His Wicked Obsession (Archer and Virginia) novel Chapter 107

He stood up, grabbed his coat, and gave Virginia a stiff nod before walking out without a backward glance.

He didn't explicitly say they were a bad match, leaving them with one last shred of dignity.

Virginia slapped the menu down and took a deep breath. "Archer Vanderbilt."

Archer was busy tying a disposable bib around Cynthia's neck. He didn't pause. "Hmm."

"What do you think you're doing?"

"Taking Cindy out to eat."

Virginia glared at him, the anger burning in her chest flaring hotter by the second. Finally, she grabbed her purse and stood up.

"Cindy. We're leaving."

"But Mommy..."

Archer looked up at her, his expression unnervingly calm, his voice entirely devoid of emotion.

"Cindy hasn't eaten yet."

Virginia hesitated, her knuckles turning white around the strap of her purse.

Eventually, she sat back down.

The food tasted like ash in her mouth. She didn't speak another word to Archer for the rest of the meal.

When it was time to leave, she picked Cynthia up. Just as she reached the door, the man's low voice drifted over from behind her.

"That doctor isn't right for you."

Archer stood inside the restaurant, the harsh fluorescent lights casting his tall shadow long across the floor.

She didn't answer, and she didn't stop walking.

Nathan's hasty retreat inevitably reached Madeline's ears.

She didn't ask for the details, but a few days later, she called again.

"...Yes."

Noticing the faint displeasure in her eyes, Robert's expression shifted into something smarmy. "Let's be honest, Dr. Caldwell, with your baggage... how should I put this? Divorced women with kids don't have it easy on the market."

Virginia set her glass down. A polite smile remained plastered to her face, though it didn't reach her eyes. Her impression of him was plummeting by the second.

"But it's fine, I don't mind." Robert reached across the table, trying to stroke her hand. "I don't care about that stuff. It's just one extra mouth to feed, as long as you..."

Virginia's expression instantly froze, and she yanked her hand away. "Mr. Sterling."

He blinked, mistaking her disgust for playing hard to get. Without missing a beat, he lunged forward again, this time aiming for her bare forearm.

Virginia stood up abruptly, grabbed the glass of water, and threw it straight into his face without a second thought.

The front of Robert's expensive suit was instantly soaked, the dark fabric clinging pathetically to his chest. He looked like an absolute mess.

He leaped out of his chair, his face dark and contorted with furious humiliation. "You bitch, you..."

"It looks like there's no reason to continue this dinner." Virginia's voice was completely devoid of warmth as she grabbed her purse and turned to leave.