His Wicked Obsession (Archer and Virginia) novel Chapter 426

He reached down, hoisting the little girl up with both hands and settling her securely in the crook of his arm. Looking at the soft, pink-cheeked child resting against his leg, the cold, hard lines of his face softened considerably.

"Why are you running so fast?"

"My teacher gave me a first-place certificate today!" Cynthia offered the piece of paper up like a grand treasure. "I got first place in the drawing competition!"

Archer glanced at the certificate, a faint, genuine smile curving his lips. "Great job, sweetheart."

Sitting in the armchair opposite them, Virginia watched the exchange, her gaze softening.

The tall, imposing man held the child with an effortless, natural grace, while the little girl clung to his neck, laughing with pure, unbridled joy.

It was an incredibly warm scene, brimming with the feeling of a real family.

This was a moment she had fantasized about countless times, and now, it was actually unfolding right in front of her...

...

Vanderbilt Group CEO's office.

Archer sat behind his desk, dressed in a custom black dress shirt paired with a dark navy textured tie that Virginia had picked out for him.

Holding his fountain pen, he swiftly signed off on an acquisition proposal, the prayer beads on his right wrist clinking softly with the movement.

Suddenly, his personal phone vibrated on the desk. The name 'Chloe Caldwell' flashed across the screen.

Archer didn't even spare it a second glance before hitting reject.

Less than half a minute later, a text message popped up.

[Archer, can we meet? Just one last time. I'll explain everything to you, and I promise I'll never bother you again.]

He furrowed his brows and replied without a shred of hesitation.

[No need.]

Shortly after, another call came through.

Chloe had saved his life all those years ago. He had always operated on a strict code of debts and favors, and he despised owing anyone. But this life debt was a messy ledger he could never truly balance.

He stood up, grabbed his suit jacket from the back of his chair, and strode out of the office.

Half an hour later, outside the VIP ward of Capital City General Hospital.

In the sterile-smelling corridor, Liam stood slumped against the wall in a crumpled shirt, his eyes bloodshot. Seeing Archer approach, he lunged forward, glaring at him with murderous intent.

"You actually have the nerve to show up?!"

If it weren't for the vast disparity in their status, Liam would have thrown a punch the second Archer walked in.

Archer's expression remained terrifyingly calm. "How is she?"

"You!" Liam trembled with rage, his gaze darting toward the ward door. "The doctor said she lost too much blood, but she's finally out of danger. Archer, I'm begging you, stop torturing her. She's incredibly fragile, she can't handle any more trauma..."

Archer ignored Liam completely, pushing the door open and stepping into the room.