His Wicked Obsession (Archer and Virginia) novel Chapter 191

Liam Kendrick watched her play the aggrieved yet accommodating ex-wife, prioritizing Archer Vanderbilt's feelings. The alcohol went to his head, and in a moment of reckless impulsivity, he blurted out,

"That's true. Considering your ex-wife is sitting right here, we should probably be mindful."

The entire table froze.

A fleeting trace of panic flashed through Chloe Caldwell's eyes before she swiftly suppressed it.

She tightened her grip on her glass, cursing him as an idiot in her mind.

She wanted Virginia Caldwell, that bitch, to be humiliated, pushed into a corner, and turned into the target of everyone's mockery—but she absolutely did not want anyone to know about the relationship between Virginia and Archer!

But Liam couldn't seem to hit the brakes. He cast a cold look at Virginia. "Sorry about that, Dr. Caldwell. I spoke out of turn. But you and Archer have been divorced for so long, you shouldn't mind, right? Or do you two... still have something going on?"

He smiled, his tone frivolous and entirely devoid of respect.

Not many people knew about Archer and Virginia's one-year marriage, and with that single comment, Liam had shattered the last lingering illusion of secrecy.

Virginia tightened her grip on her glass, then relaxed it. After a long moment, her expression remained blank as she set the glass down and stood up.

"Excuse me, I have matters to attend to at the clinic. I'll be leaving now."

Without waiting for a response, she picked up her clutch and turned to walk out.

Her pace remained steady, her spine perfectly straight; she showed absolutely no sign of vulnerability.

But only she knew that her fingertips were trembling and turning ice-cold...

Just as she stepped out of the banquet hall, she heard footsteps approaching from behind.

"Virginia."

It was Archer.

She didn't stop. Instead, she picked up her pace toward the elevators.

He caught up in a few strides, grabbing her wrist to force her to stop.

"Let go." Virginia didn't look back, her voice a few degrees colder than usual.

"...I'll give you a ride."

"No need." She forcefully yanked her wrist free and finally turned to face him.

The black velvet dress accentuated her luminous skin, and the delicate chain resting on her collarbone rose and fell with her breaths.

But her expression was icy, like an unapproachable glacier that could never be thawed...

"You lost. Three drinks."

Liam stared at the dice in disbelief. He had indeed lost.

He lost the next round, too.

"Five drinks." Archer's voice revealed no emotion, but his predatory gaze was an unreadable abyss.

Liam's expression changed. "Archer, I..."

"Archer, today is Liam's welcome home party, let's not overdo it..."

"You're not a sore loser, are you? You were quite lively when you were playing with other people's feelings just a moment ago."

Just as Chloe spoke, Archer cut her off, finally raising his eyes to look at Liam.

His gaze was somber and oppressive, sending chills down the spine.

A shudder ran through Liam, instantly snapping him out of his drunken haze. Without another word of protest, he raised his glass and downed the alcohol.

For several consecutive rounds, Liam lost every single game and drained every single glass.