When Two Winters Met (Henrietta and Yosef) novel Chapter 193

Yosef didn't comment on Cheryl's suggestion or continue the topic. Instead, he said, "Let's start the meeting," and strode toward the study.

Calvert and Cheryl followed. The study doors were identical to the master bedroom's—grand, double doors that spoke of luxury.

Just as the three of them were about to enter, Henrietta suddenly opened her door. For some reason, she felt an urgent need to explain to Yosef why she'd seemed so inexperienced.

But as she opened the door, she saw them stepping into the study. Before she could say a word, Cheryl, who had been walking perfectly fine, suddenly stumbled. She was wearing impossibly high, thin heels. As her ankle twisted, she lost her balance and cried out, falling sideways—directly into Yosef's arms.

Yosef instinctively caught her, his movements swift and steady, helping her regain her footing almost instantly.

Cheryl's face flushed, and she quickly lowered her head. "Thank you, Mr. Nash. I'm sorry, it's these shoes..."

Before she could finish, Yosef waved a hand, cutting her off, clearly unconcerned.

Henrietta stood frozen in her doorway, watching the scene unfold.

It was Calvert who noticed her first. "Good evening, Mrs. Nash," he said respectfully.

Henrietta snapped back to reality and gave a small nod.

Yosef turned, seemingly unaware of why she was there. "Is something wrong?" he asked.

Cheryl stood silently to the side.

Henrietta didn't answer right away, just stood there quietly. After a moment, Cheryl finally greeted her. "Mrs. Nash."

Henrietta nodded in acknowledgment. She'd seen everything, but she could tell that Yosef hadn't thought anything of it. He ran a massive multinational corporation, juggling countless critical decisions daily as its leader. How many trivial details could he possibly notice? He probably hadn't paid any mind to such a minor incident, especially not the little tricks women sometimes played. He likely believed Cheryl had genuinely stumbled.

Cheryl was his trusted subordinate, having been with him for a long time—at least eight years, if not ten. Although Yosef had just said he would let Cheryl go if she bothered her, Henrietta couldn't help but feel, watching the three of them, that they were a unit, a team of comrades-in-arms forged in the fires of the business world. How could she make a scene over a petty, personal feeling?

Henrietta looked at Yosef, her lips pressing into a thin line. "Yes. Just a moment," she said, before turning back into the bedroom.

Cheryl immediately started to complain. "The meeting is about to start. We're all waiting on you, and she keeps delaying—"

"Was the last lesson too light for you?" Yosef cut her off sharply.

Calvert ducked his head. "Yes, Mrs. Nash! It was!"

"Thank you," Henrietta said politely, stepping forward with the tie she was holding. She glanced at Cheryl. Though Cheryl's head was bowed, the red mark on her cheek was clearly visible. Had she been hit?

Henrietta showed no reaction, instead holding up the tie and looking at Yosef. "I think you should wear this after all."

"Alright," was all he said.

"Lower your head," Henrietta instructed, holding the tie. He was too tall.

Yosef smiled and bent down obediently. His compliance made her smile in return. She quickly tied the tie and straightened it. Then, for the first time, Henrietta stood on her toes and gave him a light kiss on the lips. "Don't be too late, and don't work too hard."

That simple act was enough to make Cheryl, whose face had been pale with fear, now flush red with fury. She must have been absolutely livid.

In response to Henrietta's initiative, Yosef's eyebrows rose slightly, a touch of softness entering his cool eyes. He gently ruffled her hair. "I know," he said tenderly. "You go get some sleep."