His Wicked Obsession (Archer and Virginia) novel Chapter 375

Archer sat in the cavernous living room of the South Hill estate, a mug of black coffee in his hand.

Hearing the kid's sweet, soft voice, the harsh lines around his eyes melted instantly.

"Cindy, what are you up to?"

"Drawing a giant castle." Cindy swung her little legs, shot a glance toward the kitchen, then covered her mouth with a tiny hand and whispered, "Mr. Vanderbilt, did you fight with Mommy again?"

Archer paused, his dark gaze dimming.

"What makes you say that?"

"Because Mommy hasn't talked about you for days, and she won't take me to see you." Cindy pouted, acting like a miniature adult. "My uncle said that when you make a girl mad, you have to sweet-talk her. You're so clueless, someone else is going to steal Mommy away."

Listening to the girl's lisping advice, a bitter knot tightened in his chest.

At that exact moment, Virginia walked out with a bowl of fruit.

Cindy's big eyes went wide, and she hissed, "Mommy's coming! Gotta go!"

Before he could even respond, the dial tone buzzed in his ear.

...

Wednesday afternoon, at The Gilded Peony, a short drive from her clinic.

Dr. Shaw had recommended the place previously, so Virginia, finding herself alone on a whim, decided to give it a try.

She wore an ivory sleeveless silk dress, her long hair pinned up casually with an ornamental clasp. The host guided her to a plush booth by the window.

She had just ordered and taken a sip of her lemon water when a grating voice shattered the serene atmosphere.

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