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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’sanythingbut. 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 mymate.
There’s no way I look at Camila withdreamyeyes.
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.