His Wicked Obsession (Archer and Virginia) novel Chapter 317

"What happened to Cindy was my fault." The ruthless corporate titan, who could upend the business world with a single word, was now adopting a terribly submissive posture, his tone almost begging. "Ginny, don't go. I swear, nothing like this will ever happen again. Give me a chance to make it up to you..."

Virginia looked at his bloodshot eyes and the dark stubble on his jawline from days of exhaustion. Her grip on her water glass tightened.

She wasn't trying to complicate things; she simply wanted a change of scenery to properly think about their relationship and where they stood moving forward.

But seeing him like this made her feel as though she were the one being unreasonable.

"You don't need to make up for anything. Given the situation, your choice was the most logical one," she stated calmly, simply laying out the facts.

"..." Archer suddenly reached out, wrapping his hand securely around her wrist. He stared deeply into her eyes, his pitch-black gaze suppressing an intense, overwhelming panic. "Ginny, stay."

They stood in a tense stalemate for several seconds.

From inside the house, Cindy's sleepy, muffled voice drifted out. "Mommy..."

Using the distraction, Virginia pulled her hand free and turned back toward the house.

Though she didn't give a verbal answer, her silence was the best response he could hope for.

Looking at his empty palm, Archer finally felt the rigid tension in his jaw relax just a fraction.

That afternoon, Archer broke all precedent and skipped work.

He had Zachary deliver a limited-edition global exclusive Disney princess castle block set and several rare plush toys, practically transforming the living room into a miniature theme park.

Sitting on the living room rug in a little pink dress, a small bandage still on her forehead, Cindy hugged a giant plush rabbit, grinning from ear to ear.

"Mr. Archer, this bunny is so soft!"

"I'm glad you like it."

Archer wore only a black casual shirt, the sleeves rolled up to his elbows to reveal his muscular forearms.

He sat cross-legged on the rug, accompanying the little girl as she played.

"Eat a little more. You've lost weight lately," he said, his voice deep.

Virginia lowered her eyes, masking her emotions, and took a sip from her porcelain spoon.

Swallowing the soup, she set the spoon down, pulled a tissue to wipe her mouth, and said sincerely, "The soup is delicious, thank you. I'm full."

With that, she turned to the little girl. "How about you? Are you full?"

Before Cindy could answer, Mrs. Lewis quickly stepped forward. "I'll take care of Cindy. Ms. Caldwell, you've been tired all day. Please go upstairs and rest."

Helena had specifically instructed the staff to play matchmaker for Archer and Virginia over the next few days. The moving truck incident earlier was entirely due to Helena secretly calling Archer.

Virginia gave her a knowing glance, kissed the little girl's forehead, and walked up to the second floor without a word.

Archer watched her slender silhouette disappear up the stairs, an intense wave of emotion churning in his eyes, which he forcefully suppressed.