Barrington stepped inside the CEO's office and caught sight of a familiar figure from behind . " Xanthe ? " The name slipped out before he could stop himself - but almost immediately , he realized he was mistaken . ' There's no way Xanthe , just an ordinary girl , could be the CEO of W Industries .' The woman didn't turn around . But she deliberately kept her voice low . " Xanthe ? " Barrington quickly explained , " Sorry , I thought you were someone else . From the back , you look a lot like my wife ." " But she's just an average woman, " he hurriedly clarified . " She's nothing like you , Presiden Wentworths . " Xanthe let out a cold laugh - mocking how clueless he was of his arrogance . Her tone chilled . " I heard you insisted on seeing me . What is it you wanted to say , Mr. Connolly ? " A flicker of something sharp passed through Barrington's eyes . " Well , I heard you're about t marry Mr. Michelson . But he's still seeing someone else . " " And that someone happens to be ... " He paused , clearing his throat . " My wife . " I'm sure you wouldn't want to walk into a marriage with a man who's already keeping another woman on the side ." Sunlight streamed down on Xanthe , casting a golden glow around her - but the air around her only grew colder . " What man doesn't stray ? " she sneered . " I wonder - how do you see it , Mr. Connolly ? " Barrington frowned , adopting a tone of moral certainty . " If you're married , you should be faithful . No matter who does it - cheating is wrong . " Xanthe's smile deepened at that . Then , she finally spinned around and looked the self - righteous man in the eye . " Wow . So there really are people who can lie to themselves like this . Do you even believe half the things coming out of your mouth , Barrington ? " She stood backlit by the light , her features shadowed - but Barrington recognized her instantly . his eyes wide with shock . " Xanthe... It's you ? You're the CEO of W Industries ?! " He couldn't believe it . It didn't make sense - but the truth was staring him in the face . " You ... You ... You told me you didn't have any family . How could you be the heir to a company like this ? " Xanthe arched an eyebrow and took a few steps toward him , her voice laced with irony . " Back then , I really didn't have parents - not in any way that mattered . I cut ties with them for you , and they wanted nothing to do with me ." " But the moment I left you , " she explained , " they couldn't wait for me to come home and take over the company . So yes - W Industries is under my control now . " Chapter 15 12:42 pm D Barrington's expression turned sour . But the thought that she'd been willing to give up everything for him once - that she'd loved him that much - twisted something in his chest . He stepped forward , slowly reaching out to embrace her . But she moved aside without hesitation , not even letting his hand brush against her . Then she glanced at the spot he'd nearly touched , as if it were something she found dirty . " Xanthe , listen , nothing happened between me and Vionnet , " he clarified again . " She just came back and I felt obligated . We used to be close , you know ? She's just staying with me because her new place isn't ready . " I've actually loved you for a long time - I just didn't realize it then . That's why I didn't realize early on how much you suffered . " Please , Xanthe , give me another chance . Let's start over . Forget everything that happened . " You always said you didn't like living here , right ? Fine - I'll move my company here . I'll stay here with you for the rest of my life ." His voice was sincere - every word came from the heart . But all Xanthe did was laugh . " My gosh , Barrington , are you really pathetic ? I told you - I don't feel anything for you anymore ." Leaning back to her chair , she softened her tone . " Out of respect for the fact that you're my ex - husband , I'll make sure you get a good seat at the wedding . Two weeks from now . " Each word hit like a blade , slicing straight through him . After a moment of silence , he clenched his fists , his knuckles turning white as a flush crept into his eyes . " You're the one who drugged me that night , Xanthe . This started because of you . " He took a step forward , tension radiating from his stiff movement . " So don't think you can just dump me now - like you get to decide when this ends just because you want to . " His gaze sharpened with warning . " If you're really set on marrying Trevor , then blame yourself for the