Amélie woke to the familiar scent of damp earth and morning dew, her usual sanctuary in the vineyard offering little solace as the tension with Jack Reynolds crept into her dreams. She had always found comfort in the land—the constant rhythm of seasons, the connection to generations past—but lately, even that felt uncertain. The deal hung over her head like a cloud, and no amount of time spent in the vineyard could make her forget the pressure building.
She spent the morning working alongside Étienne, her trusted vineyard manager, meticulously inspecting the ripening grapes. He had noticed the change in her demeanor but had kept his questions to himself, though his silence was beginning to feel as pressing as Jack's persistent messages.
"Amélie," Étienne finally said as they walked along a row of vines, "what is weighing on you so much?"
She hesitated, the words caught in her throat. Étienne had been with the vineyard for decades, had worked alongside her father before her. He wasn't just an employee—he was family. But how could she explain what she was facing without exposing her fear?
Before she could respond, Étienne paused, looking out over the land with a troubled expression. "You know," he said, his voice low, "I've been hearing rumors. About the banks. They're worried about the vineyard's future. I didn't want to bring it up, but…"
Amélie's heart sank. She had hoped to keep the financial difficulties under wraps, at least until she could find a solution. But it seemed the whispers were already spreading. "I know," she admitted quietly. "Things are worse than I've let on."
Étienne turned to her, his eyes filled with concern. "Why didn't you tell me sooner? You don't have to carry this burden alone, Amélie."
She looked away, guilt twisting inside her. "I thought I could fix it. I didn't want to worry you. But now... there's an offer on the table. From an American company."
Étienne's brow furrowed. "An American company? And you're considering it?"
"I don't know," Amélie confessed. "The offer could save the vineyard, but I don't trust their intentions. I'm afraid they'll strip away everything that makes this place special."
Étienne was silent for a moment, then he placed a hand on her shoulder. "Your father built this vineyard with his heart and soul. I trust you'll make the right decision, Amélie. But don't let fear drive you. You're not just fighting for your father's legacy—you're building your own."
His words offered comfort, but they also deepened her sense of responsibility. She couldn't let her emotions cloud her judgment, but she also couldn't bear the thought of selling out everything her family had worked for. The weight of the choice ahead felt heavier than ever.
Later that afternoon, as Amélie made her way back to the château, her phone buzzed. Another message from Jack.
"We need to talk. I have some new information that might change your mind."
Amélie's stomach churned. She wasn't sure if she could handle more pressure, but curiosity tugged at her. She reluctantly typed a response.
"Fine. Meet me at the château tomorrow."
She hit send and shoved the phone into her pocket, already dreading the conversation to come.