When Two Winters Met (Henrietta and Yosef) novel Chapter 187

As she stood there, stunned, the elegant and powerful man strode toward her. Before Matteo’s terrified eyes, he gently swept Henrietta up into his arms, his gaze fixed on her face. “You’ve been standing for a long time. I was afraid you were getting tired.”

She was wearing high heels with her gown, but Henrietta was still speechless. She never imagined he could be so considerate.

But she quickly understood. That was one reason. The other was a clear message: he was backing her up. To do this in front of her ex-boyfriend was the most powerful, decisive way to show his support, more effective than any words could ever be. Especially since he truly was on a different plane of existence than them. In terms of wealth, power, and family background, there was no comparison. As Cheryl had said, he was the one who was truly noble. Yet, he was humbling himself for her in the midst of this messy drama with her ex.

If she hadn't married Yosef, their paths likely would have never crossed. In that scenario, she knew that neither she nor Matteo would have even registered on his radar.

A thousand emotions swirled within Henrietta. She had never thought she would use the word “noble” to describe another person, but at this moment, she felt he was truly worthy of it.

Henrietta looked at Yosef’s handsome profile and slowly wrapped her arms around his neck. In the cool night air, her heart began to beat just a little bit faster.

From beginning to end, Yosef never once spared Matteo a glance. It was complete, utter dismissal. He placed Henrietta gently in the car seat and then got in beside her.

Calvert closed the door with a soft thud, which seemed to jolt Matteo out of his shock. He watched as the luxurious convoy of cars pulled away, feeling like a frog on the ground staring up at a vast, beautiful night sky that he could never hope to reach. Had he just thrown away the best hand he was ever dealt?

...

Inside the car, the warm air was a welcome comfort. Henrietta felt an odd mix of emotions and had the urge to press her lips together. Before she could figure out what to say, Yosef took her hand. “Did you hurt it when you hit him?”

He had seen that?

Henrietta’s palm was indeed red. “A little,” she admitted, then quickly added, “It’s fine.”

Yosef didn’t say anything, just gently rubbed his thumb over her palm. Then he noticed the red marks on her wrist where she’d been grabbed.

“So delicate,” he murmured, his voice low and steady as his fingers traced the red lines. Henrietta felt a tingle run up her arm and quickly tried to compose herself.

“The family heirloom,” Yosef said, his eyes on the beautiful jade bracelet Zelina had given her.

“Yes. Your mother… gave it to me,” Henrietta replied.

Yosef held her wrist, studying it for a moment. “You have beautiful hands,” he said after a while. And it was true. Her fair, delicate skin was the perfect canvas for the exquisite bracelet. The red marks, rather than detracting from the beauty, somehow enhanced it.

Embarrassed by the compliment, Henrietta said, “Your… your hands are nice too.”

It wasn’t a lie. Yosef’s hands were striking—strong, elegant, and long-fingered, with veins that hinted at masculine power.

Yosef’s mood soured further. “What? You’re in a relationship for a few days and suddenly you’ve lost your mind?”

Jethro knew from his tone that Yosef was furious and wisely fell silent.

Yosef continued, “Henrietta’s hand is injured right now. Who should I call to ask for mercy on her behalf? And she’s sitting right here, listening. After she showed you so much respect, you’re going to disappoint her over a few worthless people?”

“I’m sorry, bro. I understand,” Jethro said immediately.

Yosef, still angry, ended the call.

Henrietta asked curiously, “Are you really going to make them drink?”

He looked at her. “Feeling soft-hearted?”

Henrietta shook her head. “Not really.”

“Good,” Yosef said. “When you do something wrong, you face the consequences. Sometimes, when the law can’t deliver justice, power and money are useful tools.”