When Two Winters Met (Henrietta and Yosef) novel Chapter 260

"Or you don't have to return it," Matteo pressed. "And this house becomes mine alone. Since you brought your legal team, we can just transfer the deed solely into my name."

"You think your eight or nine million buys you an eleven-million-dollar house? Besides, these are two separate issues. Don't try to conflate them."

Hendrietta looked at him coolly. "This house was originally given to us as a gift from Winona, which is why your name is on the deed despite you not paying a dime. Since it was a gift from her, she has the right to revoke it and have your name removed from the deed. Understand?"

Matteo frowned. "A gift can be revoked? And are you sure it was a gift from Winona? Wasn't it you who put up the money?"

The money had indeed come from Henrietta, who had Winona present it as a gift to both of them.

"It doesn't matter who was behind it," Henrietta said. "When Winona made the payment, she noted it was a gift to wish us a long and happy life together. All the evidence is here. Now, you and I have been broken up for a long time, and I am married. The romantic relationship between us no longer exists, therefore the condition of the gift—our 'long and happy life together'—is void. She can reclaim it now."

As Henrietta finished, the head of her legal department stepped forward with a file of documents. "Matteo, what Henrietta says is absolutely correct. Winona has confirmed her intent to revoke the gift. You just need to sign here."

The lawyer pointed to a line, then added, "And just to be clear, Winona can revoke this unilaterally. You're just being notified. Whether you sign or not is not particularly important, considering you made no financial contribution."

Matteo's face turned a sickly shade of green. Pamela looked like she was about to faint. She was about to lunge forward and cause a scene when two officers grabbed her and slapped handcuffs on her wrists. Pamela was completely stunned.

"What about my son's money?" she shrieked. "That was his entire life savings! Henrietta, you took the house, so you have to give my son his money back! Eight or nine million! You're a tyrant! I don't want to live in a world like this!"

"Right," Matteo immediately added. "Since you're taking the house back without any regard for my wishes, you can return my money right now!"

"Return what?" a cold, stern voice suddenly cut through the tense standoff at the dining table.

Hendrietta raised an eyebrow and turned. Sure enough, Yosef had arrived.

As always, Yosef's arrival was a grand affair. He was flanked by more than a dozen bodyguards, with Calvert at the lead. He strode in with such an imposing presence that the spacious hall suddenly felt cramped.

"Mr. Nash," Henrietta said, standing up.

Matteo's face paled even further. He had never faced this man head-on before. One look was enough to tell him this was a ruthless character, his aura incredibly oppressive. Until now, the man hadn't even deigned to acknowledge his existence.

Pamela was also stunned into silence. She had never encountered people who resorted to violence so readily.

Seeing his parents struck, a spark of anger ignited in Matteo, but he didn't dare direct it at Yosef. Instead, he gritted his teeth and said to Henrietta, "Henrietta, isn't this going too far..."

Before the words were even out of his mouth, Calvert's long arm shot out and delivered another sharp slap to Matteo's face. "How dare you speak to Mrs. Nash like that? I'm the one who hit them. Why are you yelling at her? Trying to show how tough you are?"

Matteo was completely bewildered. Were they not even allowed to speak now?

Hendrietta almost laughed. Calvert's triple-play was impressive. He deserved a bonus.

While the family of three was still reeling in shock, Calvert declared sternly, "Mr. Nash is here. You will all speak respectfully. No shouting, and no pointing!"

At last, Matteo felt a fear that chilled him to the bone. He watched the man sitting opposite him, so cold and calm, not even blinking, showing no emotion at all. His hand was just holding Henrietta's tightly.

It was a posture of absolute, powerful protection, something he realized he had never once offered Henrietta. In fact, all those years, the one standing in front, shielding the other... had always been her.