His Wicked Obsession (Archer and Virginia) novel Chapter 378

Mandy froze. When reality sank in, she ground her teeth together, a suffocating wave of despair washing over her.

Slowly, she lifted her head and locked eyes with Virginia inside the apartment.

The humiliation was absolutely crushing.

But with her father's brutal threat ringing in her ears and her family's empire on the brink of collapse, she swallowed her pride and forced out a miserable apology.

"Virginia... I'm sorry. I crossed the line today. I shouldn't have targeted you," Mandy choked out, her face contorting in agony.

Virginia observed her without an ounce of emotion.

"Miss Sterling, I accept your apology. You can leave now."

Accepted. Not forgiven.

Mandy, emasculated in front of Archer by a woman she despised, practically vibrated with rage before spinning around and fleeing back to the elevator in her stilettos.

As the apartment door began to swing shut, Archer ignored the retreating Mandy and shoved his hand out, blocking the heavy frame.

He forced the door open and squeezed his imposing frame right into the entryway.

Frowning, Virginia took a half-step back and glared at him.

"Mr. Vanderbilt, get out."

He kicked the door shut behind him and dropped the takeout box onto the kitchen counter.

Whether intentionally or not, his sleeves were rolled to the elbows, perfectly displaying the blistering burn. Despite being treated, the angry red welt looked brutal against his skin.

Virginia said nothing.

"Virginia, move back in," he demanded, his raspy voice leaving zero room for argument.

"I rented this place on a six-month lease," Virginia replied evenly, stating a simple fact.

Archer's eyes swept over the small but cozily furnished apartment.

"Mandy tracked you down today. Someone else will find you tomorrow." He stepped into her personal space, towering over her. "It's not safe for you to live alone."

"That's my problem."

Thirty minutes later, the black Maybach pulled into the driveway of South Hill.

The mansion was fully illuminated. The housekeeper rushed out at the sound of the tires, her eyes welling up with tears the moment she saw Virginia.

"Ms. Caldwell, thank goodness you're finally home."

What Virginia didn't know was that during her absence, Archer hadn't just tortured himself—his suffocating mood had left the entire staff terrified to even breathe too loudly.

Now that she was back, everyone could finally exhale.

Virginia gave a brief nod of greeting, swapped her shoes, and headed straight upstairs.

Since Cindy was staying over at Cloudcrest Estate, she had nothing to worry about. She walked right into the master suite.

Before she could click the door shut, Archer slipped right in behind her.

Instantly, his phone started ringing.

The screen flashed with Miles Sutton's name.