His Wicked Obsession (Archer and Virginia) novel Chapter 399

Archer turned his head, a terrifying storm brewing in his dark eyes.

But he didn't fly into a rage, nor was he in the habit of striking women. He simply pulled out his phone and dialed a number.

"Julian Caldwell. Get to Starwood International Academy in twenty minutes."

On the other end of the line, Julian's tone was as casually arrogant as ever. "Mr. Vanderbilt, what kind of case requires me to show up personally?"

"Someone wants to use their connections to throw my wife in prison," Archer replied, his voice lethally calm.

Julian raised an eyebrow, instantly dropping his joking demeanor. "I'll be there in fifteen."

Hanging up the phone, Archer stared down at Ms. Watson. He then spoke to Zachary, who was standing right behind him. "Before you hand her over to the authorities, find someone to teach this teacher a little lesson in respect."

His voice was perfectly level, devoid of any fluctuation, yet Zachary felt a chill run down his spine. He quickly bowed his head. "Understood."

Archer led Virginia out of the classroom.

In the hallway, he kept his head lowered, his long, elegant fingers supporting her flushed right hand.

Her hand was soft and delicate, yet her palm was currently burning red, making for a jarring sight.

His gaze darkened. Frowning, he gently rubbed her palm with his thumb, using the lightest possible pressure.

On the other side of the door, heavy thuds, agonizing screams, and a woman's desperate pleas for mercy bled through the wood, echoing down the corridor.

A short while later, chaotic footsteps approached from the end of the hallway.

Julian Caldwell strode over wearing a flamboyant burgundy tailored suit, one hand tucked casually into his pocket. Two lawyers in black suits trailed closely behind him.

"Mr. Vanderbilt." Julian glanced at the tightly shut door, then subtly eyed Virginia, whom Archer was shielding behind him. "The one inside... How much time do you want her to serve?"

"Child abuse, intentional assault, and public endangerment." Archer finally released Virginia's hand. He turned to look at Julian, his voice chillingly void of emotion. "I want her locked away until the day she dies."

Julian snapped his fingers. "Crystal clear!"

...

He pressed his thin lips together and was the first to look away. Gripping the first-aid kit, he strode past her and walked out the door.

His signature scent of Oud & Bergamot brushed past her, fading almost instantly.

Virginia lowered her eyes, hiding the complicated emotions swirling within them. Then, she walked over to the bed, pulled the little girl into her arms, and lay down.

She didn't carefully slip out of the bed until the sound of steady, rhythmic breathing filled the room.

...

To help Cynthia recover from her trauma, Virginia pulled her out of school for a few days.

On a rare day when Archer wasn't busy, the two of them took the little girl to Globe World Adventures on the outskirts of the city.

Waves of heat rolled through the outdoors, the pavement baking under the scorching sun.

Virginia wore a light green, knee-length sundress layered with a sheer sun-protective cardigan. Her long hair was tied into a loose side braid, and she wore a wide-brimmed sun hat.