His Wicked Obsession (Archer and Virginia) novel Chapter 343

Virginia didn't decline. She accepted the flowers, placed them aside, and gently ran her fingers over the exquisite box. "Thank you, she'll definitely love it."

Valentin leaned back in his chair, his gaze fixed on her face.

"How have you been lately? Haven't run into any trouble, have you?"

"Everything's fine." Virginia picked up her iced Americano and took a sip.

Valentin smiled, his fingers lightly tapping the table.

"Archer hasn't been giving you a hard time, has he?"

"No." Virginia set her cup down, her tone even. "He's been very busy lately."

The two chatted about his travels abroad. Valentin was perfectly measured, making sure not to cross any boundaries.

He knew Virginia's personality well. With her, he had to play the long game. The harder he pushed, the faster she would retreat.

...

Shortly after eight o'clock that evening, at the South Hill villa.

The Maybach pulled into the garage, and Archer pushed the door open to step out.

He wore a dark gray bespoke suit over a pure white shirt. His tie was loosened, and a trace of exhaustion lingered between his brows.

For the past three days, he had practically lived at the company, using high-intensity work to numb himself. Yet, the moment he closed his eyes, his mind was flooded with images of Virginia texting Valentin.

He was driven mad by jealousy. He wanted to pull her close, but his stubborn pride refused to let him be the first to bow his head.

Zachary Cole trailed behind him, holding a stack of urgent documents.

"Boss, tomorrow's meeting..."

"Postpone it." Archer cut him off, striding briskly toward the villa.

As he pushed open the front door, Cindy's laughter echoed from the living room.

"The blind box Valentin gave me is so pretty! Miles, look at this bear!"

Archer froze in the middle of taking off his shoes.

Valentin?

Miles sat cross-legged on the rug, wearing a baggy black designer T-shirt, his eyes crinkling with a grin.

"Hah, that sly fox sure knows how to win over a kid."

"Valentin is back."

"Yes," Virginia replied flatly.

Archer's large hands, hanging by his sides, curled into tight fists.

"Did you go see him?"

"Mr. Vanderbilt, that is my personal business." Virginia met his gaze head-on, unflinching.

His breathing grew heavy.

Taking another step forward, he closed the gap between them to less than a foot.

The sharp, dominant scent of Oud & Bergamot forcefully invaded her senses.

The emotions he had suppressed for three days completely erupted the moment he heard Cindy say 'Valentin is the best' and Virginia's 'that is my personal business.'

"In your heart, is he better than me?" Archer forced the words out, each syllable painfully squeezed from the depths of his chest.

Virginia found the question entirely pointless. Frowning, she took a half-step back.