When Two Winters Met (Henrietta and Yosef) novel Chapter 279

"That seems to be his intention," Quinton said. "The projects were proceeding smoothly without any issues, and every step complied with regulations. But now, Y-N Group is completely ignoring us, refusing to grant approvals. Whenever we ask, they just tell us to wait. Lately, they've started nitpicking, claiming there were problems with the initial proposals."

"But these projects are two-thirds complete. If we scrap them now, all the initial investment will be for nothing."

Quinton spoke with difficulty. He knew exactly why this was happening. It was a challenge, a punishment, deliberately orchestrated by Yosef. It was a clear message: no matter how hard Quinton tried, he could never compete with Yosef's power. He shouldn't have brought it up; it made him look incompetent. But he was desperate to talk to Henrietta, to see her, to hear her voice. That was all.

His words sent Henrietta into a thoughtful silence. It didn't take her long to figure it out. If Yosef was doing this intentionally, it was undoubtedly because of Quinton's feelings for her.

Realizing this, Henrietta asked, "I see. But what is your goal in telling me this?"

Quinton was taken aback. He hadn't expected such a sharp, direct question. What was his goal? Was it to complain and slander Yosef? To ask for her help? Or something else entirely?

He gave a bitter laugh. "I don't really have a specific goal. I just wanted to mention it to you. If you feel you could say something to him and get the projects moving, that would be for the best. If you think it's not worth mentioning, then just forget I ever said anything."

Standing in the cold wind, which teased at her dark hair, Henrietta looked impossibly beautiful against the backdrop of frost-kissed chrysanthemums. Her next words were even sharper. "But you've already said it."

Quinton's face flushed slightly, perhaps from the sting of her words. Henrietta continued, "Quinton, between you and me, let's be direct. If there's a problem, we should solve it. You don't need to overthink it. I'm focusing on the issue, not the person."

Quinton collected himself. "So, what's your take on it?"

Henrietta thought for a moment. "I'll give you some advice. Option one: abandon the projects. So what if the investment is lost? Sargent Group can afford it. Success and failure are part of business. Option two: wait. Wait until Y-N Group decides to give the green light."

Quinton was surprised. "What if they never give the green light? What if they drag it out for a year or two?"

"Then so be it," Henrietta replied, her voice clipping with cool indifference. "The ball is entirely in Yosef’s court. How long they want to drag it out depends entirely on Mr. Nash's mood."

Quinton frowned slightly. "...You're not going to talk to Mr. Nash about it?"

"Why would I?" she countered. "The fact that he has the leverage to stall this is a testament to the immense influence he wields. If Sargent Group has any strength, you'll choose one of the options I just gave you. It's only interesting when you're on equal footing, isn't it? Begging? There's no need for that, Quinton. We haven't reached that point."

Quinton, too, was shocked by her statement. Yosef's voice deepened. "Is that so?"

"Of course," Henrietta nodded. "True strength is being able to bend and stretch. Throwing your life away for the sake of pride... well, that depends on the situation."

"And how would you judge the situation?" Yosef asked.

Henrietta pressed her lips together. "Sometimes, pride can be discarded. Even kings have had to endure humiliation for a greater purpose. But other times, pride must never be lost. I'd rather face ruin with my head held high than survive by crawling."

Deeply moved, Yosef pulled her into his arms, lowering his head to whisper in her ear, "My dear wife, you will never have to kneel and beg me. In fact... it is I who should be begging you."

Henrietta felt a dizzying warmth spread through her. "Begging me for what?"

Yosef's voice was a low, resonant murmur. "Begging you to spare me a few more glances."