His Wicked Obsession (Archer and Virginia) novel Chapter 189

Three days later, at The Peninsula Hotel.

Virginia ultimately decided to attend, strictly out of professional courtesy.

She wore a breathtaking, floor-length black velvet gown. A delicate silver chain rested against her collarbones, and her long hair flowed freely over her shoulders. With simple, understated star-shaped earrings, she looked effortlessly stunning and dangerously unapproachable.

The ballroom was aggressively opulent. Dripping crystal chandeliers, massive floral installations, towering champagne pyramids, and crowds of heavily dressed socialites filled the room.

Virginia quietly slipped away to a secluded corner. She had just picked up a glass of sparkling water when a voice called out from her left.

"Dr. Caldwell."

It was Liam.

He was dressed to the nines in a bespoke suit, striding toward her with eager steps. With his gold-rimmed glasses, he gave off a refined, intellectual vibe, though his smile was dialed up to an intense warmth.

"Mr. Kendrick. Welcome back."

Matching the face to her memory, Virginia offered a perfectly polite, professional nod.

"Oh, please, enough with the formalities. You practically saved my life," Liam laughed, his eyes glittering with something she couldn't quite read. "If you hadn't stepped in and fixed my head, I swear I wouldn't have survived the pressure. Tonight, the first toast is absolutely dedicated to you."

Before Virginia could formulate a polite rejection, a sudden wave of commotion near the grand entrance demanded her attention.

Archer and Chloe were walking in side by side.

He was wearing a devastatingly sharp, custom-tailored black three-piece suit tonight. His platinum cufflinks caught the light with every move, and from head to toe, he exuded the suffocating, predatory dominance of an apex predator.

Chloe clung tightly to his arm, dressed in an angelic white evening gown. Her long hair cascaded in perfect waves, and a sickly-sweet smile was plastered across her face.

The gazes of all four people locked violently in the center of the room.

Chloe was the first to break the tension. She immediately let go of Archer's arm and hurried over with hurried little steps. "Virginia? You're here too! It's been forever!"

Her voice was layered with the exact, calculated amount of pleasant surprise.

As she stepped closer, she reached out, fully intending to link her arm affectionately with Virginia's. Without missing a beat, Virginia took a sip of her water, turning her body just enough to smoothly dodge the physical contact.

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