When Two Winters Met (Henrietta and Yosef) novel Chapter 286

She clung to the belief that if she could just explain herself, her reputation would be saved and everyone would have to believe her. Her words only enraged Jethro further. He lunged forward and kicked her squarely in the mouth. “It seems you really don’t want that mouth of yours anymore! Still trying to twist the truth!” Pain exploded across Artina’s face, and tears streamed down her cheeks. Seeing the raw fury in his eyes, she finally dropped the act. Jethro had no interest in hearing another word from her. “You should be thankful you still have some commercial value,” he snarled. “Out of respect for Henrietta, I won’t touch you or blacklist you. But the Harmon family? They belong in the gutter!” Artina finally understood. He wasn't blacklisting her because Henrietta still needed her for business. Since things had come to this, there was nothing left to say. Artina swallowed her pain and, through a swollen mouth, managed to mumble, “You have to give me that video.” Jethro paused, then let out a cold laugh. “Give it to you? In your dreams! Just imagine what your fans will think when they see this.” Panic seized Artina, and she burst into sobs again. “No! You can’t release it!” “Whether I release it or not is my decision, not yours,” Jethro said flatly. He turned to leave, disgusted by the very sight of her. But Artina scrambled to her feet and blocked his path. “You have to give it to me! With that video in your hands, you might as well just blacklist me now! I can’t have that kind of dirt on me in your hands, I can’t! Henrietta wouldn’t agree to this, you… you have to give it to me!” At this point, invoking Henrietta’s name was her only gambit. Jethro’s eyes narrowed. “Are you really bold enough to speak to me like that?” Suddenly, something in Artina snapped. She had been pushed this far, her family was on the verge of bankruptcy, and she had been constantly beaten and humiliated. She had endured countless beatings, groveling for mercy everywhere she went, but it had all been for nothing. And now Jethro was treating her like his mortal enemy, the same man who had once doted on her. The abuse and shame finally ignited her true, fiery nature. “And why shouldn’t I be?” she shrieked, her voice raw with desperation. “You’ve already thrown me away! What’s the worst you can do, kill me? Go on, do it! I’m not afraid of you! You’ve already ruined my family, what else do I have to lose? If you don’t give me that source file and destroy it completely, I swear I will make your life a living hell!” Jethro exploded. His hand shot out and clamped around her neck. “You’re the one who committed the crime, you backstabbing liar! What right do you have to yell at me?” Artina gasped for air, clawing at his hand. “If you have the guts, then kill me! What kind of man threatens someone with a video? Jethro, you’re not a man! You’re a pathetic loser, not half the man your brother is! You’re a mindless idiot, and you deserved to be played! I must have been blind to ever like you!” Jethro’s grip tightened. “Don’t you dare say you liked me. The thought makes me sick. You want the video? Dream on! Since you’re so eager to die, I’ll grant you your wish!” Artina’s face turned beet red as she struggled violently. But Jethro didn't relent, his expression as cold and unforgiving as death itself. “You want to die? It’s not that easy, Artina. I have a thousand ways to make you wish you were dead! And what right does a manipulator like you have to curse me?” Unable to breathe, Artina couldn’t even form a rebuttal. The sensation of impending death washed over her, and a sliver of fear finally pierced through her rage. But she had already pushed Jethro past the breaking point. He showed no sign of letting go. The two of them had finally, irrevocably torn each other apart, their relationship now fueled by pure hatred. Just as Artina felt her last breath slipping away, a figure rushed forward, prying at Jethro’s hand. “Let go!” It was Charlotte. Jethro glared at her. Charlotte struggled with his iron grip, her voice urgent. “Jethro Nash, let her go! Is it really worth dirtying your hands over someone like her?” Jethro remained silent, his grip unwavering. “If you kill her, how will you explain it to Henrietta?” Charlotte pleaded. At the mention of Henrietta’s name, Jethro finally released his hold. Artina collapsed to the floor, coughing violently and gulping for air, her body drenched in a cold sweat. Jethro’s face was a mask of fury. “I was holding back for Henrietta’s sake, but she was asking for it.” “I heard what you both said,” Charlotte said calmly. “Her face is injured again, which means filming will be delayed for a few more days. Jethro, since you’ve already decided to let her go out of respect for Henrietta, don’t stoop to her level. Let her say what she wants. You’re above her; it’s not worth getting into a fight.” Her words finally seemed to cool Jethro’s temper. It was no wonder he was so furious. The things Artina had said were unforgivable. To be so rotten to the core and still dare to spew such nonsense, even demanding he hand over the video. Jethro took a deep breath. “Fine. For Henrietta’s and your sake, I’ll let her go.” But Artina suddenly scrambled up from the floor and grabbed Charlotte’s arm. “Ms. Tatum, that video… he has to destroy it!” She couldn’t let Jethro hold that kind of leverage over her. It was like her life was in his hands. No matter how high she climbed in her career, Jethro could destroy everything with a single click if he was displeased. No! Absolutely not! That video was a ticking time bomb.