When Two Winters Met (Henrietta and Yosef) novel Chapter 225

Artina believed her outburst made her look brave, like she was standing up to a tyrant. Men like Yosef, she reasoned, must admire a woman who wouldn't bow to power. Plus, she was defending Jethro. It was a perfect two-for-one maneuver, designed to win over both brothers.

"Don't say any more," Jethro muttered.

Yosef looked at her, his voice dangerously quiet. "Are you telling me how to run my family?"

Just as Artina was about to speak again, someone grabbed her arm and spun her around. Before she could register who it was, a sharp ‘slap’ echoed through the room. She froze, a searing, fiery pain exploding across her cheek. Her ear rang from the force of the blow. Stunned, she finally focused on the person who had hit her.

It was Calvert. His face was like stone. "Who gave you the audacity to address Mr. Nash by his first name?"

Artina stared, her mind reeling. She couldn't even say his name?

Calvert raised his hand again, but Jethro lunged forward, catching his wrist. "Calvert, that's enough!"

"Mr. Jethro, you know Mr. Nash's rules," Calvert said, his voice flat and unyielding. "My apologies, but my orders come from him."

Before Jethro could react, Calvert swung his other hand, striking Artina's other cheek with another vicious slap.

Artina thought Jethro had saved her, but she hadn't counted on Calvert having a second hand. He showed no signs of stopping; Yosef hadn't given the order.

Jethro knew the protocol. He quickly pulled a trembling Artina behind him, shielding her with his own body.

Calvert's hand stopped inches from his face. "Mr. Jethro…"

Jethro looked past him, directly at Yosef. "Bro, is this enough?"

Artina was now shaking uncontrollably, paralyzed by a primal fear.

Yosef finally looked up, his expression unreadable. "Weren't you leaving?"

Without another word, Jethro took Artina's arm and walked out, never looking back.

Yosef's gaze returned to the table, his composure perfectly intact. Ryland, too, seemed completely unfazed. He simply raised his glass to Yosef. "Let's have another drink."

"Henrietta, let's eat," Zelina said, her voice calm.

Only Leticia showed any emotion. Tears streamed down her face as she looked at Yosef, her lips trembling. Finally, she mustered the courage to speak. "Bro…" Her voice broke, choked with sobs. "Do you… do you not love Jethro and me anymore?"

The question struck a chord, and Henrietta felt an unexpected sting in her own eyes.

Yosef turned to Leticia, his voice steady. "Then can you two try loving my wife a little?"

Leticia stared at him for a moment, then burst into fresh tears and ran from the room.

Zelina didn't move to follow her. Instead, she turned to Henrietta. "Let's finish our dinner, Henrietta. You've barely eaten."

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