Thomas moved away and waited. Emma strode over with a look of realization on her face, knowing full well that something was going down and it wasn't going to be good.- What is going on, Thomas?- I need to talk to you about my uncle.- Right. What is it about?- Let's sit on the porch.

Emma was intrigued, and Thomas was not looking well.

-Did he ever talk to you about his family? Did you ever meet anyone?-No. He never talked about his family. From the very beginning, an old lady came to visit him.

-They locked themselves in the office, and I have no idea what they talked about or who the lady was. She left that same day.

-Tell me what it was like.Emma looks at him, her face a picture of surprise and astonishment.-You must be joking. She was an old lady. Thomas, I'm sorry, but you're scaring me. Stop it. What is going on?-You're right. I apologise, Emma. I look like a madman. Tell me, she must have been announced. I'm sure the name was mentioned.-Thomas, I've been here for 15 years. I know this place. Let me draw on my memories.-Think about it. If you remember, you'll let me know.-Absolutely!Thomas went back to his office to get to the bottom of the situation.He picked up the letters once more. He set aside the letters he had already read. He began again with the remaining letters in the envelope.

'Dear Thomas,You are not welcome back here. Antonio has heard and he's furious. Don't do that again. We're the ones who have to put up with his bad mood. This is a small place and everyone knows Antonio hates you. That's why he always knows you've come here. I don't want any fuss or bad manners, especially not for Francisco. He's a happy and sweet boy, and we're not going to spoil that.You'll find yourself a wife and get married. You're a loving, handsome and rich man, so it'll be easy.Live your life and forget about us.I am eternally grateful.Emilia3 March 1949'

'Dear brother,I'm very ill and I won't last much longer. I can see today that what happened to us wasn't so bad. Loving the same woman is nothing to be ashamed of. Emilia is a great woman, an excellent partner and, above all, a fantastic mum!Francisco is the son everyone would like to have, and I won't be around much longer. I forgive you. I leave it up to you and Emilia to decide what life should be like after me.I expect you to respect one thing: Francisco is my son and that's how it's going to stay. I expect you to respect my wishes.Goodbye, brother.Antonio18 September 1960'His grandfather died a few years before Thomas was born. Thomas was relieved that his grandfather had forgiven his brother. He was certain that his grandmother stayed on the mainland and lived with him and his parents until she passed away.He picked up the next one, the second to last.Dear Thomas,I am grateful that you came to your brother's funeral. He wanted you to be there, and I am glad you were. I appreciate everything you've said to me, but as I said at the time and I'll say again, my life is here. This is where the love of my life died, and this is where I want to die. I am your friend and brother-in-law, but nothing more. Antonio spoke to you, but I had no intention of getting back together with you, regardless of whether he accepted it or not. It's been many years and my feelings have changed.Your life is going well. He has a successful business. You have people around you who like you. Appreciate it. You really do disappear in an instant. Francisco will come for a holiday one of these days.Take care.Emilia.26 February 1961'

That evening at dinner, the lawyer was present and spoke to Thomas about what he intended to do with his uncle's inheritance. Thomas told him that they could meet at his uncle's office at 10am the next day.Thomas went to bed early. He was exhausted and really needed to rest.At 10am he was already meeting with the lawyer. They spent more than two hours talking and finalising all the necessary documents for what was to happen next.He had lunch and went with Martins for a walk around the estate, to see the vineyards, meet the workers and talk to him about his plans for the future. Martins hugged his friend and said- Count me in.In the afternoon, Thomas met with Emma and made her an offer.Emma, when I heard about this inheritance, I was shaken. I thought I'd get rid of everything because I thought I'd never fit in here. I don't think like that anymore. I absolutely believe that I belong here. However, as I'm sure you're aware, I have no expertise in business. So, here's my proposal.I am offering you a partnership. We will each own 70 per cent of the company, with the remaining 30 per cent divided among the workers. What do you think? I want to know your opinion.Emma was perplexed. She stood up and hugged him.- Oh Thomas, that's absolutely marvellous and so generous of you!- This is the fairest solution.- Absolutely. Everyone is going to be happy!Martins, you're going to help us with the website and the company image.- That's marvellous! I'm delighted! Jaime, thank you for your generosity.- No need for further thanks. We're meeting the workers tomorrow and we'll tell them the news.

That evening, they held a special dinner to celebrate the good news. The farm's finest wine was the perfect accompaniment.

Thomas woke up late the next day. He'd finally had a restful night and felt fantastic.He got ready and went straight to the kitchen because he was starving.Emma arrived and asked him directly whether he wanted her to get all the workers together in the morning or in the afternoon. "In the morning, in the cooler," she replied firmly.Emma took care of everything. She went straight to the winery, which was to be the centre of the meeting. Everyone was already there, as expected.Thomas climbed onto a barrel and demanded the floor. He thanked everyone for their excellent work over the years and for supporting his uncle. He also thanked them for keeping everything organised, even after his death, and made a point of thanking Emma.He then proceeded to outline the future direction of the business. He then explained the partnership between him and Emma, which was met with enthusiastic applause and cheers, before moving on to discuss the workers' share.The silence was broken only by Emma and Martin's clapping.Thomas was embarrassed but knew he had to say something.

In a spontaneous display of admiration, some workers hoisted Thomas up onto their shoulders and showered him with a round of applause.They were shocked by the news. They had never met anyone so generous.Everyone was delighted, and to mark the occasion, Thomas requested that Emma organise a party to symbolise a new beginning.

The party went on all weekend, with people even coming from other farms.

Thomas and Martins returned to the mainland after the weekend. They had to tackle some practical issues head-on.Thomas and Martins called a few friends and went out to dinner. They told them about their new projects. Thomas immediately made the quinta available for the friends to holiday on.Thomas returned to Madeira after taking care of everything on the mainland. When he arrived at the airport, Emma was there waiting for him.Thomas embraced her.-Tell me everything that happened in Porto. And how was the journey?-You'll get the full lowdown when I've had a chance to rest.Then Emma tells him:- I remembered.Thomas was surprised.- Of what?The old lady who came to see your uncle is called: Emilia.Thomas smiled and replied, -That was my grandmother."-She was? That's lovely.-Let's go.And off they went to the farm. Thomas arrived, feeling a strong sense of pride, although he wasn't sure why. He knew, however, that he was about to become part of something much bigger than himself, and that this was going to strengthen the generations that had existed and ended with him, right up to this moment.

Everyone welcomed him, and Thomas knew immediately that this was home. His home and of the future family, wife and children. He smiled confidently at the thought.

Despite all this positive energy and sense of well-being, Thomas needed to know if his father had found out the truth before he died. He was still uneasy and curious about it all.So, he went back to the office and read that last letter. He'd rested for a while and talked things over with Emma.