When Two Winters Met (Henrietta and Yosef) novel Chapter 254

“Fine.” Henrietta nodded, graciously agreeing. “You can have a few days.”

Artina had been on the verge of hysteria. Any further provocation or confrontation might have pushed her to self-harm as a threat. But Henrietta’s calm and collected response was disarming. It was as if the person who had mercilessly exposed her yesterday was someone else entirely. Henrietta’s attitude managed to pacify Artina's turbulent emotions, leaving her utterly baffled.

Clutching the dagger, Artina asked, “You’re… still going to let me act? You’re not going to blacklist me, to get rid of me?”

Henrietta leaned back in her chair, looking at her calmly. “You’re an artist signed to my company. You generate profit for me. Why would I get rid of you? What benefit would that bring to me or the company? Do you think it’s easy to build a rising star?”

Artina was stunned. “Really? Is that really what you think?” She was completely confused.

“Of course,” Henrietta said. “In your private life, you disgust me. But as long as it doesn’t become public, you have your strengths and your value from a business perspective, don’t you?”

Artina’s looks were her greatest asset, and her youth was a powerful advantage. Despite the devastating blow from the day before, which had left her ragged and on the brink of insanity, her face still held up. That was the benefit of being young.

Seeing Artina’s bewilderment, Henrietta continued, “You have broad public appeal, a massive, dedicated following, and momentum from your previous hit, not to mention the heavy marketing and hype for this new one. I could replace you, but it wouldn’t be cost-effective. However, if you push me too far, I absolutely will. But if you behave yourself, I’d rather not go through the trouble.”

Tears welled up in Artina’s eyes. So, she still had value. And thank god, Henrietta was just a detestable, profit-driven capitalist! Replacing her was possible, but it would be a hassle, causing a stir, upsetting fans who would demand an explanation. It would also mean that all the previous investment and marketing would go down the drain, damaging the company’s reputation.

So, it seemed Henrietta’s position was that as long as Artina didn’t cause any trouble, she would continue to promote her for the sake of profit. But could it really be that easy? Artina was instinctively skeptical.

She tightened her grip on the dagger again. “Are you really that kind? If you were, why would you break up me and my husband?”

Henrietta gave her a look one might give a fool. “He’s my brother-in-law, my family. Did you think I would let someone as vile as you get away with deceiving him like that?”

Tears streamed down Artina’s face. “But I had my reasons!”

Henrietta was shocked. “What?”

Artina launched into her tearful, self-pitying sob story all over again, trying to paint herself as the victim.

Winona cursed under her breath. “I’ve never met such a disgusting person. Honestly, just looking at her makes me want to puke.”

Henrietta raised an eyebrow. “Be patient. In three months at most, she’ll be in hell. Losing her marriage to Jethro already made her fall apart and pull out a dagger. I’m more interested to see what happens when she truly hits rock bottom. Will she actually go insane?”

Winona stroked her chin. “Given her level of shamelessness and depravity, I doubt she’ll go insane.”

“Well,” Henrietta said, “we’ll just have to wait and see.”

Artina left the company, still sobbing. As soon as she got in her car, she let out a breath she didn’t realize she’d been holding. She wasn’t sure if she felt angry or relieved.

That old bitch Henrietta really was a money-grubbing idiot! She talked about not letting Artina bully Jethro, but she was still willing to promote her for her commercial value. Artina almost pitied Henrietta for being so naively stupid.

Once Henrietta made her a star, that old bitch would realize just how foolish she’d been. Artina would never let her go. Once she got through this crisis and got back on her feet, she would tear Henrietta limb from limb. Just you wait! Absolutely!