His Wicked Obsession (Archer and Virginia) novel Chapter 209

Right on cue, Zachary arrived in a rush.

"Apologies, Mr. Vanderbilt. I'm late."

"Send these people to the police station." Archer's face was devoid of warmth, a barely perceptible ruthlessness flashing in his eyes.

Zachary respectfully obliged, coordinating with the on-site security to haul the group off to the local precinct.

Archer, meanwhile, escorted Virginia away from the scene and took her straight back to her apartment.

He unlocked the door with practiced ease, walking straight to the TV cabinet to grab the first-aid kit.

She pressed her lips together and shrank back slightly. "I'm fine. They didn't even touch me."

"...You've said thank you a lot today."

He set the first-aid kit down, gently grasping her wrist and inspecting it carefully, as if refusing to take her word for it.

Virginia stared down at her shoes. The accidental brush of his thumb against her skin made her squirm with discomfort.

She pulled her hand back, intending to ask him to leave, but before she could speak, he stood up, packed away the kit, and said over his shoulder, "Don't go out alone for the next few days."

"Okay."

"Virginia." Sensing her dismissive tone, he frowned and called her by her full name. "Now is not the time to act tough. You saw what those people were like—they're capable of anything!"

She didn't respond, pulling his suit jacket tighter around herself as she slumped onto the sofa.

The jacket carried the faint scent of his oud and bergamot cologne—dry, crisp, and intoxicatingly masculine. It made her want to sink into it against her will.

Closing her eyes, she suddenly felt exhausted to her bones.

Archer parted his lips, but ultimately decided not to say anything more.

...

Over the next few days, the online controversy had been scrubbed clean, but the real-world harassment continued sporadically. Between gathering legal documents for Julian and taking care of Cindy every night, Virginia was completely drained within just two days.

The following afternoon, she received a call from Archer.

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