His Wicked Obsession (Archer and Virginia) novel Chapter 295

An imperceptible flash of impatience crossed Chloe's eyes, but she maintained an expression of total innocence. "What is it?"

"Toby..." Liam stared intently at her face, refusing to miss a single micro-expression. "Whose child is he really? What exactly happened when you were abroad?"

Chloe's face went pale for a split second, extreme revulsion and denial flashing rapidly through her eyes.

She took a deep breath and turned away, feigning agony as if the memory was too painful to bear. "Stop asking. I don't know."

The truth was, she genuinely didn't know.

Heartbroken when she went abroad, she had gotten black-out drunk at a club and was taken away by someone for the night. Next thing she knew, she was pregnant with Toby Vanderbilt.

That faceless man had become a waking nightmare she refused to ever recall.

If that bastard child wasn't somewhat useful in keeping Archer anchored to her, she wouldn't even want to look at him!

Ever since she recovered from her illness and her memories returned, and ever since Archer moved out of Bayview Manor, she hadn't shown Toby a single ounce of affection.

On her worst days, she even resorted to physical and verbal abuse.

Watching her defensive posture, something shifted deep in Liam's eyes, but Chloe was too lost in her own twisted reality to notice.

...

That evening, at Bayview Manor.

Archer walked into the living room, carrying two limited-edition Lego sets.

He had come straight from the office, still dressed in his sharp dark suit. His tie was impeccably knotted, and he radiated a chilling, unapproachable aura.

Chloe and Toby weren't the only ones in the living room; George and Madeline Caldwell were there as well.

George wore a dark navy silk suit, while Madeline was dressed in an elegant champagne gown.

Chloe read his mind in an instant. Reaching behind him, she subtly pinched Toby hard.

The little boy flinched, his eyes instantly tearing up. He tugged at Archer's shirt collar. "Daddy, I want to eat with Daddy... Daddy, don't go..."

Looking into the little boy's red-rimmed eyes, and remembering how he hadn't been there when Toby had a fever a few days ago, Archer swallowed his refusal.

Finally, he offered a single word: "Alright."

After dinner, Archer intended to leave, but George stopped him, suggesting they grab a cup of tea since they hadn't seen each other in a while.

As soon as he sat down, George started his lecture.

"Archer, as an elder, I shouldn't interfere in your personal matters. But you know how frail Chloe's health has been these past few years. It's not easy for her to raise a child on her own. No matter how busy work gets, you need to carve out time to be with her and the boy."

Madeline chimed in in agreement. "He's right. Chloe is so devoted, she only has eyes for you. You two used to..."