When Two Winters Met (Henrietta and Yosef) novel Chapter 73

"That's right," Matteo declared arrogantly. "She's going to make me an international superstar. We'll be back together sooner or later, so I'd advise you not to waste your time!"

Someone as decisive as Joaquin didn't bother with words. He simply gestured to his bodyguards. "Take care of him."

Matteo's eyes widened. Before he could react, a fist slammed into his jaw, sending him to the floor.

Henrietta rushed to the lobby after a frantic call from the receptionist. Joaquin’s bodyguards were kicking Matteo as he lay on the ground.

"Mr. Leland, what is the meaning of this?" she demanded, her eyes flashing. "Tell your men to stop, now!"

"I'm just cleaning up your mess," Joaquin replied calmly.

"I don't need your help!" Henrietta snapped. "Stop them immediately!"

Seeing Joaquin remained perfectly still, Henrietta's expression hardened. "Security!"

When the company guards arrived, Joaquin simply said, "Take care of them, too."

Henrietta's brows furrowed. Joaquin was actively looking for a fight. As expected, her security team was no match for professional bodyguards. After quickly neutralizing them, the bodyguards refocused their attention on Matteo.

"Joaquin!" Henrietta strode forward angrily and, left with no other choice, shielded Matteo with her own body. "What are you trying to do? This is my company!"

"Henrietta," Matteo whined from behind her, "this guy said he wants to date you. I told him we'd get back together and that he was delusional, so he had his men attack me."

Hearing this, Henrietta's head throbbed.

Joaquin looked down at her. "Are you protecting him?"

Her face was a cold mask. "He's an employee of my company."

Henrietta turned to him. "Mr. Leland, what was that all about?"

"So, he works for you," Joaquin observed, his tone complex and unreadable. It was a look that said: “You still employ your ex-boyfriend? Is that why you won't kick him out of the city? Are you still hung up on him? Am I just a backup plan?”

Henrietta met his gaze. "That's my private business. It has nothing to do with you, Mr. Leland. Now, I'd like to know why you came to my company first thing in the morning to assault one of my actors. Do you have any idea how much money we lose for every day of filming his injuries will cost us?"

Joaquin looked at her and smiled. "I came to see you. I saw him, didn't like his face, and had him beaten up. Don't worry, I'll cover his medical bills and your company's losses."

Henrietta inhaled sharply, then turned to Winona, who had just arrived. "Have the finance department calculate the costs and send the bill to Mr. Leland's company."

"Right away," Winona confirmed.

Henrietta faced Joaquin again. "Since you're covering the expenses, I won't press the issue. But he is a contracted artist who makes money for this company. If you cause him trouble again, if you so much as scratch his face, you'll be causing trouble for my company. Understood? And another thing—it's business hours. Please leave, Mr. Leland."