When Two Winters Met (Henrietta and Yosef) novel Chapter 207

Joaquin’s expression tightened for a moment, but he quickly recovered. “That doesn’t affect our relationship. I’ve told you before—it doesn’t matter if you’re single, married, or divorced. It won’t stop me from pursuing you. My intentions are honorable.”

Henrietta had no patience for this. She stood up. “Well, make yourself at home.”

With that, she walked out of her office.

Winona, still at her desk, watched her go before turning to Joaquin. “Do you really like Henrietta that much?”

He tilted his head. “Isn’t it obvious?”

Winona was silent for a beat, then said, “Oh.” She stood up and started to walk away, apparently content to leave him alone in the office.

“Stop,” Joaquin called out just as she reached the door.

Winona paused and turned. He approached her, studying her face for a moment before asking, “You don’t have a thing for me, do you?”

Winona blinked. “You’re overthinking it.”

Joaquin slowly raised an eyebrow, pulling out a cigarette and lighting it. He took a drag and exhaled. “It wouldn’t matter if you did. I’m interested in Henrietta, not you.”

Winona’s brow furrowed slightly. “Alright, I understand,” she said, then walked around him and left.

Joaquin was left speechless. What the hell was that supposed to mean?

...

Meanwhile, Winona joined Henrietta in the break room. Just as they sat down, Henrietta’s phone buzzed with a voice message from Yosef.

“Henrietta, I’m on my way to pick you up. I’ll be there in about half an hour.”

“Okay,” she replied.

It wasn't even the end of the workday yet; he was early.

They headed back to the office. “Yosef will be here in thirty minutes,” Henrietta announced, her voice flat.

Joaquin just shrugged, looking completely unfazed. Henrietta decided to ignore him.

Thirty minutes later, Yosef walked into the president’s office and immediately saw Joaquin. His brow furrowed, and his expression turned icy. He spared Joaquin only a single glance before walking over to Henrietta. “When did you get a dog?”

Hearing the insult, Henrietta couldn't help but smile. Joaquin’s face darkened.

“I didn’t,” Henrietta replied, standing up and looking at Yosef. “It just wandered in, and I can’t seem to get it to leave.”

Yosef stood beside her and fixed his gaze on Joaquin.

“Mr. Nash, long time no see,” Joaquin said, forcing a polite tone as he stood.

With his hands in his pockets, Yosef’s voice was like ice. “Not long enough.”

He turned back to Joaquin. “Are things that bad for you? Is that pathetic little bouquet all you can afford? Is business at Leland Group really that poor?”

His words were sharp and laced with poison.

Joaquin remained silent.

“I suppose that explains why you thought a single bouquet was an acceptable gift,” Yosef continued. “If you’re that broke, you should probably stay home and avoid embarrassing yourself.”

“I could never compare to you,” Joaquin finally managed to say.

“Oh, so you’re aware,” Yosef replied coolly.

The final jab left Joaquin speechless, his face a mixture of fury and humiliation.

Henrietta had to suppress a laugh. Joaquin, however, quickly regained his composure. He had known confronting Yosef would be a losing battle, so he was prepared for the humiliation.

“Let’s go,” Yosef said to Henrietta. “Before the sight of him ruins our evening.”

This time, Henrietta couldn’t hold back her laughter. “Okay,” she said with a smile.

She stole another glance at Yosef. She had never realized just how venomous his words could be. He could dismantle a person without lifting a finger. But coming from him, it didn’t seem arrogant or cruel; it seemed perfectly natural. He was a man who commanded respect, who feared no one. His sharp tongue didn’t detract from his charm; if anything, it made him even more captivating.

They walked out hand in hand, leaving Joaquin to stand alone in the wreckage of his pride.