His Wicked Obsession (Archer and Virginia) novel Chapter 407

Most of the kids had suffered some form of mistreatment at the hands of Ms. Tabitha Watson. Hearing that Cynthia's mother was the one who practically chased the abusive teacher away, they practically worshipped her.

Cynthia puffed out her little chest, the hem of her pastel yellow princess dress swaying with the movement.

Her big eyes sparkled with immense pride. "Of course she is! My mommy is the most amazing mommy in the whole wide world!"

After school in the afternoon.

Virginia wore a gorgeous mint green floral dress with a classic square neckline. Holding a beige parasol to block the sun, she took Cynthia from the teacher's care and led the little girl out of the kindergarten gates.

The air was sweltering and completely still. Cynthia was happily licking an organic fruit lollipop, her eyes bright and content, when she suddenly stopped in her tracks.

Not far away, standing next to a sleek black minivan, was a little boy dressed in a smart suit with suspenders.

It was Toby Vanderbilt.

The little boy had his head bowed, his small hands clutching nervously at the fabric of his pants as he stared longingly at the kids pouring out of the school gates.

"Toby!" Cynthia broke free from Virginia's grasp and sprinted excitedly toward him.

Toby jumped in fright, instinctively shrinking back behind the nanny. But once he realized it was Cynthia, he peeked out and called her name timidly.

"Cindy."

"What are you doing here? Are you all better now? Are you coming back to class with us?" Cynthia dug into her little crossbody bag, pulled out a brand new lollipop, and eagerly shoved it into his hand.

Toby shook his head, lowering his gaze as his voice dropped to a whisper. "No, my mom is inside filing my suspension paperwork. She told me to wait out here for her..."

Cynthia tilted her head and looked back at Virginia. "Mommy, what's a suspension?"

Virginia's eyes darkened slightly, but she offered no explanation.

This was Chloe's family business. Her fake illness had already been exposed, so she wouldn't be able to use that as an excuse to hurt Toby anymore. As for the rest, it was completely out of Virginia's hands.

Cynthia grabbed Toby's little hand. "Don't be sad. When I get home, I'll tell Mr. Vanderbilt to make sure you get to come to school too!"

Archer had practically raised Toby himself. She was absolutely certain he wouldn't refuse!

Just as she predicted, Archer frowned, fully intending to reject her demand—until his gaze caught Toby staring at him with desperate, pleading eyes.

Those big, dark eyes were filled with nothing but fragile hope and immense caution.

A sharp pang of guilt pierced Archer's chest, and he finally gave a stiff nod.

"Fine," he agreed, standing up and straightening his cuffs. "I'll have Zachary handle all the readmission paperwork and his medical clearance."

...

A few days later, outside the gates of Starwood Kindergarten.

A sleek black Maybach pulled up to the curb. The driver's side door swung open, and Archer stepped out, impeccably dressed in a pure black dress shirt and matching slacks.