Chapter 9 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 beer 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 int 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 fee 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 . 212 835 12:40 pm & 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 listened to you and come back here . I wouldn't have wasted seven years of my life ." 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 ? " 1/2 703 12:40 pm & Chapter 10