His Wicked Obsession (Archer and Virginia) novel Chapter 163

"The United States practices monogamy," Archer cut her off before Virginia could say a word. "And I would never betray the woman I love."

The last trace of a smile completely vanished from Katya's face.

She ground her teeth, her knuckles turning white as she gripped her car keys. Finally, she forced out a tight smile. "Well, I won't hold you two up. We'll chat another day."

She turned and got into her car. The engine roared to life, and the white SUV sped away over the snow.

Virginia practically leaped out of Archer's embrace the second Katya was gone, taking two steps sideways to put distance between them.

She walked ahead with her head down, hands shoved in her pockets, hiding her expression from him.

Behind her, Archer watched her slender figure walk further and further away.

He unconsciously raised a hand, his thumb brushing against the cheek she had just "kissed."

There was absolutely no lingering warmth there...

Dropping his hand, he stepped forward and followed her.

...

When they reached her hotel room door, Archer's voice sounded from behind as she swiped her keycard.

"The UK Branch is hosting a party tomorrow night." He paused. "Come with me."

Virginia wanted to say no.

But the thought of staring blankly at the ceiling all day was maddening. The weather forecast predicted snow, so she couldn't go anywhere else, and there was no telling when the airport would reopen.

Pursing her lips, she agreed.

The party was held at an exclusive private club downtown.

Inside the VIP suite, blonde-haired, blue-eyed Henry Davies stood up the moment he saw Archer enter. He greeted him in fluent English, "Mr. Vanderbilt, we've been waiting for you!"

As the operations manager of the UK Branch, the thirtysomething Henry had classic Western features—deep-set eyes and thick brows. When he smiled, he flashed bright white teeth, exuding an energetic and welcoming aura.

His gaze shifted to Virginia, a hint of surprise in his eyes.

She looked stunning tonight in a black high-necked knit dress paired with a cropped white mink coat. Her hair was tied back loosely, and she wore tiny pearl stud earrings.

Upon entering, she followed suit and handed her coat to the waiting staff.

Just then, a young man with glasses approached, speaking with a slight accent. "Is this your first time in the UK, Ms. Caldwell?"

Virginia blinked in surprise.

It was nice to hear someone speaking familiar, if slightly broken, American English in a foreign country.

"No, I come here about once a year," she replied with a faint, polite smile.

"Mr. Vanderbilt is practically a god around here," the young man whispered, looking visibly thrilled.

"The branch barely survived its first two years. He flew out here himself, kept a hawkish eye on operations for three solid months, and aggressively snatched contracts right out of our competitors' jaws."

"Under his leadership this year, our Northern European market share hit thirty-seven percent!"

Virginia cast a sidelong glance at Archer, who remained as stoic as ever. "That's very impressive," she murmured softly.