His Wicked Obsession (Archer and Virginia) novel Chapter 181

Virginia pressed her lower lip into a tight line. After two seconds of silence, she shoved her phone into her purse and walked over. "Sorry for the trouble. Where's Toby?"

"Zachary took him home. Let's go."

Since the car was gone, the three of them had to take a taxi back to her apartment.

Throughout the ride, apart from responding to the little girl's occasional chatter, the two adults barely exchanged a word.

Downstairs at the apartment.

The taxi pulled to a smooth stop. Archer stepped out first, walking around to the other side to lift Cindy out of the car.

Cindy wrapped her arms tightly around his neck, refusing to let go, her soft little face nuzzling against his shoulder.

He hadn't said a word the entire way, but Virginia could tell that a man of his aristocratic status was hardly accustomed to riding in cramped cabs.

"Thank you for bringing us back. I'll take her." She reached out to take Cindy.

Her words were a polite dismissal.

Archer's dark gaze grew heavy.

"I'll walk you up."

"That won't be necessary, Mr. Vanderbilt, you-"

Without waiting for her to finish, Archer turned and walked straight toward the building entrance.

Virginia pressed her lips together, deciding not to argue, and quickly caught up with him.

Cradled in his strong arms, Cindy leaned forward, reaching out for Virginia. A warm smile graced Virginia's face as she raised her hand in response.

But in the very next second, before she could react, Archer intercepted her raised hand, wrapping his long fingers around hers.

His palm was broad and dry, radiating a searing body heat. His grip wasn't painful, but it was unyielding, leaving her no room to pull away.

Virginia's body stiffened, her eyes instinctively darting around their surroundings.

She lowered her voice, a sharp warning in her tone. "Archer!"

He didn't let go.

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