When Two Winters Met (Henrietta and Yosef) novel Chapter 243

His entire life had been smooth sailing, full of success and glory.

He'd never been taken down like this, and his emotions were a chaotic mess.

He cursed himself for being so blind and foolish.

He couldn't fathom how the little girl who had once given him a piece of candy could grow up to be so malicious, treating him like a complete moron.

Jethro was mentally and emotionally drained.

Seeing his state, Henrietta appeared much calmer. “Alright. Take your time to think it over. There's no rush. I... promised your brother that if you wanted to handle this privately... to save face... then we'll handle it privately”

The words were difficult for her to say.

Even now, she didn't want to give up.

Those two were vicious, conniving schemers.

Settling this quietly would never quench the hatred in her heart.

“How would you handle it privately?” Jethro asked.

Henrietta looked at him. “What other way is there? We could ruin them, then have them exiled from Juno City, or even the country. What else can be done?”

Jethro frowned. She had a point.

Even making them disappear from the face of the earth would just be that—they'd be gone.

It wouldn't feel like true vengeance.

“So that's why you didn't mention her baby belongs to your ex-boyfriend. You're still pretending to be oblivious to their betrayal and wickedness. The first piece of evidence you showed was just the video of Artina at the clinic. Henrietta... you played your hand perfectly.” Jethro stared at her, seeing her for the first time.

This woman, who seemed so cold, quiet, and unreadable... was a master strategist. She planned her every move.

“Yes,” Henrietta admitted without hesitation. “I am determined to see my plan for revenge through. I want those two villains to taste the torment of regret every single day. I want to crush them completely. I want them ruined, disgraced, and forced to live with the miserable consequences of their actions every single day.”'

“But you were willing to give that up for my brother?” Jethro stared at her. “Forgive me for being blunt, but it didn't seem like you two had any feelings for each other at the start. Even now, I don't see much affection. It's more like...”

“Mutual respect between partners,” Henrietta finished for him. “We give each other what's necessary. Dignity, respect, freedom, support. It's not about love, but it's like family.”

Jethro nodded, completely baffled. “So, if there's no love, why would you be willing to abandon your plan for my brother?”

Henrietta thought for a moment, her beautiful eyes calm as she looked at him. “Is love... so important?” she said softly. “In my eyes, sometimes it's worthless. It's not as valuable as long-term companionship and mutual support.”

Her words sent Jethro into deep thought.

Perhaps that was a clear-eyed perspective on relationships.

So-called love could sometimes lead to mutual destruction, selfishness, extreme possessiveness, and even madness.

Henrietta finally pursed her lips. “Good. I trust you.”

The Nash family didn't raise bad apples. At worst, they were just hopeless romantics.

It was strange—Yosef had inherited all the calm, rational traits, holding no expectations for love and simply seeking the best partner to go through life with.

But Jethro... had he inherited the gene for being blinded by love?

Was that how genetics worked?

She wondered if Leticia would be a hopeless romantic one day, too.

Jethro stood up but didn't leave immediately. He paused, then said with sincerity, “Henrietta, thank you. I was quite unfair to you before. Now... I apologize.”

Henrietta stood as well. “Don't. In a way... it's also my fault. I should have told you as soon as I knew it was you.”

Jethro waved a hand dismissively. “That's all in the past.”

Henrietta nodded.

Jethro left. Uneasy, Yosef sent four bodyguards to follow him.

Henrietta returned to the dining table. The food had been served, but no one seemed to have an appetite.