His Wicked Obsession (Archer and Virginia) novel Chapter 65

Silence stretched between them.

Virginia was the first to break the awkward tension. "Let's head back. Clem should be done by now."

Archer said nothing, his expression stoic as he followed her back inside.

They kept a deliberate few paces apart, neither uttering a single word the entire way.

...

Meanwhile, back at the party.

Chloe stepped out of the changing room, having slipped into the backup gown provided by the Sherwoods—a pale green dress with a trailing skirt.

But a spare dress was never going to fit like bespoke couture.

Standing barely over five feet, with a small frame and a flat chest, the flowing gown was noticeably baggy on her, failing to accentuate any curves.

She hiked up the heavy skirt as she hurried back to the hall, her eyes frantically sweeping the room.

A moment later, two figures caught her eye, sending a jolt of pure rage through her veins.

It was Archer and Virginia, walking side by side.

Although they maintained an arm's length of distance and weren't speaking.

What truly caught Chloe's eye was the overcoat draped casually over Archer's arm.

He had been wearing it when she left. He was a man who absolutely never took off his jacket in public without a very specific reason!

Chloe's hands balled into furious fists, her nails biting into her skin. But she wasn't foolish enough to storm over and make a scene.

After all, she had already embarrassed herself enough for one night.

...

The party concluded. On the drive home, the interior of the Rolls-Royce was agonizingly quiet.

Chloe sat next to Archer, not daring to speak for most of the ride.

Just as they were nearing the house, she finally broke.

That weekend, at the Caldwell Estate.

Richard and Eleanor Sutton carried two massive bags of health supplements as the maid escorted them into the living room.

Eleanor wore a blush-pink cashmere coat, her hair pinned up meticulously. An average-quality jade bangle adorned her wrist.

Although the Suttons' business had been struggling in recent years, they still carried themselves with an unbearable air of superiority.

"Chloe," Eleanor called out warmly as she walked in. Chloe looked up, her expression transforming instantly.

She set down her cup and rushed over to greet them, her voice dropping into a sweet, helpless register. "Dad, Mom. What are you doing here?"

She linked her arm through Eleanor's. The older woman beamed with joy but feigned a dramatic gasp. "You've lost weight, Chloe! Have you not been eating well?"

"No, my appetite's just been a bit off lately." Chloe leaned into Eleanor, lowering her voice. "It's just... this isn't really my home."

Richard sat down nearby and took a sip of his tea. "If you're not happy here, have your mother help you pack. You're moving back home with us today."

Chloe lowered her head, her eyelashes fluttering. She cast a timid glance in the direction of the Caldwells' master bedroom before looking away, muttering softly: