Chapter 18 After returning , Barrington had someone look into it . But with shareholders taking turns attacking him all afternoon , he hadn't had time to go after Vionnet yet . But at the end of the day , time was on his side - she showed up in front of him herself . Vionnet was trembling all over . When she looked up at the man she tried to claim back , tears spilled uncontrollably from her eyes . " I'm sorry , Barry . I was wrong ... But it's only because I love you so much . " She sobbed . " Please , just give me one more chance . Xanthe is gone now . Let me take care of you from now on , okay ? " Wiping her tears , she steadied her voice and looked at him solemnly . " We can get married , have children , and build a life together . I promise - once we're married , I'll be the wife you want me to be . " But Barrington's lips curled into a faint smirk . His voice was laced with scorn . " My wife? You think you deserve to be my wife ? " Vionnet , I'm only letting you off this time for the sake of our past . But that child you're carrying ? Get rid of it . From this day forward , don't show your face in Springfield or in Chicago again . You hear me ? " If I ever see you again , I won't show mercy - old grudges and new ones , I'll settle them all . " The icy gleam in his eyes was like a blade . Vionnet couldn't bring herself to see that ; she collapsed to the floor , her voice horse with disbelief . " You're heartless . You're heartless , Barrington ! " she wailed . He didn't respond . Instead , he motioned for his assistant to come in and drag her away . The next morning , Barrington was woken by a call . " P - President Connolly . Something's happened . Ma'am Vionnet escaped while I was escorting her out of the city , " his assistant reported . He rubbed his forehead , frowning . " Then let her go . She's not worth the trouble . Check Xanthe's schedule instead . " There was a long pause on the other end before the assistant finally said , " President Connolly , the entire Chicago already knows - the Wentworths and Michelsons are forming an alliance through marriage . No matter how hard you try , it won't change anything , sir . And the board is getting increasingly unhappy about you staying here . Maybe it's time to- " " Everyone in Chicago knows ? I don't care , " Barrington cut him off coldly . " Back then , the whole of Springfield also knew Xanthe loved me ." " You're just an assistant . Don't overstep ," he warned . The assistant didn't dare say another word and quietly ended the call . The night before the wedding of the city , Trevor brought Xanthe to an auction, planning to give her a prenup gift . Chantar 17 23 15 79 12:43 pm The venue sparkled under dazzling lights , bright as day . People came and went , all pausing to greet them respectfully when they saw them . " President Michelson . " " President Wentworth . " Trevor led her to a private rooftop suite , but just as they were about to head up , Barrington appeared , blocking their path . " What a coincidence . We met again , Xanthe . Don't you think this is fate ? " Xanthe's eyes darkened . In just a few days , no matter where she went, Barrington managed to show up . The first time could've been coincidence - but after this many times , it was clearly deliberate . " Are you some kind of parasite , Mr. Connolly ? Following me around every day - don't you think that's pathetic ? You stalking me and chasing after me like this is honestly just embarrassing . " Barrington stiffened . The words hit a nerve - they sounded familiar . Back then , when she used to chase him relentlessly , he had said almost the same thing . " Xanthe , I like Vionnet . You chasing after me every day just makes me look down on you more ." Now , the tables had turned . She was throwing those words right back at him . But Barrington didn't show the slightest hint of embarrassment . Instead , he smiled . " Back then , you chased after me . Now it's my turn , " he said . " I believe that one day , I'll win you back . I'll wait ." Xanthe frowned deeply . " You're insane ." Trevor , seizing the opportunity to assert his claim , pulled her close and wrapped his arm around her waist , his voice mocking . " Dude , who would've thought you'd sink so low - chasing after someone else's fiancée ? Real impressive . " He smirked . " But Xanthe and I have something real - no third wheel like you is going to come between us ." With a cold , disdainful snort , he tightened his hold on Xanthe and led her upstairs . Barrington tried to follow , but a staff member blocked his way . " Excuse me , sir . Access to the rooftop suites requires proof of assets ." Barrington's face darkened . " You think I can't afford it ? " The staff remained polite but firm . " Our VIP guests all have assets in the trillions , sir . We just need to verify that you meet the requirement . "