When Two Winters Met (Henrietta and Yosef) novel Chapter 39

Everyone in the company had been at the party, so they all knew what had happened.

Before, they had all treated Matteo with the utmost deference. He was a two-time Best Actor award winner, and the company's best resources were always given to him first. His status had been supreme.

But now… the way they looked at him was different. The respect, fear, and admiration were gone, replaced by mockery, scorn, and morbid curiosity.

Jolie stomped her foot in frustration.

Just as the three of them were about to leave, two more people burst into the lobby. Seeing Henrietta's back, they called out enthusiastically, "Henrietta! Henrietta!"

Henrietta frowned and turned around. It was Pamela and Dexter.

A security guard rushed over to Winona. "I'm sorry, Ms. Stetson, I couldn't stop them. They insisted they were Henrietta's in-laws and threatened to make a scene if I didn't let them in."

Winona rolled her eyes. In-laws? The nerve.

"It's fine. You can go," she said.

The guard retreated.

"Mom, Dad, what are you doing here?" Matteo asked, his face grim.

Pamela and Dexter were each carrying a large basket of eggs. They looked completely out of place, their rustic appearance a source of deep embarrassment for him. He was already humiliated enough; his parents' arrival just made it a thousand times worse.

"I'm here to bring Henrietta some eggs!" Pamela announced proudly, not the least bit embarrassed. "It's no wonder she didn't like your gifts. They can't compare to this! Move aside!"

"Mom!" Matteo tried to grab her arm, but she brushed him off.

Pamela nodded eagerly. "Yes, yes! Matteo, just get us a car. Your father and I can take them. You have work to do, don't you? Isn't there a big company meeting today?"

Matteo nodded. The two of them actually turned to leave, ready to make their delivery. They acted so familiar, as if Henrietta had been married into the Coleman family for years.

"Wait," Henrietta said.

The old couple turned back.

Henrietta looked at them coldly. "I have one mother and one father. Since when did I get two more?"

Winona jumped in. "The engagement was called off. Henrietta and Matteo broke up. Who do you old folks think you are, calling yourselves her parents? Are you trying to take advantage of her? Have you no shame?!"