His Wicked Obsession (Archer and Virginia) novel Chapter 111

He didn't even glance at Rupert Finch. His gaze landed squarely on Virginia, and he let out a soft chuckle.

"Ginny, are you done with your session? I hope I'm not interrupting."

Rupert recognized Valentin Hunter.

The city's elite circle was only so big. The Hunter family's influence was second only to the Vanderbilts, making them an existence the Finch family absolutely could not afford to offend.

Rupert's mouth twitched as he forced a stiff smile.

"Mr. Hunter. What a coincidence."

Valentin finally raised his eyes to give him a passing glance. "Not a coincidence," he said coldly. "I'm here to pick Ginny up for dinner."

That simple sentence made one thing very clear: Virginia Caldwell was not someone he could mess with.

Rupert nodded awkwardly, his face flushed with embarrassment as he slipped out of the room like a beaten dog.

Once the man was gone, Valentin dropped his hand and turned back to Virginia.

His playful expression faded into something more serious. "Are you alright? Did he give you any trouble?"

"I'm fine. Good thing you showed up when you did," Virginia said with a wry smile, casually sliding the medical file back onto the shelf. "What brings you here?"

"I came to pick up my grandfather's evaluation report from last month and figured I'd drop by." Valentin took a couple of steps closer, looking down at her intently. "Next time something like this happens, just call me."

Virginia felt a flutter of warmth and nodded.

"Let's go. I made reservations. I'm taking you to dinner."

Seeing her so agreeable, Valentin's face broke into a bright smile.

...

That evening.

On the thirteenth floor of the city's most luxurious private club, a banquet was in full swing.

"Haha, Rupert, you dog! Going in for a checkup and looking at the scenery instead!"

"Checkup? I went specifically for her. Listen, boys, if any of you suddenly develop insomnia, just head up to the seventh floor and book a session with Dr. Caldwell. That beautiful face... god, just looking at her gets my blood pumping."

"Give it a rest. You don't even know if she has a boyfriend, just running your mouth."

"A boyfriend? That kind of tease might look all prim and proper, but she's just a commodity sitting on a high shelf waiting for the highest bidder. Whoever pays the most..."

Archer couldn't listen to another word. A storm seemed to gather in his dark, unfathomable eyes.

Beside him, Mr. Preston noticed the shift in his demeanor. His face stiffened as he quickly followed Archer's gaze.

Almost immediately, Mr. Preston rushed down to the lounge, lowering his voice in a stern warning.

"Sir, have you had too much to drink?" He signaled with his eyes: The boss upstairs is already displeased. Dial it back.

Someone with Rupert's standing would never have qualified to attend a gathering like this, but Mr. Finch Sr. had recently latched onto a real estate tycoon, earning them a lucky spot on tonight's guest list.