When Two Winters Met (Henrietta and Yosef) novel Chapter 216

Whether it was a deliberate attempt to appear helpful, a sudden urge to escape, or a calculated move to achieve both, Artina abruptly stood up. “I’ll go help in the kitchen.”

She walked over to Jethro, took his hand, and said sweetly, “Jethro, come with me. Let’s see if they need any help.”

Jethro looked startled. It took him a few seconds to respond, but his affection for her won out. “Alright.” He stood and let her lead him away.

Zelina’s expression immediately soured. “From a minor family, and it shows,” She muttered to Henrietta, her voice low. “She truly lacks refinement.”

“Mom, don’t be too quick to judge,” Henrietta said softly. “Some things aren’t always as they seem.”

Zelina nodded. “I know.”

Henrietta watched the two of them walk off, a faint, ironic smile playing on her lips. Artina thought she was being clever. She probably believed that offering to help in the kitchen would make her look good. But in a truly prominent family, a top-tier household, who would ever step into the kitchen to help? It was seen as lowering one’s own status.

That was why Jethro had been so taken aback when she asked him to join her.

Leticia, while also thinking Artina’s gesture seemed a bit unsophisticated, rationalized it. The Harmon family was, after all, of a lower standing. In a way, Artina’s actions made her seem more genuine. If anything, Leticia found Henrietta to be the one who was constantly putting on airs.

Of course, now that Henrietta had married Yosef, she was expected to maintain a certain dignity. Anything less would be a disgrace.

Leticia turned to Zelina. “Mom, Artina is wonderful. She’s so cute.”

Zelina looked at her, her expression not quite disapproving, but certainly not pleased. “Have you forgotten how she embarrassed Henrietta at the hotel?”

At this point, Zelina couldn't bring herself to like Artina, but she couldn't openly disapprove either, not when Jethro was so fond of her. She decided to wait and observe, and also to see what Yosef and Henrietta thought.

“Jethro told me about that,” Leticia said dismissively. “But Artina didn’t know Henrietta was married to Yosef, did she?”

From her response, Zelina knew Leticia didn’t understand the subtleties of the situation. She decided not to press the issue. “We’ll see how it goes.”

Leticia pouted, clearly unhappy. She really didn’t like Henrietta. The moment Henrietta arrived, Zelina had eyes only for her. Yes, she was the daughter and would eventually marry out, while Henrietta was now the matriarch of the Nash family. In fact, if they were to be formal, she was supposed to treat Henrietta with respect. But Henrietta was so aloof, she didn’t even try to win over her own sister-in-law. Leticia worried that once she was married, Henrietta might treat her poorly.

And then there was Henrietta’s long relationship history—four or five years, not just a few months! How could she have married her brother? And how could he be so protective of her? It all felt wrong.

After a while, they came to a large outdoor swimming pool. It was there that Leticia finally spoke.

“I quite like Artina.”

Henrietta’s brow furrowed slightly. So that was it. She had brought her all the way out here just to declare her allegiance.

“I think she’s very pure and cute,” Leticia continued. “She’s even younger than me. I’ve seen her shows; they’re really good!”

Pure and cute… Henrietta felt a wave of nausea. She kept her face impassive and remained silent. Artina’s shows were good, but did she not have Henrietta and the entire production team to thank for that? Of course, outsiders always focused on the glamorous actors on screen. While the actors were certainly crucial, the efforts of the entire team were just as important.

Seeing Henrietta’s continued silence and cold expression, Leticia pressed on. “At least Artina doesn’t have a relationship history, right?”

Henrietta’s jaw tightened.

“Not like you,” Leticia said, turning to face her. “You were in a relationship for four or five years and still managed to marry my brother. In that regard, Artina is much better, isn't she?”