When Two Winters Met (Henrietta and Yosef) novel Chapter 51

Faced with these challenges, and seeing Henrietta remain silent, Jolie launched a fiery counterattack.

“So I don't know how? I can learn, can't I? I'll hire a professional acting coach to be with me on set right now. I refuse to believe I can't learn it!”

“Exactly. You all know money can buy anything. My sister-in-law, Henrietta, is the money. You really think she can’t make me a star?”

“Matteo is an A-list actor, and Henrietta's a CEO. A little boost from them and I’ll be famous. What business is it of yours?”

“I never said she could only back me and not you! What are you all complaining about? It’s hilarious. Henrietta hasn't even said anything.”

“So what if I have a child? Becoming a star even with a kid makes me a role model for women! Are you discriminating against women? Against married mothers?”

“My looks are average? What do you think makeup and styling teams are for?”

Jolie had a comeback for everything, refusing to back down. The conference room erupted into a noisy argument.

Henrietta tapped the table. “Is this a fish market? Most of you are public figures. What is this behavior?”

At her words, the room fell silent.

Jolie looked at her eagerly. “… Ms. Sargent, can I?”

Without waiting for an answer, she immediately pitched herself again. “Matteo is already a part of my resources. And being married with a child is actually a very positive topic, with plenty of potential for controversy and buzz. I really think I can do it! Investing in me is much better than investing in some fresh-faced rookie!”

Jolie desperately wanted to be a star. The thought of the glamour, the adoration, the dazzling lifestyle made her tremble with excitement.

Broaching this subject so publicly in a company meeting was a bit tasteless, but who cared! It was normal for the other actors to be unhappy—they weren't the ones getting the opportunity. Why would they be pleased? They could only blame their own bad luck! An connection like the Sargent family wasn't something just anyone could latch onto. This was their family’s good fortune!

At this thought, Leon quickly added, “Jolie’s proposal makes a lot of sense. Controversy is excellent for generating buzz. If Jolie really becomes a star, being a wife and mother could be spun into a wholesome family image with a perfect husband. She's definitely a more valuable investment than a new artist. It’s worth considering.”

Henrietta looked up at the three of them, their eagerness and ambition written all over their faces. She and Matteo had already broken up, yet the Colemans were still treating her like a walking money bag. If they hadn't broken up… would the Colemans have felt even more entitled? They might have demanded the entire family move into the Sargent estate.

The actors who had previously objected were now silent. What could they say? They couldn't compete with Jolie. All eyes were on Henrietta, waiting to see her final decision.

Jolie couldn’t hold back any longer. “Leon is right! Ms. Sargent, this is my way of contributing to the company's profits. Do you need more time to think about it?”

“No need,” Henrietta said. “As you wish.”