When Two Winters Met (Henrietta and Yosef) novel Chapter 117

Henrietta stood up, enunciating each word with chilling clarity. "I've already told you. Are you deaf, or just stupid? We broke up, and there is no possibility of getting back together. So, get that idea out of your head. As for why the company is still promoting you, don't flatter yourself. It's purely for business. Now, you are going to take responsibility for your lies and apologize to me properly."

Matteo felt like he was about to choke on his own anger. He had given her all his money, and she was still treating him like this? Still demanding an apology?

But he had already tried arguing, and she hadn't budged an inch.

Left with no other choice, Matteo softened his tone again. "Henrietta, I've already said you can yell at me, get angry, do whatever you want. Just don't say such hurtful things out of spite... I really do love you. I can't live without you."

Henrietta stared at him coldly. "I said, apologize!"

"You!" Matteo was at his wit's end. "Henrietta, don't go too far. I've treated you well over the years. If you insist on being this stubborn, don't come crying to me when you get hurt by some other man!"

With that, he turned to leave.

"Stop," Henrietta commanded. "Apologize."

Matteo was furious. "So what if I lied? It helped you test that guy, didn't it? That Leland fellow acts like he's so into you, but what? Is he offended? I've already told you, no other man would put up with—"

"Apologize," Henrietta cut him off, her voice like ice.

Matteo was burning with frustration. He had already debased himself, swallowing his pride and begging her to take him back. But there was a limit to his patience. He didn't want to apologize.

"Henrietta, you're pushing me too far. I'm a man, for God's sake! I gave you all my money, and you're still going to torment me like this?"

She scoffed. "One thing at a time. You won't apologize? Fine. From a business perspective, it's most profitable to keep promoting you, but if..."

She didn't need to finish. Matteo understood her threat instantly and his resolve crumbled. He cut her off. "Fine, fine! I'll apologize, alright? You... ah, forget it. I'll do it."

He bowed his head. "I'm sorry, baby. I was wrong. I'll never spread lies and rumors again. Please forgive me."

Only then did Henrietta seem satisfied. "Tomorrow," she said, "you will bring Ms. Harmon here with you. She will kneel and apologize to me as well. Otherwise, I have no problem recasting her role. It's just a matter of spending a little more money, and as you know, money is the one thing I'm not short on."

Still kneeling, Matteo stared up at her, utterly stunned. She was still the same coolly beautiful woman, but now she possessed a wild, untamed arrogance he had never seen before. A strange mix of emotions churned within him. He found himself... liking this new version of her. He really, really liked it. He had never known this side of her existed. She was going to drive him insane!

But at this point, his pride was already in tatters. What was one more humiliation? Bringing Artina into it didn't seem like such a big deal anymore.

He nodded briskly and got to his feet. "Fine. But Henrietta, Ms. Harmon was only trying to help me. Don't get the wrong idea. You're not angry just because she helped me, are you? Henrietta, there's nothing between us. I'm not interested in her at all! She's the one who's been chasing me ever since we broke up. I haven't given her the time of day."

Henrietta looked at him with disdain. "I have no interest in your affairs. Now get out."

Matteo frowned and opened his mouth to say more, but Henrietta turned away in disgust. "Get out!"

He clenched his fists but knew it was pointless. A fresh wave of anger surged through him as he turned and stormed out. He was still a man, and the constant blows to his ego were taking their toll. It was impossible not to feel rage.