When Two Winters Met (Henrietta and Yosef) novel Chapter 232

"Uh, oh, okay... no, I... I'm tired. I'm going to sleep," she stammered, then quickly walked away.

Yosef just chuckled.

Henrietta dove under the covers, her face burning. Were all men this wild after a few drinks?

The next day, Artina woke up in a foul mood. Jethro had been too much of a gentleman. He had just slept beside her last night... and done nothing. The frustration had kept her awake until the early hours. After getting ready, Artina announced, "Jethro, I'm going... to talk to Ms. Sargent."

Jethro frowned, displeased. "Why would you do that? Don't go. Stay out of this. I have my own way of handling it."

But Artina was insistent. "I have to. How can I stay out of it? This all started because of me."

Ignoring Henrietta's previous order not to miss any more filming, Artina went directly to the company with Jethro first thing in the morning. However, just after they parked, Jethro received a work call. The situation was urgent and required his remote supervision. He had no choice but to tell Artina, "You go on ahead. I'll be there in a bit."

Artina nodded and got out of the car.

Henrietta had also just arrived at the office. She'd just made her tea and hadn't even exchanged more than a few words with Winona when Artina walked in. Henrietta's expression immediately soured. "Why aren't you on set again?"

Artina's face was serious. "Ms. Sargent, I need to speak with you alone."

Winona glanced at Henrietta. After a moment's thought, Henrietta said, "Winona, could you step out for a minute?"

After Winona left, Artina closed the door. "Say what you need to say," Henrietta said flatly.

Artina advanced slowly. "Do you really think you can stop me from marrying Jethro?" she asked as she walked.

Henrietta was blunt. "Do you think you're worthy of him?"

Artina stared at her. "He's very fond of me. I suggest you don't waste your energy."

Henrietta didn't reply.

Artina continued, "As long as you stop targeting me, I promise to be obedient and never cause trouble again. You can continue to make me an international superstar. We'll be sisters-in-law, a harmonious family. It would be a wonderful story for the press, and we'd all look good."

Henrietta then understood. It was all a calculated performance by Artina. She responded coolly, "Isn't it obvious?"

Furious, Jethro rushed to Artina's side, helping her up with tender concern. "Artina, what are you doing? You don't need to kneel to beg her."

As he helped her up, Jethro saw Artina's face—the mark from the slap, the blood still on her lip, her cheeks streaked with tears. She looked utterly pitiful. It was true what they said: a weak, damsel-in-distress act was the surest way to trigger a man's protective instincts. The sight of her made Jethro's hands tremble with rage. He gently wiped the blood from her nose, then turned to glare at Henrietta, his eyes blazing with fury. He instinctively raised his hand.

Henrietta stood her ground, calm and unafraid. "Are you going to hit me back?" she asked.

Jethro stared at her with hatred, but in the end, his hand didn't fall. He lowered it, clenching it into a fist. "If it weren't for Yosef..." he growled, leaving the threat unfinished.

Henrietta's face was like ice. She said nothing.

Artina, still crying pitifully, grabbed Jethro's arm. "Jethro, no! You can't hit her!"

Seeing her defend Henrietta even in this state nearly made Jethro's head explode with anger.