Just as he was about to hit the play button, Vionnet walked in the study.
“Barry, the board members have been coming at me one after another. They’re blaming everything on me! I’m at my wit’s end–can you say something to defend me?”
She walked straight over to Barrington’s side, and out of the corner of her eye, she caught a glimpse of his computer screen.
The moment she saw the video thumbnail, she froze in panic.
She remembered that scene vividly. ‘Those security footage–he mustn’t see them!‘
Originally, Barrington had allowed Vionnet to temporarily fill in as his secretary since she had just returned from Germany and hadn’t found a job yet, and Xanthe had been hospitalized at the
time.
But he hadn’t expected that in just a few months, Vionnet had stirred up messes that had been buried for years in the company.
And ever since Xanthe left because of Vionnet, his patience with her had worn paper–thin.
This time, he didn’t defend her. “The shareholders‘ year–end bonuses took a serious hit because of you. Of course, they’re upset.”
His cold eyes stared at her. “Instead of standing here complaining, maybe put that energy into improving yourself.”
Not letting her say another word, he brushed her off. “It’s getting late. Go back to your room.”
The mouse under his palm moved until he suddenly remembered something. “And one more thing–this is my private study. Don’t come in unless I say so. Your place is almost done with renovations anyway. Once it’s ready, you can move out.”
His tone was clinical, impersonal.
Hearing her first love talk to her like that, Vionnet bit down hard on her lip.
The moment she came back to Illinois, she had known Barrington had changed–he didn’t feel the same way about her anymore.
That was exactly why she’d done everything she had–to drive’a wedge between the couple. Only if there was no way back for them would Vionnet have a chance to take him back. When her gaze landed on the divorce papers on his desk, her anxious eyes suddenly lit up.
In a moment of desperation, she blurted out, “Barry, I’m pregnant.”
Barrington’s hand jerked, knocking the water glass off his desk. It crashed to the floor.
Meanwhile, Xanthe and Trevor had arrived in Chicago.
But instead of taking her to his estate, Trevor brought her to her parents‘ place first.
At the familiar gates, Xanthe stood in hesitation. She couldn’t bring herself to go in.
Seven years ago, she had defied her parents and insisted on leaving for Springfield to attend university.
Three years ago, she’d stubbornly married Barrington against her parents‘ wishes.
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And now, this was what she had to show for it.
Noticing her hesitation, Trevor gently held her hand. “There’s no such thing as long–term grudges in a family. Your parents were overjoyed when they heard you were coming back. They’ve been waiting for you.”
He squeezed her hand, gently convincing her. “Xanthe, they’ve missed you for so many years. It’s time to come home.”
Just those few words brought tears to Xanthe’s eyes.
Before she could even step inside, the gates opened, and an old couple rushed out to meet her.
Years had passed, and both of them now had streaks of gray in their hair.
Cora’s eyes were already red. She threw her arms around her daughter and sobbed uncontrollably.
“My baby girl, you’ve suffered so much out there. Come home. With us here, no one can hurt you anymore.”
Holden wasn’t as emotional, but his support was just as firm.
“Silly girl,” he began. “You’re our precious daughter. No matter what mistakes you’ve made, your mom and I will never blame you. We will always be your home. Always.”
At that moment, Xanthe could no longer hide her pain.
Tears streamed down her face as she sobbed, “Mom… Dad… I’m sorry. I was wrong. I should’ve
life.” listened to you and come back here. I wouldn’t have wasted seven years
of my
All those years in Springfield, whenever she felt wronged, she had endured it alone.
She used to be the little princess of the Wentworths–her parents had never allowed her to suffer even the tiniest grievance.
But ever since she’d chosen Barrington over them, she’d never once reached out.
In all those years, she had thought they wouldn’t forgive her. But now…
Cora wiped away her tears and looked at her seriously. “It’s okay, sweetie. We’re not mad, okay? We’re just so glad you’re back.”
Trevor added softly, “Uncle, Auntie, it’s cold outside. Let’s go in and talk.”
Once they were inside, Cora held her daughter close, talking to her nonstop.
Meanwhile, Holden pulled Trevor aside.
“Trevor,” he said, “I know you’ve never stopped caring for my daughter. Now that she’s back. when are you two planning to get married?”
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