His Wicked Obsession (Archer and Virginia) novel Chapter 42

Seeing Chloe flush with anger instantly improved Virginia's mood. Her impression of Valentin skyrocketed.

Dating...

Archer's eyes darkened with an unreadable emotion. He opened his mouth, but no words came out.

He stood rooted to the spot, forced to watch as Valentin played the perfect gentleman, opening the car door for Virginia and shielding her as she got in. Valentin then jogged around to the driver's seat and drove off.

Throughout the entire exchange, Virginia hadn't given him a single glance.

Clenching his fists, Archer tasted the bitter sting of frustration, completely powerless to intervene.

As the Maybach pulled out of the parking lot, Virginia glanced in the rearview mirror at the couple they had left behind, then quickly looked away.

Valentin caught the subtle movement but wisely kept his mouth shut.

Twenty minutes later, they arrived at Virginia's apartment.

Valentin had wanted to come upstairs for a bit, but his assistant called. Knowing she had just finished a grueling night shift, he reluctantly said his goodbyes.

Shortly after he left, Virginia's phone buzzed.

[Valentin has had more girlfriends than you've seen men. He's not right for you.]

Archer.

Virginia stared at the message for a long time before letting out a dry laugh.

It wasn't funny; it was utterly absurd.

Her eyes were cold as she quickly typed a response.

[My business is none of your concern, Mr. Vanderbilt.]

She tossed her phone onto the table, put on some soft music, and changed into comfortable loungewear before heading to the bathroom to wash up.

Zachary blinked, then scrambled to comply. "At three o'clock..."

Before he could finish, Archer's phone buzzed again.

Archer's eyes flickered, and he practically lunged for the device.

It was Doctor White.

The brief flash of hope in his eyes vanished, but he opened the message anyway.

[Dr. Caldwell sent me your assessment. Mild anxiety. It doesn't look too serious right now, but you need systematic treatment soon. Dr. Caldwell also left a specific note: This patient is extremely uncooperative.]

Archer stared at the final sentence, his mouth twitching slightly before he forced his features back into a neutral mask.

He had no idea that Virginia had genuinely written that note, but Doctor White had forwarded it purely to defend his favorite student.

Archer locked his screen, pinched the bridge of his nose, and sank back into his chair, overwhelmed by a suffocating sense of defeat.