Chapter 14 Over the years , Barrington had always been held in high regard , practically worshipped . He'd never been humiliated like Xanthe did . Her words instantly made his face red in rage . " You've gone too far , Xanthe ! " She had already guessed that his facade wouldn't last long , but she didn't expect it to fall apart so quickly . Her brows lifted slightly , and she let out a cold laugh . " Compared to what you did to me , I've barely scratched the surface . " At that point , the curious crowd watching the drama unfold grew larger . Barrington lowered his gaze and said stiffly , " Whatever it is , let's talk at home . " This time , he went straight for force - but before he could even touch Xanthe , Trevor kicked him several meters back . " Bastard ! " Trevor called , his voice raised and his glare sharp . " If you care for your life , you'c better get the hell out of Chicago before this day ends ." " If I ever catch you daring to lay a finger on her again ," he warned , " I'll cut your hand off ." Before Barrington could retaliate , the restaurant manager came rushing over , visibly flustered . " I'm terribly sorry , Mr. Michelson . It was our oversight that allowed this guy in . We'll send him out immediately ." With that , she gave a quick order , and the staff promptly threw Barrington out . The clown had exited the stage , the crowd slowly dispersed , and Trevor led Xanthe to their table and pulled out a chair for her to sit down . " Feel bad that he got thrown out ? " he asked casually . It sounded like a passing remark , but his eyes never left her face . Xanthe responded casually . " Feel bad ? He's not worth it . " She even sneered . " I actually though the next time you saw him , you'd beat him to a pulp . Didn't expect you to let him off with just one kick ." Trevor raised an eyebrow , a small smile tugging at his lips . " You think I went too easy on him ? can have someone drag him back for another round . " " Trevor . " Xanthe set her utensils down , resting her chin in one hand as she stared at him . " Has anyone ever told you that you get insanely jealous ? " The corners of Trevor's mouth lifted as he met her gaze directly . " And has anyone ever told you that jealous men need to be fed ? " They were both adults , and Xanthe caught his meaning right away , turning her ears slightly red. Because of the emotional wounds from her last relationship , they hadn't shared any physical intimacy yet . Trevor was a young guy , full of passion , but he had held back all this time - out of respect for her . Suddenly , Xanthe smirked and leaned in to whisper in his ear . " Tonight , then , I'll make sure I satisfy your hunger ." 312 12.09 12:41 pm & For a long time , Trevor had feared Barrington would show up again . He worried that Xanthe would waver , that she'd look back . But not only did Barrington show up today - he ended up pushing them even closer . Meanwhile , Barrington and his male assistant went straight to the hotel they were staying at in Chicago after the restaurant manager kicked them out earlier . Barrington hadn't said a single word since . Mason stood quietly off to the side , nervous and hesitant . " S - Sir , it seems like Ms. Wentworths really has changed . M - Maybe- " Before he could say unsolicited advice , his boss shot him a glare that was so chilling it made the rest of the sentence die in the poor assistant's throat . " The Michelsons are planning a marriage alliance with the owner of the W Industries , aren't they ? " Barrington said . " If he's going to steal my woman , he'd better be ready to pay the price ." " Get in touch with W Industries , " he ordered , his jaw tensed . " Tell them I want to personally sign the contract with the CEO this afternoon . I've got something to say to her . " ' Once the CEO made a move , ' he thought confidently , ' Trevor - that bastard - would definitely back off from Xanthe . He smirked as he imagined , ' That way , I can finally take her back . I'll have all the time in the world to explain everything . Convincing himself , he reasoned , ' Besides , she's loved me for so many years . If I'm sincere enough ... If I apologize properly ... She'll forgive me .' But when you're caught in the middle , you rarely see things clearly . Unlike Barrington , the assistant had already realized the almost - impossible truth - the former secretary no longer loved the CEO . Sighing deeply , Mason turned to contact the secretary of the W Industries CEO . In the CEO's office at W Industries , Zandra Mayes reported , " President Wentworths , BMC Global's CEO will be here at three this afternoon . He specifically requested to sign the contract personally . He said there's something he wants to discuss with you . " Xanthe frowned slightly . Normally , contract signings were handled by the appropriate department . Besides , she already had several meetings lined up that afternoon . She didn't have time for the meeting , so she instructed , " Tell him I'm not available ." But just as the words left her mouth , she suddenly called the secretary back . " Wait ! Did you say the CEO of the BMC Global ? You mean Barrington Connolly ? " Zandra was surprised her boss knew that much detail . Nodding quickly , she confirmed , " Yes , ma'am . " A cold smile flickered on the CEO's lips , her brow lifting just slightly . " Well then , tell Mr. Gurfinchel I have a scheduling conflict . Reschedule the meeting with him , and bring Mr. Connolly here at three instead . " " Got it , ma'am . " At exactly three in the afternoon , Xanthe stood in front of the floor - to - ceiling windows , her back 2/3 12 7 % 12:42 pm A to the door , gazing out over the city skyline . ' This should've been my life all along . Too bad I was young and naive back then - and paid the price , she thought sadly to herself . Outside her office , a light knock snapped her back to the time . " President Wentworths , Mr. Connolly's here now . " A grin curved on Xanthe's lips . " Let him in ." 12:42 pm