When Two Winters Met (Henrietta and Yosef) novel Chapter 74

Joaquin gestured, and a bodyguard stepped forward, presenting a massive bouquet of roses to Henrietta.

"I want to talk to you," Joaquin said.

Henrietta's expression was frosty, but with so many people watching, she had no choice but to nod and lead the way.

Once they were in her office and seated, she got straight to the point. "What do you want, Mr. Leland?"

Joaquin had the bodyguard place the roses on her desk. "To court the woman I desire, of course."

Henrietta stared at him blankly. "I'm sorry," she said firmly, "but I believe I made myself clear the other day. We are not compatible, and we are not meant to be. I suggest you find someone else."

"So I can't even try?" he pressed.

"I'm not interested."

An impasse settled between them. Joaquin calmly took out a cigarette and lit it. Henrietta frowned deeply at the gesture.

"I like you a lot," he said, looking at her. "I don't want to give up. I've waited many years for you."

"That's your business," she retorted coolly. "You are not the right person for me, so pursuing me is pointless. I will not agree to it, and I will not accept your advances."

Joaquin bit down on his cigarette, a slight, predatory smile playing on his lips. "Jumping to conclusions, are we? How do you know I'm not right for you if you don't even get to know me?"

"Are you planning to pester me relentlessly or simply take what you want by force?" Henrietta challenged.

His smile widened. "I really like you. Your personality is just my type. Feisty, with a wild streak."

Henrietta was speechless. He had to be insane, right?

Just then, her phone rang. It was Quinton. She answered, "Quinton?"

His voice was warm. "Henrietta, I have a business trip to Fiora Country next weekend. Would you like to come along and clear your head?"

Joaquin glanced around, saw no ashtray, and crooked a finger at his bodyguard. The man stepped forward and cupped his hands, and Joaquin tapped his cigarette ash into them.

Henrietta looked away in disgust. "We move in the same circles, and I'd rather not make things ugly for everyone. Don't force me to have security escort you out, Mr. Leland."

Unfazed, Joaquin chuckled. "Are you sure your security guards can handle my bodyguards?"

Henrietta remained calm. "Then what is it you want?"

Before he could answer, her phone rang again. It was Sabrina.

Henrietta answered it. "Mom."

"Henrietta, Zelina said Yosef is free next week. She wants the two of you to have dinner and get to know each other better."

Henrietta raised an eyebrow. "He agreed?"