When Two Winters Met (Henrietta and Yosef) novel Chapter 213

A warmth spread through Jethro’s chest. He assumed Yosef must have told Henrietta the story. Regardless of the reason, it was a kind gesture.

But before Jethro could speak, Artina’s sharp voice cut through the air. “Henrietta, what is the meaning of this?”

Henrietta, who had been looking at the candy jar, turned to Artina, perplexed by her tone.

Yosef’s handsome face, which had been calm just a moment ago, instantly darkened.

Jethro also turned to look at Artina, her outburst having surprised everyone.

“Jethro is my fiancé,” Artina declared, staring at Henrietta.

Henrietta’s eyes widened slightly in disbelief, quickly replaced by sheer exasperation.

But Artina pressed on, her voice filled with self-righteousness. “The story about the candy is a special, beautiful connection between him and me. It’s something only I should give him. For you, his sister-in-law, to give him candy… isn’t that inappropriate? What if people get the wrong idea? Do you have no sense of propriety? Moreover, you didn’t bring a gift for anyone else, only for Jethro. What am I supposed to think? What are others supposed to think? Anyone who didn’t know better might assume you have feelings for Jethro…”

“Absurd!” Yosef’s voice, though not loud, cracked with thunderous rage before Artina could finish her sentence. The sheer force of it made her flinch.

Yosef’s gaze was so sharp it seemed to pierce right through her. “Henrietta bought that gift for my brother because of me. The recipient hasn’t even said a word. How is it that in your mouth, a simple act of kindness becomes a breach of propriety?”

Artina looked terrified. Tears welled up in her eyes, and her face crumpled into a mask of grievance and fear. “I… I didn’t mean…”

“Don’t you dare deny it,” Yosef cut her off, his eyes still locked on her. “You made yourself perfectly clear. By your logic, is my wife forbidden from showing kindness to any man in my family? Would any such act be considered improper? You’re young, but your mind is remarkably unclean. If Henrietta had brought a gift for my father today, would you have slandered her for having designs on him as well?”

The accusation sent fresh tears streaming down Artina’s face. She shook her head frantically. “No, that’s not it…”

“Still denying it?” Yosef interrupted again. “I recall mentioning at the banquet last night that I despise stubborn people. Calvert.”

Calvert stepped forward instantly, ready to deliver a few sharp slaps. This woman was young and sweet-looking, but her mind was venomous. Henrietta was showing concern for her husband’s brother, and she had the audacity to accuse Henrietta of having feelings for him? All while putting on a jealous act? It was like a soap opera playing out in real life, and she was performing it right in front of Yosef. The woman was insane!

Just as Calvert was about to strike, Jethro snapped to his senses and shot up from his seat. “Bro, it’s not what you think.”

Yosef sneered. “Are you deaf? Did you not hear what she said?”

Henrietta watched them, a sense of weary disbelief settling over her.

Artina said nothing more, clearly still intimidated. Jethro then turned to Henrietta. “Thank you for the gift. I really like it. But… I don’t need it anymore.”

He offered an apologetic smile.

Henrietta slowly raised her eyes, genuinely astonished. It was clear Artina’s words had affected him. Though he’d claimed she didn't mean it, by refusing the candy, he was effectively… creating distance to avoid suspicion.

Henrietta was utterly speechless, unsure whether to blame herself for meddling or for truly lacking tact.

Yosef, however, was still seething. His face was a mask of ice. Before Jethro could say anything about returning the gift, he spoke. “So you’re going along with this absurdity! Henrietta is the matriarch of this household; it is her duty to be good to my younger siblings. And you’re treating it like a mistake? Does this mean if Leticia gets married and Henrietta is kind to her husband, that’s also inappropriate?

Have you lost your mind, Jethro? Or do you think I’m dead? I’m right here. What suspicion could she possibly need to avoid with you? You think far too highly of yourself.

Fine. You don’t need it? I insist you take it. Starting tomorrow, I will have Henrietta send you a jar of candy every single day until your bedroom is full. You will accept it, whether you want to or not.”