Chapter 21
Xanthe paused for a few seconds, then asked in return, “And what if I
say no?”
On the other end of the line, Barrington’s breathing grew audibly heavier. His voice came through, cold and sharp.
“If you really don’t love me anymore… Well, resentment works, too. It lasts longer than love. As long as you remember me for the rest of your life, I don’t care.”
Xanthe narrowed her eyes slightly. ‘This asshole–he’d completely lost it.‘
After a long silence, he spoke again. “It’s fine. There’s still time before the wedding. I’ll wait for you. I’ll wait for you, Xanthe, to give me the ending I want.”
A cold light flickered in Xanthe’s eyes. Her face was unreadable and calm. “Barrington, aren’t you afraid I’ll bring down BMC Global and leave you with nothing?”
Even now, she still carried herself with composed elegance.
He felt a sharp pang in his chest. “You won’t,” he said. “We built BMC Global together. I believe you wouldn’t have the heart to destroy it. I know you, Xanthe. You’re soft–hearted.”
Hearing his arrogance, she let out a mocking laugh.
“Barrington, you really don’t know me at all.
“I’ve always been known for being ruthless. Back in school, a girl bullied me. You know what I did? I brought people and nearly beat her half to death.
“On my 18th birthday, someone got jealous and spread filthy rumors about me. The next day, I made sure her whole family went bankrupt.
“And when I found out you cheated on me, right after I learned I was pregnant, I didn’t hesitate–I went and had the abortion.
“So tell me, Barrington–do I still seem soft–hearted to you?”
Barrington didn’t respond. He was stunned by everything she’d just said.
In his mind, Xanthe had always been obedient–meek, even. But only now did he realize he never truly knew her.
When there was still no reply from him, Xanthe gave a cold scoff and hung up the phone. Immediately after, she made another call. She said just one sentence.
“Before ten tonight, I want to see BMC Global go bankrupt.”
The person on the other end didn’t know what had happened but answered without hesitation, “Don’t worry, President Wentworths. No need to wait until ten–eight o’clock will do.”
For years, Holden had always seen Xanthe as his little girl. But at this moment, he finally saw that she had truly grown up.
“Xanthe, Barrington is cunning and deceitful. Even if the rumors he spread were half–truths, the fact remains–you’ve been married, and you’ve had a child. That can’t be denied. Tomorrow’s your wedding with Trevor. With all this stirred up, I’ll go with you to the
1/2 19.0%
Michelsons and explain.”
Holden had held a high position all his life, never once lowering himself to anyone. But this time, for his daughter, he was willing.
But Xanthe shook her head. “Dad, when Trevor and I decided to get married, I told him everything. He’ll handle things on his family’s side.”
“My past is my own. I just misjudged someone–I didn’t break the law,” she said firmly.
Those words made her father pause. Suddenly, everything became clear to him.
He looked at his daughter, proud and relieved. “Xanthe, you’ve grown up. I understand now. I’ve watched Trevor grow up since he was a child. He’s always liked you. This time, I believe you two will be happy.”
Xanthe smiled faintly. “We will, Dad.”
At midnight, she was still awake, her eyes fixed on her phone.
She had spoken as if everything were fine–but inside, she wasn’t calm at all.
Ever since she returned to her room, she’d been waiting for Trevor to call.
But the night had dragged on, and he still hadn’t called once.
Her gaze gradually dimmed until suddenly–her phone lit up. It was Trevor.
Xanthe answered the call immediately.
