When Two Winters Met (Henrietta and Yosef) novel Chapter 169

Henrietta wasn’t swayed by their tactics. “Yes, I am looking down on you. What are you going to do about it? If you don’t like it, you can leave.”

Her words were arrogant and biting. Henrietta wasn’t normally a cruel person, but her disgust for Artina had reached its peak, and her tongue had become venomous. She couldn’t even be bothered to pretend anymore. Besides, with her status, she didn’t need to pretend or play nice with Artina. That was the confidence her family background afforded her.

To her surprise, her bluntness made the short-haired girl burst into tears.

The other friends immediately pounced. “That was too far! You made her cry! We each drank a huge glass, and all you had to do was touch your lips to yours as a gesture. How can you be so heartless?”

These girls, all around Artina’s age, were already playing the victim.

Artina rushed to play peacemaker. “It’s okay, it’s okay. Ms. Sargent is just like that—a bit cold and distant, but she’s a good person. If she doesn’t want to drink, let’s not force her.”

But her friends were relentless. “She didn’t have to actually drink! Even if she is your boss and a Sargent, that’s no way to treat people. It’s outrageous!”

Winona and Charlotte remained silent, watching the drama unfold. Henrietta, too, said nothing, letting them perform.

“Don’t say that,” Artina said, then looked at Henrietta with a troubled expression. “Ms. Sargent, I’m so sorry. These are my best friends from high school. Please don’t take them seriously. I’ll toast you instead, and Ms. Tatum as well.”

Artina turned to Charlotte. “Ms. Tatum, what happened on set the other day was my fault. I promise to work on my skills.”

She stood up, poured a full glass for Charlotte, and slid it over with a smile. “I’ll drink first as a sign of respect. You two can drink as much or as little as you like.”

She raised her glass and drained it in one go, a picture of sincerity. Anyone watching would have praised her for her grace and tact. She had humbled herself and given Henrietta and Charlotte more than enough respect. If they still refused to drink, they would be the ones seen as unreasonable. After all, it was Artina’s party, and she was going out of her way to honor Henrietta.

Artina finished her drink and looked expectantly at Henrietta and Charlotte, but neither of them moved.

“Ms. Sargent?” Artina raised an eyebrow, feigning confusion. Why wouldn’t Henrietta even lift the glass to pretend?

Truthfully, Henrietta couldn’t bear the thought of drinking with Artina, not while she was carrying Matteo’s child. It was utterly revolting. She could attend the party and watch the show, but she would not accept a toast from her. It had nothing to do with any lingering feelings for Matteo; it was pure, unadulterated rage.

"Artina better not push me too far tonight,” she thought. “Or I won’t hesitate to play that video on the big screen the moment her fiancé arrives.”

“Alright, alright, that’s enough,” Artina said, cutting them off. She then turned her attention from Henrietta to Charlotte. “Ms. Tatum? Ms. Sargent won’t drink, but what about you?”

Her implication was clear: Henrietta was a Sargent heiress and could get away with it. Charlotte was a different story.

But Charlotte had no intention of drinking either. The three of them were a unit. If she accepted Artina’s toast, it would be a betrayal of Henrietta.

“I accept your apology,” Charlotte said coolly. “But I won’t drink. I’m allergic to alcohol. I can’t even touch it.”

Her tone was just as haughty as Henrietta’s.

Artina’s face contorted. Henrietta had the capital to be arrogant, but what right did Charlotte have? Was she relying on Henrietta’s protection?

Her voice now laced with undisguised displeasure, Artina said, “Fine. Even if you can’t touch it, you can at least pick up the glass as a gesture, can’t you? We both know who was at fault on the set that day. I’m the one apologizing first, yet you won’t even lift your glass. That’s going a bit too far, don’t you think?”