His Wicked Obsession (Archer and Virginia) novel Chapter 216

Summit Capital was hosting its annual luxury business gala.

Archer was one of the esteemed VIPs, though he made a fashionably late entrance.

He wore a striking bespoke black suit accented with minimalist matte platinum cufflinks. Devoid of flashy patterns, the outfit practically oozed dangerous, unapproachable power.

Chloe was draped in a gorgeous, forest-green velvet gown from Chanel's latest runway collection. The cut perfectly showcased her delicate collarbones, paired with elegant, flawless makeup.

Arm in arm, they glided into the ballroom, Chloe sporting a demure, picture-perfect smile.

Barely moments after stepping inside, the event organizers rushed over to greet them. But before pleasantries could even be exchanged...

Archer's peripheral vision snagged on something across the room.

It was Valentin and Virginia.

They were nestled by a corner bar. Valentin’s tall frame was angled protectively, shielding her from the chaotic, boozy crowd and the wandering, predatory gazes of other men.

With one hand resting casually on the back of her chair, he was leaning in close, murmuring something for her ears only.

Virginia wore a stunning, ivory satin cocktail dress, draped with an oversized, sharply tailored men's blazer. Her hair was elegantly pinned up, accentuating the slender, luminous curve of her neck.

She was smiling.

It was a soft smile, but it was incredibly relaxed. It was genuine.

The fingers stuffed deep inside Archer's pockets clenched instantly. A dangerous, unreadable darkness flashed through his eyes.

Archer commanded too much presence to ignore, naturally drawing the room's attention the second he arrived. Valentin spotted them immediately.

The corners of Valentin's sharp eyes crinkled into an amused arc. Leaning down, he whispered one last thing to Virginia before straightening up and confidently guiding her over to intercept them.

"Mr. Vanderbilt. Mrs. Vanderbilt. Fancy seeing you here."

Valentin offered a wide, entirely unbothered smile, his gaze flicking between Archer and Chloe. "You two make quite the handsome couple."

Chloe maintained her graceful facade, though her grip on Archer’s arm tightened reflexively.

He looked completely composed on the surface, but she could clearly feel the rock-hard tension radiating from his bicep—and it terrified her.

Archer remained perfectly still, his eyes locked dead onto Virginia’s tranquil face.

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