When Two Winters Met (Henrietta and Yosef) novel Chapter 75

"Of course he did," Sabrina said cheerfully. "My daughter is an amazing catch. What reason would he have to refuse? He's thirty-one already, it's about time he got married."

"Alright," Henrietta conceded. "You two can arrange it."

She was surprised. She had assumed that after seeing her on a blind date with Joaquin, the proud and aloof Yosef would want nothing more to do with her. And yet, he had agreed.

"Wonderful!" Sabrina was ecstatic. "He's only free next weekend, so maybe you two should add each other as contacts and chat a bit beforehand? You know how he is, always on the move. He's been focusing on his overseas operations for the last couple of years, constantly flying back and forth."

Sabrina clearly favored Yosef, and it made her chatty.

Henrietta thought for a moment. "Okay. Can you send me his number?"

"Of course! I'll text it to you right now," Sabrina chirped.

After hanging up, Henrietta turned her attention back to Joaquin. "Please continue, Mr. Leland."

Joaquin laughed. "Quite the busy woman, Ms. Sargent. Another blind date? Let me guess, Mr. Nash?"

"That's none of your concern."

Joaquin clicked his tongue against his teeth and handed the cigarette butt to his bodyguard. "Henrietta, you're a woman. No matter how strong you are or how powerful your family is, you're still at a disadvantage. You need a man to rely on. Otherwise, a woman on her own in this world will inevitably get bullied. I want to be that man for you. I'm assertive, yes, but how can a man stand tall and handle things if he isn't? Or do you prefer cowards? Like that gold-digging ex of yours, who has no money, no power, and no ability. The minute there's trouble, all he can do is get beaten to a pulp and hide behind you crying. How pathetic!"

"It's good for a man to be assertive," Henrietta said, looking him straight in the eye, "but that assertiveness should be directed outward."

Her words were brief, but the insult was razor-sharp. Joaquin paused, speechless for a moment.

As he walked toward the door, Joaquin stopped and turned back with a smile. "Oh, and one more thing. Mr. Nash and my sister have quite a history. Old flames die hard. I expect they'll get back together eventually, so I'd advise you to think carefully before you get involved."

He stared at her, clearly hoping to see a flicker of panic or shock. But he was disappointed. Henrietta's expression remained placid.

"Thank you for the warning, Mr. Leland," she said.

He raised an eyebrow slowly, nodded, and then turned and left.

As soon as Joaquin was gone, Winona and Charlotte came over. They had been in the office the whole time, sitting in the lounge area and giving them privacy.

"Wow, is Joaquin always that arrogant and aggressive?" Charlotte exclaimed. "I've seen him at events, and he always seemed so composed and powerful as the head of the Leland family. But that was like something out of a gangster movie."