His Wicked Obsession (Archer and Virginia) novel Chapter 305

Virginia closed the piano lid and stood up, looking entirely unbothered.

She walked over to Mandy and pulled out a handkerchief to wipe her fingers.

"I haven't played in a while, so I'm a bit rusty. You were quite good, Miss Sterling."

Mandy forced a smile that looked worse than crying. "Virginia... when did you learn to play? I had no idea."

"Just a little hobby."

With that, Virginia tossed the handkerchief into the trash, picked up her bag, and offered a polite smile to the group. "Ladies, I have some errands to run. I'll take my leave."

She had barely stepped out of the conservatory when the sharp click of high heels echoed behind her.

"Virginia, what's the rush?" It was Mandy.

She rushed forward, blocking Virginia's path.

With no one else around, Mandy dropped the fake innocence entirely, her face twisting with blatant jealousy and contempt.

Virginia stopped and frowned at her, but didn't say a word.

Mandy scoffed, crossing her arms as she stared down her nose at Virginia.

"You don't actually think playing one song changes anything, do you? Everyone in our circle knows Archer is practically untouchable. So what if you live under the same roof? You still sleep in separate beds."

Emboldened by Virginia's silence, Mandy's tone dripped with supreme arrogance.

"How long can you tolerate this platonic relationship? Archer needs a capable wife who can fight alongside him in the business world, not a useless woman who just plays with fragrances at home and counsels old people."

"Only someone with my education and background is worthy of him. Since you can't give him what he wants, you should just step aside gracefully so we can all save face."

*Ding.* The elevator doors down the hall opened.

Virginia simply walked around her and stepped into the elevator. She turned around, her gaze landing on Mandy's face, which was slightly twisted with envy.

"Since you understand him so perfectly, Miss Sterling, why don't you go tell him that?"

The moment they stepped inside, they commanded the attention of the entire room.

Mandy was dressed in a shimmering couture gown, her makeup stunning and clearly the result of hours of preparation.

As soon as she spotted Archer, she grabbed two flutes of champagne and strutted over with a sickly sweet smile.

"Archer, you made it!" Mandy completely ignored Virginia, offering him one of the glasses.

Archer didn't take it.

"Yes. Where is Chairman Sterling?"

Mandy's hand froze midair. She gritted her teeth and tried to save face. "My dad is waiting for you over there. He mentioned he has a few projects to discuss with you."

Just then, a waiter walked by carrying a tray of delicate mille-feuille pastries loaded with cream.

Virginia was allergic to cream. The moment she saw the tray, she gave a barely noticeable frown.