When Two Winters Met (Henrietta and Yosef) novel Chapter 182

Artina finally felt a wave of relief. Someone had arrived who wasn't on Henrietta's side. Reassured by Jethro, her confidence began to return.

The couple approached the table, and Jethro spoke first. “Mom.”

Zelina nodded.

Then Jethro turned to Yosef and Henrietta, greeting them politely before introducing them to Artina. “This is my older brother and his wife.”

Those words sent a shockwave through the room. Every one of Henrietta’s employees who heard it stared in disbelief.

Older brother… and his wife???

Artina felt her knees go weak, nearly collapsing on the spot. His wife?? That old hag Henrietta was Yosef’s wife?

Her eyes practically bulged out of their sockets. It was like a bolt from the blue. She thought marrying Jethro made her invincible, but it turned out the man at the very top had married that old bitch!

Artina nearly fainted, grabbing Jethro’s sleeve to steady herself.

Also on the verge of fainting were Matteo and Jolie. In that single moment, all their dreams, hopes, and fantasies shattered like a soap bubble. She… was married? The ring on her finger… it wasn't from Joaquin. It was from Yosef? A real wedding ring? It wasn't just for show? She was married to the head of the world's top financial conglomerate!

It was Matteo who truly lost his footing. His face turned a terrifying shade of white as his legs gave out and he started to fall. Jolie and Leon quickly caught him, saving him from total humiliation, though no one was paying him any mind.

Yosef nodded curtly. “You’re finally here. Sit. And while you’re at it, explain what issue you have with Henrietta that would make your fiancée bully her like this. Do you know the whole story? If not, I can have someone repeat it for you.”

“I have the general idea,” Jethro said, appearing respectful and almost timid before his older brother. “Artina already told me what happened.”

Yosef’s expression remained frigid. “So?”

“I’m sorry, bro. I didn’t know Artina’s boss was your wife,” Jethro said.

Yosef’s face didn't soften. “And? Give me your solution. No more excuses.”

Jethro began, “We’re all family…”

“Not an option,” Yosef cut him off before he could finish.

Jethro froze.

Henrietta was about to speak, but Artina beat her to it. She tugged on Jethro’s sleeve, her eyes still red and her voice thick with tears, yet managing a coquettish tone. “Jethro, forget it. Don’t ruin things with your brother because of me.”

Jethro’s heart softened. He patted her hand gently. “It’s okay. He’s my brother, not a stranger.”

“Even if she didn't know about Henrietta and me,” Yosef interrupted, “Henrietta is her boss. She only dared to act this way because she thought she had you behind her. I’ve never heard of an employee who tries to force their boss to drink after a toast is refused. Have you?”

Jethro’s brow furrowed.

Yosef pressed on. “Since she wants to compare who has better backing, shall we?”

He shot a look at Artina. Her face was as white as a sheet, tears streaming down her cheeks. After a moment, Yosef looked away.

“Bro, I know I can’t compete with you,” Jethro said. “But can’t you, for my sake…”

“No.” Yosef’s stance was absolute, completely immune to any appeal for leniency.

Artina immediately burst into tears. “It’s okay, Jethro, it’s okay! I know you care about me. It’s all my fault. I’ll apologize, I’ll drink. It’s fine.”

With that, she made a move to kneel.

Jethro’s face darkened as he caught her, stopping her from kneeling. “Apologize if you must, but why are you kneeling?”

As he pulled her up, Artina glanced cautiously at Yosef.