His Wicked Obsession (Archer and Virginia) novel Chapter 102

Her logic was flawless, without a single wasted word, but the slight tremor in her hands betrayed her lingering fear.

Archer stared at her, his throat working as he swallowed.

Just as he opened his mouth, Chloe Caldwell rushed over, her face streaked with tears. "Archer! Archer, are you okay? Why would you..."

She cut herself off to shoot Virginia a venomous glare.

That bitch! This is all her fault!

If it wasn't for her, Archer wouldn't have risked his own life!

Archer ignored Chloe, reaching out to take Toby Vanderbilt from her arms.

Toby was terrified. He buried his face in Archer's neck, his tiny shoulders shaking uncontrollably.

At that moment, Valentin Hunter strode over with Cynthia in his arms.

He quickly scanned Virginia to make sure she was unharmed, then cast a slow, deliberate glance at Archer.

Valentin looked from the sobbing boy in Archer's arms to the teary-eyed woman clinging to his sleeve.

"You sure are a busy man, Mr. Vanderbilt," he scoffed.

His tone was casual, laced with mockery. "Ignoring your own wife and son so you can play hero for someone else's future family."

Archer's expression darkened.

Valentin didn't give him a chance to respond. He stepped protectively in front of Virginia, glancing down at her. "Let's go. The little one is tired. I'll take you out to eat."

Virginia didn't argue. She reached out and took Cynthia from his arms.

The little girl wrapped her arms tightly around Virginia's neck, burying her face against her shoulder and mumbling a soft, "Mommy."

Valentin placed a protective hand behind Virginia's back, guiding her through the lingering crowd toward the theme park's exit.

The three of them quickly vanished into the sea of people.

Cynthia rested her chin on Virginia's shoulder, whispering, "Mommy, did you go catch a bad guy?"

"Mommy went to help someone," Valentin answered for her, glancing affectionately at Virginia. "Mommy is a very brave person, you know?"

Three days later, at Virginia's clinic.

Virginia wore a crisp white coat, her hair pinned neatly back to expose the graceful curve of her neck.

She finished organizing a patient file and glanced at the clock.

Ten o'clock sharp. It was time for Chloe's appointment. She should be arriving right about now.

A moment later, the door swung open.

Chloe stepped inside, impeccably made up and wearing an elegant light blue silk dress.

She immediately shot Virginia a look filled with unfathomable emotion, then quickly averted her eyes and sank into the leather sofa.

Virginia flipped open her notebook. "Doctor White stepped out to the restroom," she said smoothly. "He'll be right with you."

Without sparing Chloe another glance, Virginia looked down and began prepping her notes for the session.

Because of that, she missed the flash of pure malice in Chloe's eyes before the woman suddenly stood up, grabbed the thermos from the desk, and hurled its contents straight at her.