod and motion for him to take a seat.
“I’m not sure how much you know about why I called you here, Juan Carlos, but it has been brought to my attention that I needed to listen to what the hacienda employees have to say. So here I am—all ears.”
Juan Carlos shivers and clears his throat a couple of times, but he doesn’t say a word. I’m sure he’s intimidated to no end. I decide to start speaking and see if he follows my lead.
“Is there anything that you would like to improve on at the hacienda? Please remind me what your day-to-day looks like.”
“Well, as you know I’m an agricultural engineer. I actually went to the same university as Karina and Luca,” he says with a sheepish smile.
I just hope his personality isn’t as annoying as my brother-in-law’s.
“I contacted Karina when she was still working at both vineyards and asked her for an internship. I moved to Chile two years ago, and I’ve been working here ever since. I’m in charge of making sure the vines are healthy and receiving everything they need to produce the best grapes of the valley.”
“Good, that sounds good. So tell me, Juan Carlos, how can I help make your life easier here at the hacienda?”
He looks at me intently, and I can see the wheels turning in his brain.
I lose my cool. “Whatever it is, just say it.”
Juan Carlos readjusts his position. I feel like I’m pulling teeth here. It shouldn’t be this hard to talk about what’s on his mind. Unless…something is terribly wrong. Does he think I’m an ogre? He barely knows me. Besides, I’m only an arsehole with my assistant.
“I love my job, Mr. Godoy,” he begins. “I love waking up every morning and knowing that my job helps create some of the finest wine in the world. I feel valued—not just by my peers, but also by your father. He’s involved in every single detail of the winemaking process, and he’s like a father to us.”
Juan Carlos takes a deep breath as he pulls at his shirt collar. Clearly uncomfortable for what he’s about to say. “And I guess we all are uncertain about the way things would be once your father retires. Please make no mistake, I love working here, but a big part of my job satisfaction is the environment your father has created for us.”
I give him a puzzled look, not really understanding where he's going with this.
“I mean no disrespect, but you live in London, and we don’t know if you’re willing to move here and manage the vineyard the way we’re used to.”
I cannot believe my personal life is what has my employees in a fit.
“Very well. Thank you for your honesty, Juan Carlos. If that’s all you have to say, you’re done here.”
Turning my attention to my computer, I dismiss him without a second glance.
“Um, okay. Thank you, Mr. Godoy. Have a good day.”
He leaves quietly, and I immediately grab my phone.
“Camila, I need you to cancel all of the meetings with the vineyard employees. Immediately.”
Before I can hang up, her voice cuts in.
“But Mr. Godoy, you just had your first one. Why are you going to cancel after only one meeting?”
I know she’s right. I shouldn’t be so quick to end this project. After all, this is what my father wanted. I just can’t be okay with employees thinking they have a say in where or how I live my life.
“If you want, I can reschedule the rest of today’s meetings for a later date. I bet it’s a beautiful day in Alamo Peaks. Nothing like the gloomy and damp day here in London,” she says.
I glance at the camera feed, and for the first time today, I crack a smile. Camila is wearing what looks like a silk blouse with a floral pattern. I smile at the thought of her bringing her own vibe into the office. She’s not a grumpy, sour person like me. She sees the best in everything, and if there’s nothing positive to look at, then she creates it.
Taking a few calming breaths, I finally reply, “You’re right, Ms. Flores. Go ahead and clear today’s appointments. I’ll speak with you tomorrow.”
I was ready to storm out of this house, shouting like a crazy fuck, not caring who might see me. But this woman, who is over seven thousand miles away, was able to calm me down.
Incredible.
As I step out of the office and head toward the garage, my frustration shifts to curiosity. Why do people care whether I live here or in London? We’re here to make wine not to hold hands and dance in circles as we tell each other how much we care about one another.
I need some air.
Good thing Camila suggested I take the day off because I need to clear my head—and I know just the place.
Stepping into the garage, I smile at the first car I spot.
It’s an old Chevy truck my father used to drive around the vineyard.
I wonder if it still works.
When I open the door, I’m pleasantly surprised to see the key in the ignition. The moment I turn it on, the truck roars to life, and a sense of calm and happiness washes over me.
I start driving without really knowing where I’m going—just happy to enjoy the views of the Andes mountains and the wind hitting my face.
Before I know it, I find myself parking at my sister’s vineyard. Well, I guess there’s no time like the present to spend some time with her.
“Hello, can I help you?” A lady who looks to be the same age as Mariela greets me as I knock on the house door. It’s Inés, Luca’s nanny in Argentina, who moved here after he married my sister.
“Hi, yes. Is my sister here?” The moment I explain I’m Karina’s brother, Inés’s eyes go wide and a huge smile spreads across her lips.
“Oh my goodness. Mr. Godoy, what a pleasure. I didn’t recognize you. Please, come in. I’m going to call Karina on the radio so she can come see you,” she says as she rushes toward the kitchen. “When did you arrive? I don’t think Karina and Luca knew you were coming. They’re going to be thrilled to have you here.”
I make a herculean effort not to wince at the mention of my brother-in-law. Don’t get me wrong, he’s a good guy, and he adores my sister, but his personality is a little too much for me. I can’t handle him for more than five minutes at a time.
Inés offers me mate and pastries while I wait for my sister to return from the field. I thank her for the snack and take a seat on their patio. Even though this house is more modern, it has a homey feeling. Karina has done a tremendous job bringing her own flare to this place.
“Oh wow, it’s really you,” my sister says the moment she spots me.
I smile at her as I get up and lift her up in a hug. “Hey, little sis. How are you?” I ask, setting her back on the ground.
“Exhausted,” she replies, resting her forehead on her steepled hands.
Damn, I can’t believe my little sister is married, a mom, and managing a vineyard. Meanwhile, here I am—a thirty-five-year-old man—still unable to wrap my head around moving back home to take care of our family legacy.
“What’s wrong?” Karina asks as she holds my forearm. Her eyebrows form a straight line.
“Nothing, nothing.” I chuckle, avoiding eye contact, but I should know better. We’re siblings; we know each other very well.
“Vic, don’t do that. Please tell me what’s going on?”
I sip my mate as Inés brings another mate and a sandwich for Karina.
Noticing the puzzled look on my face, Inés says, “I need to make sure baby Bianchi continues growing strong and healthy. Karina is still breastfeeding, she needs the extra nutrients.”
I see the adoration in Inés’s eyes, and for some reason, it reminds me of Mrs. Evans. I wonder how she's enjoying her retirement?
Once Inés is gone, Karina raises a brow and keeps her sandwich an inch away from her lips, as if to say, I won’t eat until you start talking .
Shaking my head, I release a breath and begin.
“I’m not sure how much you talk business with Father, but I’m here to oversee the harvest because he wants me more involved in the day-to-day of the vineyard.”
Karina nods, letting me know she’s listening.
“I don’t know, Kari. If I’m being completely honest, I’m scared shitless of failing him, of taking charge of the vineyard and driving it into bankruptcy.”
And there it is—the reason I’m so hesitant of taking the next step.
“He’s leaving big shoes to fill, you know?”
When my sister doesn’t immediately respond, I glance up, and find her watching me with so much love in her eyes that it takes me by surprise.
“Oh, Vic. If there’s anyone in this world who can fill Dad’s shoes it’s you,” Karina says.
I huff, but she doesn’t let me brush it off.
“I’m dead serious. You are the golden child. Always following Dad’s rules, excelling at school, then at your investments. I’m not sure if you’re aware, dear brother, but there’s no way Dad’s fortune would be what it is without you managing it.”
I raise an eyebrow, and she chuckles.
“Yeah, I mean, don’t get me wrong—you can make good money with a vineyard. Luca and I have more than we can spend, but we’re nowhere near being billionaires. That’s all you and your savvy investments.”
She takes a bite of her sandwich, lifting a finger, as if to say, Hold on a second . Chewing quickly, she swallows before continuing.
“Besides, do you really think Dad— Gonzalo Godoy, ” she says, emphasizing his name like it carries the weight of a dynasty, “would have left you in charge of the harvest if he wasn’t one hundred percent sure you could handle it? Nuh-uh. No way.”
I take my time to think about what she just said, and she’s right.
The vineyard is Father’s masterpiece. He would never put it at risk, nor would he jeopardize the livelihoods of the people who depend on him.
As Juan Carlos said, he treats them like family.
“I know you’re right, Kari. But that right there is the issue. You all say I’m the golden child, but when you were in a pickle with Max…”
We both shudder as I mention the guy who blackmailed my sister and kidnapped Isabella. What a sick fuck.
“Who did you go to? Me?” I arch my brows in question.
“No. I know. I went to Gabo. But Vic, you can’t blame me. In my eyes, you’re perfect. I couldn’t go to you with my problems.”
I hate how small Karina’s voice sounds—she’s anything but. My sister is strong, determined, a force to be reckoned with. Hearing her refer to herself like this hits me right in the chest.
“That’s the thing, Kari. I’m far from perfect.” I say softly, matching her tone, letting her see my vulnerability.
“Oh, Vic. You’re the best big brother I could ever ask for,” she says, hugging me, and I hug her back.
“You know, when Luca told me he had bought this vineyard for us, I thought he had gone crazy,” she adds.
I can’t help but chuckle—I thought he was crazy too. He had no clue about vineyards. All he had was money and a deep, crazy love for my sister.
“But we're tackling this new project together. And I’m not going to lie, there are days all I want to do is cry, and say fuck it. Move back to Argentina and live happily close to our friends.”
“So what keeps you waking up every day and trying all over again?” I ask, curious to learn more about the woman my sister has become.
She doesn’t hesitate. “My husband.”
I raise an eyebrow, and she smiles softly. “Without Luca, there’s no way I could be doing this. He’s my rock, my biggest cheerleader. He believes in me and always makes sure I feel loved.”
Oh wow . Turns out there’s more than meets the eye about my brother-in-law.
“That’s great, Kari. Honestly, I’m thankful you found a good man who loves you and supports you. But I don’t have a significant other,” I say, my shoulders lifting slightly.
She chuckles, and I frown.
“You’ll find her, big bro. Trust me,” she says as she continues to devour her sandwich.
My thoughts drift to Camila and how she always manages to say what I need to hear. It’s funny because we’ve never met in person, but somehow, I feel a connection between us.
“And that dreamy gaze right there tells me you already know who that woman is,” Karina teases.
“What? Dreamy gaze? Pfff .” I scoff, dismissing my sister’s assessment as I sip my mate .
There’s no way I look at Camila with dreamy eyes.
No way .
She’s a very good assistant.
That’s all.
When I get back to the hacienda, it’s late, and everything is dark. I ended up having dinner with Kari and Luca, and to my surprise, I enjoyed myself.
My brother-in-law has grown into his role as a vineyard owner, husband, and future dad. It was great talking shop with him—someone smart and unafraid to take risks. His business is taking off in ways unheard of here in the Maipo Valley. They’re targeting a younger audience, one that traditionally hasn’t shown much interest in wines, but thanks to Luca’s easy approach and YouTube videos, their sales have been steadily growing.
I haven’t checked my phone all day, but I’m sure I have a million messages and emails waiting for me. Right now, though, I’m feeling light and relaxed after spilling my deepest fears to my sister.
Maybe it was nice to come to Chile, after all.
Maybe it’s time to start seriously thinking about looking for someone who has relationship potential.
Tonight, I saw firsthand how in sync Kari and Luca are—they’re a team. I’ve never dreamed of getting married or having kids, but things can change.
Maybe they already are.
I make a mental note to start looking at dating apps. That for sure ranks in the top three of shit I never thought I would do in my life.
Thinking about relationships makes me reflect on Gio—my friend and Karina’s brother-in-law. I thought he would end up being a bachelor like me. But he went and fell in love with one of his students. Now, after she recovered her memories following a horrible car accident, they’re happily living together in the North Carolina mountains.
Imagine a fucking billionaire. Teaching at a community college. Living in a small town.
Not me. No thanks.
The first thing I check is my voicemail, since no one usually leaves me messages. As soon as I press play, the sweet and bright voice I’m getting used to fills my ears.
“Hi, Mr. Godoy. I canceled all meetings as you requested.” There’s a pause, but when I check my phone, there’s still a minute left in the message. “I’m not sure what caused you to make this decision, but I think no matter how hard, you should go through with the meetings and learn how you can become a more approachable boss. I know you’re used to being an all-powerful being, but I can tell you from experience, people work better and harder when they feel seen. Have a good day, Mr. Godoy. I’ll speak with you in the morning.”
The line goes silent, and I stay frozen, replaying her words over and over in my head:
You could become a more approachable boss . People work harder when they feel seen .
Why is Camila so invested in this? She’s only been working for me for little over a week. Why does she want me to succeed?
There’s definitely more to her than what I’ve picked up from our interactions.
Maybe I should listen to her.
She’s invested in this—in me succeeding.
Maybe I should be too.
Since Camila didn’t schedule anything for me this morning, I decide to take her advice and head toward the employees quarters. A typical day in the vineyard starts even before the sun rises, so we have a gourmet lounge hall where the vineyard workers can eat.
I remember spending my high school summers helping with the grape harvest. They were long days, but sharing meals with the viticulturist made it worthwhile. They never treated me like the boss’s son—they made me feel like one of them.
Since we provide three meals a day along with plenty of refreshments, there’s no need for anyone to bring food.
When I enter the hall, everyone is talking animatedly and having breakfast. But the moment I’m noticed, a crippling silence spreads throughout the room.
“Oh please, don’t stop on my account. I simply figured I would join you for breakfast this morning,” I say, feeling the heat rising through my neck. I’m usually the most powerful person in any boardroom, but these people are intimidating. The success of our vineyard depends on their labor. They are the base of our pyramid.
No one moves—I think they’re all in shock.
“Here, Mr. Godoy, take a seat.”
Juan Carlos is the first to come out of the collective stupor, and I smile, grateful for the gesture.
After grabbing a plate full of food, I take a seat next to Juan Carlos who is sitting beside two gorgeous women—they’re twins.
I clear my throat, glancing around the table. “Listen, I’m going to be an obnoxious boss and ask for everyone’s names and roles here at the vineyard. You know, just so I can put names to faces.”
There’s a collective chuckle, and I see relief spreading through everyone’s faces. One by one, they introduce themselves, and I feel a little lighter after their warm welcome.
When it’s the twins’ turn to speak, I pay a little extra attention.
“So, hi, Mr. Godoy. My name is Sara, and this is my sister Alicia,” Sara says with a little wave, pointing her fork at her sister, who sits next to Juan Carlos and avoids meeting my eyes.
“Hi, Sara. What’s your role here?” I ask, taking a mouthful of eggs on freshly baked bread.
Do we have our own bakers here? This tastes amazing .
“I’m the winery customer service manager and lead of customer experiences,” she replies.
I raise my eyebrows, surprised we had a big presence in the customer department.
“And my wife,” Juan Carlos says with pride in his eyes.
“That’s great. What does your day-to-day look like?” I ask with genuine curiosity.
The table goes silent, everyone waiting for Sara’s response. She releases a deep breath and chuckles nervously.
“Nothing like being put on the spot by the boss,” she jokes, but I can see she’s nervous. Luckily, everyone laughs, effectively breaking the tension. “During summer and harvest season, I spend most of my time in the tasting room, working directly with visitors and making sure their experience at Hacienda Carmen is what they dreamed it’d be.”
“My sister is very humble, Mr. Godoy,” Alicia, her twin, chimes in. “She’s the one who trained Luca and Karina in customer experience before they opened their vineyard.” Her admiration for her sister is evident.
“Oh, so you gave our secrets to the competition,” I say sarcastically, but the room falls silent.
Tight jaws, lowered gazes— I guess I screwed this up.
Sara mutters, “Snitch,” to Alicia, whose cheeks grow impossibly red.
“Oh, I didn’t mean it in a bad way. I was merely saying how good my sister is at her job,” Alicia stammers.
“Oh please, I was being sarcastic,” I say with a chuckle, but everyone remains silent, tense.
I take a deep breath and address the room, meeting as many eyes as possible.
“I know you all have an amazing relationship with my father, and to you, I’m just the son who will inherit all of this without having worked a day in my life to deserve it.
“I might not know the daily operations of this place like my father does. I don’t know if you’re married, have kids, or are helping your parents financially. But never doubt for a second that I’m here because I want to see if I can run this place at least half as well as my father.
“I might have degrees from big universities that say I’m capable of running this winery, but none of that means jack shit if I can’t build a relationship with you all.
“I’m way out of my comfort zone. But dammit, I’m really trying.”
I get up from the table and take my plate to the kitchen. I didn’t realize dealing with over a hundred employees every day was going to be so damn hard. My father makes it look like child’s play.
I didn’t plan to give them an open-hearted speech, nor did I realize that’s what I was carrying deep inside. But, oh well—there goes trying to be a more approachable boss. It sounded a lot easier when Camila suggested it.