His Wicked Obsession (Archer and Virginia) novel Chapter 319

"Cindy, do you remember me?" Mandy crouched down and pulled an exquisitely wrapped limited-edition mystery box from her designer bag. "I'm a friend of your mommy and Mr. Archer. I came specifically to see you today."

Ms. Lane had personally witnessed the billionaire boss ruthlessly defend this little girl before. Seeing a complete stranger approach, she immediately pulled Cindy behind her, instantly on guard.

"Who are you?"

Cindy frowned beautifully and shrank behind Ms. Lane, her tiny hands gripping the teacher's dress tightly.

"I don't know you," the little girl said softly, completely ignoring the toy in Mandy's hand.

Mandy's smile faltered for a second, but she quickly recovered.

She pushed the toy forward a bit more. "That's okay! We're just getting to know each other. I'm Mandy. I can take you out for yummy food and buy you lots and lots of toys. Whatever you want, I'll buy it for you."

Cindy kept her face completely stoic and shook her head.

"Mommy said I can't take things from strangers."

The little girl's logic was flawless, making her completely impenetrable.

Seeing the woman still trying to push the issue, Ms. Lane's expression turned severe. "I'm sorry, Miss, but I don't know who you are. Please leave immediately, or I will call security."

Mandy ground her teeth together. Defeated, she stomped her high heels and stormed off to her Porsche sports car without looking back.

Terrified of an accident, Ms. Lane gave Mrs. Lewis a serious warning as soon as she arrived to pick up the child.

......

Two days later, in the glass conservatory on the top floor of an exclusive private club.

Outside, the heat was suffocating, but inside, the air conditioning was set perfectly, and the elegant scent of tea lingered in the air.

Mandy reveled in the center of attention. She picked up her teacup, her gaze locking onto Virginia across the long table.

"Virginia, you haven't been working lately, so you probably don't have the spare cash to fund yourself, do you?" She smiled harmlessly, but her words dripped with condescending charity. "But don't worry, I'll cover your expenses completely. Just consider it a vacation to clear your head."

"After all, you rarely ever get the chance to fly first class, right?"

Mrs. Thorne rolled her eyes from the sidelines and took a sip of her tea.

A woman who had earned the deep respect of the Vanderbilt matriarch couldn't afford first class? What a delusional idiot!

Virginia didn't even blink. With a graceful turn of her wrist, she expertly whisked the tea into a fine foam.

"Miss Sterling." Elias cleared his throat awkwardly and opened his itinerary binder. "We appreciate your generosity. However, the Vanderbilt Group's executive office contacted us early this morning. Mr. Vanderbilt is personally covering the entire cost of this trip."