When Two Winters Met (Henrietta and Yosef) novel Chapter 116

How would he ever take control of the Sargent Group, climb the social ladder, and become a man of power?

Henrietta glanced at her ring, then back at him. Her voice was as hard as steel. "Does it have anything to do with you?"

Her question ignited Matteo's fury. He couldn't contain it any longer. He wasn't sure what enraged him more—the thought of another man pursuing Henrietta or the fact that his grand plan was falling apart. Perhaps it was because his humility was just an act, making him easily provoked and revealing his true nature.

"So, you called me here just to interrogate me? To flaunt your new relationship and tell me you're done with me?" Matteo stared at her, his voice rising. "Did you want me to apologize for the lies, or was there something else?"

Henrietta didn't bother correcting his assumption that the ring was from Joaquin. It didn't matter.

"Of course you should apologize," she said coolly. "You slandered my reputation. Don't you think you owe me an apology? And Artina should be here as well, apologizing properly for her part in it."

Matteo was seething. The thought of losing Henrietta for good sent him into a rage. "We were together for years, and you never even let me touch you! You hid your real identity from me! Henrietta, did you ever truly love me?"

She frowned, surprised by his sudden outburst.

When she didn't respond, he grew more agitated. "You broke up with me over a missed 'happy birthday,' humiliated me in front of everyone, and canceled our engagement party! I thought you'd cool down after your tantrum, so I didn't hold it against you. I pampered you, praised you, and groveled at your feet! And this is how you repay me?"

He worked himself into a state of victimhood, tears welling in his eyes as he pointed at her. "How long has this Mr. Leland been pursuing you, and you've already accepted his ring? Where does that leave me?"

The more he spoke, the more he seemed to convince himself, his voice breaking. "I lied, and I'd do it again! We were together for five years, and we never even kissed properly! I'm a man, Henrietta!"

As he ranted and cried, Henrietta simply watched him, her expression a mixture of detached calm and cold amusement, as if she were watching a play.

"Five years!" he complained. "I'm not a monk! I dreamed of being with you! When other guys asked about us, what was I supposed to say? That I'd never even touched my own girlfriend?"

Watching his pathetic display, Henrietta finally spoke. "Are you finished?"

Her unshakable composure stunned Matteo into silence. He'd forgotten how she was—always so cool and distant that you couldn't even start a proper fight with her.

Coming back to his senses, Matteo realized he'd lost his temper and was instantly filled with regret. It wasn't just his outburst that worried him; it was Henrietta's unwavering attitude.

But he grasped at empty air. Henrietta pulled her hand back, holding up the card. "This is what you owe me. You earned every cent of this money because of me. This is just returning it to its rightful owner."

Matteo frowned but quickly recovered. "Henrietta, whatever you say. Only I would indulge you and worship you like this. Do you really think some rich heir would ever treat you this way?"

"Let alone kneel for you," Matteo's tone darkened. "That Mr. Leland looks like he has a violent temper. He'll probably end up being an abuser. Henrietta, please don't fall for his act just to get back at me!"

Henrietta dropped the card into her desk drawer. "This money is mine. As for getting back together? That's never going to happen."

Matteo froze, then exploded. He shot to his feet. "What? What do you mean? I gave you all my money! And you still won't take me back? What more do you want from me? My life?"

Hearing this, Henrietta let out a cold laugh and turned to face him. "Sure. Are you offering?"

Matteo was dizzy with rage. "Don't push it! Just tell me what you want! What do I have to do to make you happy, to get you to come back to me and stop seeing other men?"