When Two Winters Met (Henrietta and Yosef) novel Chapter 17

She was turning twenty-five today; Yosef was thirty-one. Ten years ago, she had been fifteen and he twenty-one. Their meeting had been so brief she’d only caught a glimpse of his profile. So, she truly didn't recognize him.

But looking at him now… the possibility that it was him was extremely high.

At thirty-one, the man exuded an undeniable charisma. Standing at an imposing six-foot-three, his presence was commanding. His broad shoulders, long legs, and narrow waist were perfectly accentuated by a bespoke black suit, creating a powerful and magnetic aura.

That fleeting glance a moment ago had given her a clear look at his face—a face that radiated authority. Strong brows, deep-set eyes, a high-bridged nose, and thin lips sat above a jawline that looked as if it were carved from stone. A pair of gold-rimmed glasses perched on his nose added a touch of sharp intellect to his already formidable appearance. He was more mature than the profile she remembered from a decade ago, his aura more coolly majestic and far more powerful, like a monarch surveying his kingdom.

Now, their two groups were walking side by side toward the hotel entrance, each surrounded by their own people, though it was clear the Nash family’s entourage was larger and more intimidating. Although they were walking almost in parallel, they moved as two separate entities, each with a commanding presence that dominated the space.

Henrietta and the man didn’t greet each other; they didn't even exchange another glance, which created a subtle, tense atmosphere. Henrietta rationalized that she didn't truly “know” Yosef, even if this man was likely him. And given her reserved nature, after so many years and such a fleeting prior encounter, she had no idea how to start a conversation. So, she decided it was best to simply let it be.

As they entered the expansive hotel lobby, Henrietta spotted a few familiar faces: Matteo's parents, his sister Jolie Coleman, her husband, and their five-year-old son.

Henrietta paused briefly. "I'm not sure."

She started to walk away, but Jolie grabbed her arm. "What's that supposed to mean? You're getting engaged to my brother, and you say you're not sure where he is?"

Jolie's brow furrowed in displeasure. Henrietta was so beautiful it made other women intensely jealous, and today, she was even more stunning. Adorned with jewels, she radiated a natural and innate nobility. Her white gown perfectly hugged her figure, accentuating her full bust, slender waist, graceful neck, and delicate collarbones. Two large circular cutouts at her waist revealed tantalizing curves. Her skin was so luminous it seemed to outshine the white fabric of her dress. With her hair down and a single sparkling hairpiece tucked behind her ear, her ethereal beauty was even more striking. Her eyes were captivating, her red lips alluring, and her cool expression gave her an air of untouchable elegance. The diamond necklace she wore looked priceless, and the glittering diamond bracelet on her wrist was equally exquisite.