When Two Winters Met (Henrietta and Yosef) novel Chapter 85

Tears streamed down Cheryl’s face. “Ms. Sargent hit me.”

Yosef paused, turning his gaze to Henrietta.

Henrietta’s expression was placid as she nodded in confirmation. “I did.”

Yosef’s brow furrowed. Before he could speak, Cheryl quickly tried to excuse herself. “Mr. Nash, I was actually just testing Ms. Sargent. Since she’s on a date with you, she could become your wife. That position isn’t for just anyone. Your wife must be intelligent, gracious, and possess a strong character—”

“Does she need you to test her?” Yosef cut her off.

Cheryl fell silent. Henrietta also said nothing, continuing to eat her steak in small bites. From the current situation, she couldn’t yet tell if Yosef would side with Cheryl.

“So,” Yosef continued, “what did your test reveal?”

Cheryl was smart. She keenly sensed that Yosef was not going to favor her. Her face grew paler, her lips trembling as she kept her head down. “I believe Ms. Sargent has a very strong character. She’s bold.”

The implication was clear: she was bold enough to strike his own assistant.

Henrietta stopped cutting her food. “Is that a compliment, Cheryl?”

“Yes,” Cheryl said. “Ms. Sargent, I apologize. It was presumptuous of me to test you. I hope you aren’t angry.”

Henrietta understood now. Cheryl wasn't foolish at all; she was quite cunning and had clearly planned her exit strategy. She must have initially thought Henrietta would be easy to intimidate, given her quiet reputation. When that failed, she pivoted to claiming it was a “test,” a move that both demonstrated her loyalty and absolved her of any malicious intent. Interesting.

Henrietta didn’t reply, simply pressing her lips together and continuing to eat.

Yosef then asked, “Did it hurt?”

Henrietta’s hand paused over her steak, but she remained silent.

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