When Two Winters Met (Henrietta and Yosef) novel Chapter 65

After a moment’s thought, Henrietta spoke frankly. “Mr. Leland, we’ve only just met. This gift isn’t appropriate. I can’t accept something I haven’t earned.”

She gently pushed the box back toward him, offering a polite smile to soften the rejection. “It was my oversight not to have prepared a gift for you. My apologies.”

Joaquin’s eyebrows rose slowly, the predatory glint in his eyes intensifying. “You’re an interesting woman, Ms. Sargent,” he said with a wry smile.

Henrietta wasn’t sure how to interpret his comment and simply pressed her lips together. Thankfully, their food arrived just then, breaking the tension. Her phone lit up at the same moment, providing a welcome distraction. She picked it up to see messages from Winona and Charlotte in their group chat.

Winona: [How’s it going, Henrietta? Is he okay?]

Henrietta typed back: [Hard to say… we’ve only just started talking.]

Charlotte: [Okay, focus on the date then.]

Henrietta put her phone down.

Joaquin picked up his knife and fork. “Let’s talk while we eat.”

Henrietta nodded, feeling the atmosphere ease now that they had something to do.

Joaquin was not one for beating around the bush. Seeing that she wasn't initiating conversation, he took the lead. “Since this is a blind date, I’ll be direct.”

“Please, go ahead,” Henrietta replied.

“I’m very taken with you, Ms. Sargent, and I hope we can proceed with a marriage alliance. I’m the eldest son in my family, and you’re the only daughter in yours. I believe we’re a perfect match.”

Henrietta continued cutting her steak, her eyes downcast. She glanced up at him, about to say something, but held her tongue.

Joaquin continued, “My requirements for a wife are simple. In public, she must uphold the family’s image. She doesn’t have to be number one, but her reputation must be respectable. At home, she must be loyal, obedient, beautiful, manage the household, and raise our children.”

The movement of Henrietta’s knife paused. His requirements were textbook traditional, almost ideally so. From a purely idealistic standpoint, they weren’t unreasonable. But it was clear she no longer met his criteria of having a “respectable reputation” and “upholding the family’s image.” Her plan to deal with Matteo and Artina would inevitably tarnish her own standing.

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