When Two Winters Met (Henrietta and Yosef) novel Chapter 143

After a moment of thought, Henrietta shook her head. “No.”

Yosef studied her through the screen, his expression calm but firm. “Henrietta, tell me the truth. You don’t need to protect anyone’s feelings.”

It seemed he already knew. “Alright,” she conceded. “I was telling the truth. They did speak with me, but I wouldn’t call it ‘giving me a hard time.’”

“Oh?” Yosef arched an eyebrow, a hint of a smile gracing his cool features. “Then what was it?”

“It was… concern and protectiveness for you,” Henrietta replied, a small smile of her own appearing. “They both seem to dote on their big brother.”

Yosef nodded. “What did they say to you?”

“Nothing much,” Henrietta said, keeping it vague. “They just hoped I would care for you, be considerate, and build a good life with you. They didn’t say anything nasty.”

“And that’s why you didn’t mention it to me?”

“Yes,” she confirmed. “Since it wasn’t bullying, there was no reason to tell you. It was just a brother and sister looking out for their older sibling. They’re good people.”

Yosef’s eyebrow rose slowly. He knew his siblings’ personalities perfectly well. They wouldn’t truly bully her, but he was sure they hadn’t been particularly polite, especially Leticia, who was thoroughly spoiled.

Not only had Henrietta refrained from complaining, but she had also understood their intentions and even defended them. It seemed choosing her as his wife was indeed the wisest decision he could have made.

“If anything like this happens again, please feel free to talk to me about it,” Yosef said.

Henrietta agreed readily. “Okay!”

The smile on Yosef’s face deepened. “Is work tiring you out?”

“It’s fine. I’d be bored if I weren’t working.”

Yosef nodded. That made sense. Since he wasn’t in the country, it was good for her to have something to keep her busy.

“Alright,” he said, his voice, though still cool, carried a softer edge. “But if you get tired, take a break. Delegate to your staff. There’s no rush.”

“Okay,” Henrietta smiled. His concern was a warmth that spread through her chest.

“By the way,” Yosef continued, seeming more talkative than usual, “Jethro mentioned he’s found someone he’s interested in. If things go well, they might get married soon.”

Henrietta’s eyes widened in surprise, then curved into a smile. “That’s wonderful news.”

“It is,” Yosef agreed. “It’s the right age for him. He shouldn’t be like me, delaying things for work.”

Henrietta thought to herself that he wasn't just a perfect husband, but also a caring older brother. He really was… a good man. Perfect, even.

Feeling cheerful, she replied, “It’s not too late. Finding the right person is what matters, and everyone’s timing is different.”

Henrietta’s eyes widened slightly. Was that… a complaint? Was he telling her to spend more? Was his sense of accomplishment tied to her spending habits? Was her billionaire husband gently chiding her?

It certainly looked that way.

“Well,” she began, “I’m not really into those things. I’m a quiet person with few friends—just Winona and Charlotte. Even when we go out, it doesn’t cost much. Besides…”

She didn’t finish the sentence, but Yosef understood. Besides, she had never lacked for anything, so those activities held little novelty for her.

“And the three of us are busy running our business together,” Henrietta added, wracking her brain for ways she could possibly spend his money.

An idea struck her.

“Wait! Does investing count? I could use your money to invest in my film projects. If they’re a hit, we make a profit. If they fail… it’s on you. How does that sound? Or other investments, venture capital could be interesting.”

Yosef chuckled at her solution. He’d asked her to spend money, and her first thought was to invest it. With her sharp eye and a bit of luck, not only would she not be spending, she’d be earning.

“Alright,” he said, nodding at her earnest expression. “Whatever you want.”

“Okay, I understand,” she replied.

Then an awkward silence fell between them.