His Wicked Obsession (Archer and Virginia) novel Chapter 302

Virginia frowned and tapped on the pictures.

The photos were a bit blurry, but she could still clearly see the man's tall back and Mandy's coy expression as she offered him water.

And the way they stood so close together...

She stared at the screen for a few seconds, her fingers hovering over the keyboard.

After a moment of hesitation, she didn't type anything. Instead, she locked her phone, placed it face down on the table, and picked up the thick journal again.

But the familiar English words on the pages now looked like a jumbled mess. She couldn't focus at all.

She took a sip of her iced Americano, barely suppressing the sudden wave of irritation in her chest.

A little after eight that night.

The electronic lock at the front door beeped open.

Archer pushed the door open, carrying a faint scent of tobacco mixed with Oud & Bergamot.

He handed his suit jacket to the housekeeper, loosened his tie, and swapped his shoes before stepping into the living room.

Virginia was sitting cross-legged on the rug, a few patient files spread out in front of her.

Hearing him come in, she didn't even look up, continuing to make notes with her pen.

Archer walked over to her and looked down at her for a moment.

She looked incredibly focused, her profile cool and soft, as if nothing else in the world mattered to her.

He crouched down, resting one hand on the rug, and leaned in closer.

"What are you reading so intently?"

Virginia didn't even bat an eyelash. "Patient files."

Her tone was incredibly flat, carrying a casual distance that kept him miles away.

Archer's movements paused.

He knew this look all too well.

Archer's gaze darkened, and he cut straight to the chase.

"You heard about what happened at the golf course this afternoon."

Virginia's hand paused as she turned a page, but she didn't say a word.

"Chairman Sterling brought her over on his own. There is nothing going on between us." Archer couldn't tell if he was upset or pleased.

Upset that she didn't trust him, yet pleased that she was actually jealous of another woman getting close to him.

He reached out, his large hand easily wrapping around her slender wrist, refusing to let her dodge the issue. "Zachary can back me up, and so can the security footage at the golf course."

"...You don't need to explain anything to me. That's your private business." Virginia tugged her hand, but couldn't break free.

"Private business?" Archer repeated the words, a sudden surge of anger flaring in his chest. "Virginia, we live together. We sleep in the same bed. And you think this is my private business?"

Virginia met his stare.

When he saw nothing but cool rationale in her eyes, the last thread of his restraint snapped.