His Wicked Obsession (Archer and Virginia) novel Chapter 18

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The VIP lounge was located on the second floor of the convention center, guarded by dedicated security personnel.

Archer gave his name, and after verifying their identities, the staff escorted the two inside.

The lounge was minimalist and elegant, with plush sofas arranged in distinct clusters.

Sitting by the window was a white-haired older gentleman. Dressed in a cozy gray cashmere cardigan and wire-rimmed glasses, he was currently flipping through a file.

"Doctor White," Archer greeted smoothly.

The older man looked up, his gaze sweeping coolly over Archer and Chloe before offering a noncommittal nod.

"Hello, I am Archer Vanderbilt, CEO of the Vanderbilt Group. I had the privilege of meeting you five years ago at a seminar hosted by Mercer Psychiatric Hospital."

Doctor White adjusted his glasses. "I recall. At the time, you mentioned wanting me to provide PTSD treatment for someone close to you."

"That's correct." Archer stepped slightly to the side, gesturing for Chloe to step forward. "This is my partner. She suffered a trauma several years ago and developed PTSD. The symptoms have been relapsing constantly, and the specialists we've seen haven't yielded ideal results."

Chloe appropriately lowered her eyes, her voice soft and fragile. "Doctor White, we've done a lot of research. Everyone says that you and your protégé, Ginny, are the absolute authorities in this field... I am truly hoping you can help me."

Doctor White didn't immediately respond.

He picked up the teacup in front of him, took a slow sip, set it down, and then looked directly at Archer. "This 'Ginny' you mentioned. Do you know her?"

"I do not," Archer replied, his face a mask of calm. "I heard Ginny is your star pupil and practically your equal in trauma therapy. We initially hoped to consult her."

Doctor White fell silent for two seconds. His gaze drifted past Archer's shoulder, flicking toward the entrance of the lounge.

Standing right outside the door was Virginia. She was angled slightly sideways, an event itinerary in her hand. She looked up, and her eyes met Doctor White's.

She had clearly heard everything that was just said, yet her expression remained completely blank. Not even a single twitch of an eyebrow betrayed her.

"Doctor White, I..." Chloe bit her lower lip. "I've done my research. Dr. Vance's academic achievements are nowhere near yours or Ginny's. My condition is highly complex, and I'm afraid..."

"Miss, Dr. Vance is more than capable." Doctor White cut her off, leaving zero room for negotiation. "Psychological treatment relies on mutual cooperation and trust between the doctor and the patient, not on fame."

Chloe choked on her words, her face flushing red and then draining of color.

Archer's voice betrayed no emotion as he smoothly intervened, "Doctor White, I understand your position completely. However, if an opening does become available, I would appreciate it if you prioritized our case."

"We'll see." Doctor White picked up his teacup again, a universal gesture of dismissal.

Archer's expression remained neutral, not a ripple of annoyance showing. He didn't push the issue, simply standing up and leading Chloe out.

As he passed the entrance of the VIP lounge, his brow furrowed slightly, and his steps hitched.

Just a moment ago, out of the corner of his eye, he thought he caught a glimpse of a familiar silhouette—Virginia.