His Wicked Obsession (Archer and Virginia) novel Chapter 248

Archer's breathing grew fractionally heavier, and the hand resting on his knee slowly clenched into a fist.

He didn't turn his head, but he monitored her every single movement through his peripheral vision.

He watched her press the handkerchief delicately to her eyes to dab away the tears, and watched as her turbulent emotions finally began to settle.

"Thank you," Virginia murmured, gripping the fabric. She didn't hand it back immediately.

It was covered in her tears, and knowing how insanely particular he was about cleanliness, she figured she'd better wash it before returning it...

"Mm."

Archer gave a low hum of acknowledgment, his Adam's apple bobbing sharply.

...

Backstage.

Virginia stood outside the dressing room, clutching a gorgeous bouquet of champagne roses she had ordered in advance.

The moment she pushed the door open, Miles practically threw himself out, his hair completely soaked with sweat, not even having taken a second to wipe off his stage makeup.

He had swapped his flashy sequined jacket for a loose, black designer t-shirt, the silver necklace clinking sharply with his erratic movements.

"Ginny!" Miles grabbed the flowers with a massive grin, flashing his signature fangs. He was just about to pull her into a massive bear hug when he caught sight of the towering figure standing right behind her, and he abruptly aborted the mission.

Archer stood there, his bespoke light gray shirt completely devoid of a single wrinkle.

He was positioned perfectly half a step behind Virginia. He wasn't doing anything aggressive, yet the sheer, suffocating dominance of a man accustomed to ultimate authority bled effortlessly into the room.

Miles pulled his hands back, straightened his posture awkwardly, and greeted, "Archer."

Archer gave a subtle nod. His gaze landed on Miles' flushed, triumphant face. "Excellent performance," he said, his voice a low rumble.

Receiving direct praise from his ultimate benefactor sent Miles' ego straight into the stratosphere. He quickly turned, grabbed Virginia's hand, and blinked dramatically. "Ginny, I'm starving. Let's go grab food!"

Virginia lowered her gaze, severing the visual connection, and prepared to keep walking. But as if equipped with a sixth sense, Chloe looked up and locked eyes with the trio.

A violently toxic flash of jealousy spiked in her eyes. Suppressing it instantly, she forced a bright smile. "Virginia? You guys are here for dinner too?"

The moment Eleanor heard the name "Virginia," the sickeningly sweet smile on her face evaporated instantly, replaced by unfiltered, acidic disgust.

Her gaze then moved past Virginia, locking onto Miles.

She froze, her brow furrowing involuntarily.

This boy's facial structure... why did he look so familiar?

The second Miles saw Richard and Eleanor, the bright smile on his face died instantly.

A tidal wave of horrific memories crashed into his brain, draining every ounce of color from his face.

He acted purely on deeply ingrained trauma, unconsciously taking a half-step backward, hiding behind Virginia and lowering his eyes to escape Eleanor's piercing stare.