His Wicked Obsession (Archer and Virginia) novel Chapter 34

Madeline walked in carrying a thermos, her usual poised elegance entirely replaced by tension and worry. The very first thing she did was reach out with red rimmed eyes to cup Chloe's face.

“You've lost weight.”

George followed closely behind in a sharp suit. His expression was stern, but the deep affection in his eyes was impossible to hide.

He looked down at Chloe lovingly, his voice thick with emotion. “This is Virginia's clinic. Focus on recovering here, and just tell Virginia if you need anything.”

With a single sentence, he thrust the responsibility of her care onto Virginia.

Chloe leaned back against the hospital pillows, surrounded by everyone. Her eyes were slightly red as she murmured softly, “I'm fine. Archer is taking great care of me.”

Her tone was dripping with spoiled affection.

Madeline's heart ached for her. She sat on the edge of the bed, holding Chloe's hand, repeatedly cooing, “My poor baby has suffered so much.”

George stood nearby, and though he wasn't a man of many words, his eyes were full of pity as he watched his daughter.

The hospital room door was wide open. Virginia stood in the doorway wearing her white coat, her feet practically glued to the floor.

She held the admission evaluation form, intending to get Chloe's signature.

But looking at the room overflowing with familial warmth, she couldn't bring herself to ruin the moment.

No one even noticed she was there.

Madeline was fully focused on ladling out some warm chicken stew for Chloe. “Mom spent the entire morning making this. It's still a bit hot, so take your time.”

Chloe's gaze accidentally swept toward the doorway. A provocative smirk tugged at the corner of her lips before she took the bowl with both hands, sipping it obediently. “Mom's cooking is always the best.”

Oh, you bitch. So what if you stole my biological mother? The one she truly loves the most is still me!

“If you like it, Mom will bring you more tomorrow.” Madeline's eyes gleamed with tears, her voice unbelievably tender.

“Dr. Caldwell?” Archer was the first to spot her standing near the door, looking completely alienated from the scene inside.

Virginia gripped the edge of the clipboard tightly, lowering her eyes to take a deep breath. Once she had her emotions locked down, she walked in with a faint, polite smile.

“Apologies for the interruption. Chloe, this is the admission evaluation form. I need your signature here.”

Early on the second morning, Virginia walked in to drop off the latest medication review. When she knocked and entered, Archer was the only one there.

Chloe was off doing scans with a nurse.

Virginia set the folder on the table, briefly outlined a few instructions, and turned to leave.

“Dr. Caldwell.”

She stopped but didn't turn around.

Archer sat on the sofa, lifting his gaze from his documents to look at her back.

“Doctor White said the forty-eight-hour observation period ends tomorrow morning, correct?”

“Yes. You can handle the discharge paperwork around ten tomorrow morning.”

Silence.

Virginia tightened her grip on her pen and lifted her foot to step away when he spoke again. “You look a bit pale today. Did you not sleep well last night?”