His Wicked Obsession (Archer and Virginia) novel Chapter 218

He had been drinking.

The thought hit her right as he closed the distance, the heavy, biting scent of premium liquor practically slapping her in the face.

Yet his eyes were terrifyingly sharp, and his steps perfectly steady—he certainly didn't move like a drunk.

"Virginia."

"...You're drunk," she murmured, taking a deliberate half-step backward to maintain a safe, three-foot buffer.

"I'm perfectly sober."

He stared down at her, his typically cold, restrained eyes rimmed with an uncharacteristic, bloodshot intensity.

"Virginia, break up with him."

No lead-up. No pleasantries. Just an arrogant, completely irrational demand spat out like a command.

Virginia froze for a split second. Then, realizing exactly what he was demanding, her tone turned glacial.

"Mr. Vanderbilt, you have absolutely zero right to tell me who to date."

"Let me remind you for the absolute final time. You are Chloe's husband, and Toby's father. You are nothing to me."

He stared her down. His Adam's apple bobbed heavily, and his voice scraped out, bone-dry.

"Valentin isn't right for you..."

"You don't get to decide what's right for me," Virginia cut him off mercilessly. "We're both single. We're together, and we aren't hurting anyone."

Those words sank like a rusted blade straight into his gut.

Archer went completely silent. Seeing the utter conviction blazing in her eyes forced his brow into a tight, pained knot.

Finally, unable to formulate a counterattack, he spun around and folded himself back into the Maybach.

If she had looked closely, she would have noticed an unprecedented, crushing desolation in the broad line of his retreating shoulders.

Taking a deep breath, Virginia tucked a stray lock of hair behind her ear and hurried inside the lobby.

...

The following morning.

Archer sat in his sprawling executive office. Critical contracts were spread across his desk, but he hadn't processed a single word.

Pinching the bridge of his throbbing nose, he hit the intercom button.

Valentin's hand froze mid-air before he awkwardly lowered it to his side.

A second later, a bitter, horribly understanding smile touched his lips.

"Virginia."

"Hm?"

"You don't have to force yourself."

Virginia blinked in confusion. "What do you mean?"

He turned to face her fully, his sharp, fox-like eyes softening with tragic clarity.

"I'll wait for you. I'll wait until you're truly ready to let me in, and then we can start for real. Until then, please... no pressure."

Virginia's eyes widened, struck by his brutal honesty. Lowering her head in shame, she offered a weak, "Okay," followed by a quiet thank you.

She honestly thought she had been doing such a stellar job of hiding her reluctance...

Valentin dropped the subject entirely, simply waving a hand toward the street. His driver instantly pulled the town car up to the curb.

"Come on. Let's get you home."