When Two Winters Met (Henrietta and Yosef) novel Chapter 137

Her explosive reaction immediately triggered Matteo’s own anger. He had been so sure Henrietta would come around after that display of jealousy, but he’d been to her office every day for a week only to be thrown out each time. There was no sign of reconciliation, and his frustration was boiling over.

He slammed his own hand on the table. “What are you screaming about? I just asked you for some money! It’s not like I haven’t spent plenty on you. It’s only three million. Why are you making such a scene?”

“This isn’t about the three million!” Artina shot back. “It’s about you giving all your money to that old bitch!”

Matteo slapped her across the face. “Don’t you dare call her that!”

Artina stared at him, her eyes wide with disbelief. “You…”

“Have you already forgotten what happened last time?” he snarled. “It was because of your big mouth! I told you we’d done everything, but you had to be clever and add a baby to the story, and look what happened. You deserved it! You can’t control that tongue of yours! If you keep running your mouth, she’ll find another reason to punish you!”

His words silenced her. The memory of the humiliation—licking that shoe—was still raw.

She covered her stinging cheek, her voice thick with resentment. “You said you were going to drain the Sargent Group, but it looks like Henrietta drained you first! Are you sure you’re not the one being played? I have a bad feeling about this, Matteo. A girl raised by the Sargents isn't going to be some sweet, naive idiot. It’s been a month, and she hasn’t said a single kind word to you. I think she’s just messing with you!”

The reminder of his failed attempts at reconciliation sent another wave of fury through Matteo. He raised his hand again. “If you say one more thing, I swear I’ll hit you again! Henrietta will come back to me. It’s only a matter of time!”

If she didn’t, his plan to take over the Sargent Group would be ruined. And he’d be broke.

“But why were you crazy enough to give her all your money?” Artina cried. “Tens of millions! Does she look like she needs it? What is wrong with you?”

Before Matteo could answer, Pamela slammed her fork down on the table. “I’m the one who told him to give it to her!”

Artina’s eyes widened.

“How else is he supposed to prove his sincerity?” Pamela said haughtily. “You keep saying such negative things, but reconciliation isn’t that simple. She’s testing him. It’s only been a month. It could take a year! If Matteo keeps begging her and chasing after her for a whole year, she’ll eventually be moved. She’ll realize that he’s the only man who truly loves her.”

Before Matteo could speak, Jolie shrieked, “You don’t have money? Aren’t you a Harmon heiress? And you’ve made a decent amount yourself these last two years.”

Artina glared at Jolie, but Matteo cut her off. “You said you’d help me pay the three-hundred-million termination fee for my contract! And now you’re telling me you don’t have a few million? Were you lying to me before?”

“I wasn’t lying,” Artina insisted. “The Harmon family can afford three hundred million! It’s just…”

“Just what?” Matteo said impatiently. “Never mind. Just transfer the money. The management fee is due tomorrow. If it’s late, they might contact Henrietta. Do you want her to find out you’re living here?”

Artina took another deep breath. “It’s because of Jolie. She kept pestering me to buy her things for her ‘celebrity image.’ I don’t have three million in my personal account right now.”

All eyes turned to Jolie.

Jolie slammed her hands on the table and jumped to her feet. “So what if I spent some of your money?! I’ll pay you back when I’m famous! You’re making a big deal out of nothing! Do you have any idea that I’m about to pick my first script? Once my show is out and Henrietta promotes me, I’ll be swimming in endorsement deals. I won’t be short on your pathetic little bit of cash then!”