His Wicked Obsession (Archer and Virginia) novel Chapter 226

After Virginia settled inside, he bypassed the front passenger seat entirely and walked around to slide into the back with them.

Cynthia sat right between them, one hand clutching her mother's while the other tugged on his shirt sleeve.

"Mr. Archer, you were so amazing today."

"Was I?"

"Brighton's dad is usually so mean, but he looked like a terrified mouse when he saw you." Cynthia tilted her head, her big eyes sparkling brightly. "Can you come pick me up every single day?"

A warm, genuine smile touched Archer's features. He gently pinched her chubby cheek. "I will."

Virginia leaned quietly against the window, her mind drifting far away as her daughter's praise echoed in her ears.

She replayed the scene at the kindergarten.

The sight of Mr. Preston groveling pathetically before him, his horrible wife completely terrified into silence, and the raw heartbreak in Archer's eyes when he inspected Cynthia's bruised arm.

She had raised her daughter entirely alone for the past four years, never once having anyone step in to protect them. She was completely used to surviving without relying on a single soul.

But today, when Archer stormed through those doors, she had to admit—she felt a profound wave of relief.

There was no denying that he was stepping up as a genuinely devoted father.

They had been driving for over ten minutes before Virginia finally realized they were heading the wrong way.

"This isn't the way to the apartment."

"I'm taking you two to pick up a few things."

"Like what?"

The little girl excitedly answered for him. "Yummy treats! Mr. Archer promised me!"

Virginia shot a glance at Archer. He was chuckling softly as he entertained the little girl, his normally sharp jawline softer than she had ever seen it.

She parted her lips to object, but ultimately decided to let it go.

...

Up on the third floor of the luxury mall.

Cynthia perched happily on a tall stool inside Häagen-Dazs. With a giant scoop of pink strawberry ice cream in front of her, she shoved a tiny spoonful into her mouth, her eyes curving into joyful crescents.

"So yummy!"

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