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I stare at the computer screen, hoping I won’t get an email from him—but of course, I do. Not even a minute has passed.
From: Vicente Godoy “[email protected]”
To: Camila Flores “[email protected]”
Date: March 18, 2025. 5:57 pm
Subject: RE: Can I be of any assistance?
Camila,
Thank you for letting me know. As of right now, I don’t have anything for you to help me with. But perhaps you can use these three minutes to create a time log and note that you’re leaving work early… after spending extra time on a personal video call. At the end of each week, you’ll have to work extra to make up for all the lost time.
Have a good evening,
V. Godoy
Head of the Godoy Group
London, Alamo Peaks
Holy shit. He truly is a dick. I decide not to reply and just leave. On my way out, I wave at the camera and rush out the door before I do something unprofessional—like showing him the finger.
Chapter 7
Vicente Godoy
Ican’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?”