When Two Winters Met (Henrietta and Yosef) novel Chapter 215

She had a great first impression of Artina. After all, Artina was sweet, cute, and demure—her appearance was very deceiving.

Furthermore, when compared to Henrietta, Artina was a public figure, a rising actress whose roles cast her in a very favorable light. Henrietta, on the other hand, worked behind the scenes and was often quiet and reserved, which made her less immediately charming.

Most importantly, Artina had no known romantic history.

For all these reasons, Leticia favored her greatly. Even after the argument just now, Leticia found herself sympathizing with Artina. Being young and immersed in modern culture, she didn't see anything wrong with what Artina had said. In her view, it was Henrietta who lacked a sense of boundaries. The candy held a special meaning for Jethro and Artina, so why was Henrietta inserting herself into their story?

Though she hadn't spoken up to defend Artina earlier, she had been on her side. In short, she just didn't like Henrietta. Henrietta was too cold and unapproachable, and her years-long relationship with another man made her feel unworthy of her brother, Yosef.

While Henrietta hadn't tattled on her last time, Leticia’s opinion of her hadn't improved. In fact, after meeting Artina, her new prospective sister-in-law, she found Henrietta even more lacking.

So, seeing Zelina chatting so warmly with Henrietta, she decided to engage Artina in conversation herself.

Artina was relieved; sitting there watching Zelina dote on Henrietta was starting to sour her mood. She eagerly began sharing amusing anecdotes from her film sets.

By the time she and Leticia had nearly exhausted their topics, Zelina was still deep in conversation with Henrietta. Artina’s frustration grew. What could they possibly have so much to talk about? Besides, Zelina was only talking to Henrietta, completely ignoring her. It felt like a deliberate slight.

Artina’s gaze drifted to Henrietta, who at that moment reached up to tuck a strand of hair behind her ear. As she did, Artina’s eyes widened. On Henrietta’s wrist was a jade bracelet of exquisite quality. Its color and clarity were superb, instantly drawing the eye. Had Yosef given it to her?

“The jade bracelet on your wrist is beautiful, Henrietta,” Artina couldn't help but say.

Henrietta’s hand paused mid-air. She ignored Artina, calmly finished adjusting her hair, and lowered her arm without so much as a glance in her direction. Her aloofness was palpable.

Zelina glanced at Artina, but Leticia spoke first. “That’s our family heirloom. Only the matriarch of the family is worthy of wearing it.”

“The matriarch?” Artina’s eyebrows rose slowly.

“That’s right,” Leticia said with immense pride. “My brother, Yosef, became the head of the family when he was seventeen.”

Since Leticia was explaining, Zelina remained silent.

Artina was stunned. She looked at Henrietta, who was listening intently to Zelina, her lips pressed together.

Just then, Jethro returned.

“Why aren’t you with your father?” Zelina asked him.

Artina continued with a stream of flattery, playing the part of a sweet, naive girl. But Henrietta remained impassive. When she finally finished, Henrietta smoothed her sleeve back down and said coolly, “It has nothing to do with beauty. This is about family heritage.”

Artina froze, not immediately grasping the meaning behind her words. Zelina, however, beamed with approval, patting Henrietta’s hand. “I knew you were the most sensible one.”

Henrietta’s words carried the weight of an old saying: a son doesn't resent his mother’s plainness, just as a dog doesn’t despise its humble home. Artina seemed to finally get it, and though she inwardly scoffed at Henrietta’s pretentiousness, she forced a sweet smile. “I see. You certainly know a lot.” Her tone was respectful and eager, almost fawning.

Henrietta, with her cold expression, certainly wasn’t trying to win anyone over. Then, looking directly at Artina, she suddenly asked, “Have you gained some weight recently?” Her cool gaze drifted down to Artina’s abdomen.

Artina froze, a cold sweat breaking out on her skin. “No, no, of course not,” she stammered.

Henrietta’s lips curved into a slight, icy smile. “Good. Make sure you manage your figure.”

No one said a word. They all knew Henrietta was Artina’s boss; it was perfectly normal for her to comment on an actress’s physique.

Artina forced a tight smile and nodded. “Yes, I know.”

For some reason, her palms were sweating profusely.