His Wicked Obsession (Archer and Virginia) novel Chapter 25

Madeline looked thoroughly embarrassed and couldn't utter a single word. George simply cleared his throat, mumbling a vague noise of agreement to save face.

Chloe was the only one staring at Virginia and Cindy, her eyes swimming with poorly concealed jealousy. But she quickly masked her expression, sniffing pitifully as she offered an unprompted apology.

"I'm so sorry, Virginia. Please don't blame Mom and Dad, they were just so worried about Toby that they overreacted. I'll make sure to keep a closer eye on him and communicate more with his teachers from now on."

The blatant hostility from her own family left Virginia completely cold. She didn't bother responding, having absolutely no desire to stay in that house a minute longer.

Bending down, she scooped Cindy into her arms and gave a stiff nod to the room. "If there's nothing else, I'm taking Cindy home."

Madeline opened her mouth, likely to drop another lecture, but George firmly patted the back of her hand, forcing her to swallow the bitter words.

Virginia carried Cindy toward the front door. Just as she crossed the threshold, heavy footsteps echoed behind her.

"I'll drive you."

Archer's deep voice drifted over from a few paces away.

Virginia didn't stop walking, nor did she look back. "Thanks for the offer, Mr. Vanderbilt, but there's no need."

"Don't overthink it. It's on my way." His tone was terrifyingly casual, yet laced with an undeniable authority. Before she could protest again, he had already bypassed her and pulled the back door of his car open.

Virginia stood on the front steps, glancing down at the little girl in her arms.

Cindy had both arms wrapped tightly around Virginia's neck, her face buried deep in her shoulder, completely mute.

The vicious interrogation in the living room had clearly terrified the poor kid.

Not wanting to start a screaming match with Archer on the Caldwells' front lawn and invite even more toxic gossip, Virginia swallowed her pride and climbed into the car with Cindy.

The backseat was massive. Archer wordlessly took Cindy from her arms and expertly strapped the little girl into the safety seat. Throughout the entire process, Cindy's face remained rigid with anxiety.

The engine purred to life, and the drive began in suffocating silence.

Archer focused entirely on the road, his eyes glued to the windshield, refusing to speak a single word.

After several agonizing minutes of quiet, Cindy suddenly mumbled into the heavy air.

"Mommy."

"Yeah?"

"I don't like Chloe."

Zachary Cole handed over a thick manila folder, casually dropping a reminder. "Also, Boss, Chloe's follow-up evaluation report from last week is ready. Doctor White's office called to say we can pick it up."

Archer's fingers paused mid-air as he capped his fountain pen. "Mhm." He scribbled his signature on the current document, tossed the pen aside, and stood up to grab his tailored suit jacket.

Zachary blinked in shock. "Are you... going personally?"

"Yes."

Zachary opened his mouth but didn't dare question the billionaire's motives.

Only when Archer had completely vanished from the executive suite did he dare to mutter under his breath, "It's just a piece of paper. I could have easily run the errand. Why would the boss waste his time going all the way down there..."

The senior secretary next to him delivered a swift kick to his shin, shutting him up instantly.

...

The Clinic.

After signing in at the front desk, Archer bypassed the waiting room and took the elevator straight up to Virginia's wing.

The second the elevator doors chimed open, a bloodcurdling scream tore through the far end of the corridor, followed instantly by the deafening crash of heavy furniture being hurled to the floor.