His Wicked Obsession (Archer and Virginia) novel Chapter 432

After being pushed away last night, she hadn't slept well at all, terrified that Archer would reprimand her once he sobered up. She wanted to explain herself and test the waters to see where he stood.

The man didn't even look up, his eyes remaining glued to the documents. "Leave it there."

His tone was strictly professional, devoid of any emotional fluctuation.

Evelyn paused.

She stayed rooted to the spot, tentatively speaking up. "Mr. Vanderbilt, about last night at the club..."

"Did Zachary Cole not teach you the rules?" Archer finally lifted his gaze, his dark, piercing eyes locking onto hers. "No personal matters during working hours. Get out."

Evelyn's heart skipped a beat, but immediately after, a surge of wild ecstasy flooded her chest.

He wasn't holding last night against her! What did that mean? It meant he wasn't entirely repulsed by her! Pushing her away might have simply been because he was drunk, or due to some other minor factor.

"I apologize, Mr. Vanderbilt. I'll remember that." Evelyn lowered her head, a relaxed smile tugging at the corners of her lips as she turned and exited the office.

As long as she persevered, there would come a day when she completely replaced that kept woman's position in his heart!

......

The next afternoon, at a local cafe.

Clementine Sherwood took a sip from her coffee cup, her eyes landing on the woman sitting across from her.

Virginia wore an ivory silk shirt, the collar slightly open to reveal her elegant collarbones.

She wore minimal makeup, her flawless complexion making her features look even more pristine and relaxed.

She pinched a silver stirrer between her fingers, idly swirling the coffee in front of her.

"You've lost weight recently." Clementine set her cup down, her brow furrowing. "Did Archer piss you off again?"

"...Stop talking nonsense." Virginia looked up, her tone laced with mild exasperation. "He and I are just friends."

"Okay, okay." Clementine waved a hand dismissively. "I just want to remind you not to be so hard on yourself. You're only twenty-seven. There's no need to waste your entire life on one man."

Virginia fell silent, shifting her gaze to the window, a flicker of struggle passing through her eyes.

......

Nightfall at South Hill.

The main lights in the living room were off, leaving only a few dim wall sconces casting a warm glow.

Archer pushed the door open and walked in, carrying a faint scent of tobacco.

He was dressed in a pristine white bespoke shirt, his tie hanging loosely around his neck, a trace of exhaustion evident in his eyes.