His Wicked Obsession (Archer and Virginia) novel Chapter 462

The gold-rimmed glasses that once symbolized his status were now so filthy they were barely recognizable. He exuded a heavy aura of depression and manic energy.

"Just hold on for a few more days. The heat is too high outside. Archer's men have locked down all the roads out of the city."

"Hold on, hold on! Is that the only thing you ever say to me?" Chloe shot up, reaching for the cell phone on the bedside table. "I can't take it anymore! I'm calling Madeline Caldwell. She loves me so much. If I just cry and admit I was wrong, she'll definitely beg for mercy on my behalf!"

Liam's expression shifted drastically as he grabbed her wrist. "Are you out of your mind? You think Madeline is going to protect you now?"

"Let go!"

Afraid of hurting her, he didn't dare squeeze too hard. Chloe struggled and finally managed to snatch the phone.

Liam's eyes darkened. With a sharp smack, he knocked the phone out of her hand. The screen shattered into a spiderweb of cracks upon hitting the floor.

"What the hell are you doing?!"

Seeing her lifeline destroyed, Chloe let out a piercing scream.

"Chloe, wake up!" he shouted, the veins bulging at his temples. "With the Vanderbilt family applying pressure, the Kendrick Group can barely save itself. Who knows what your adoptive mother is thinking right now? Calling her is just serving yourself up on a silver platter!"

Chloe froze. Her eyes went completely red, and large tears began to stream down her face. Defeated, she collapsed onto the edge of the bed, burying her face in her hands as she sobbed uncontrollably.

Seeing her in such a state sent a painful clench through Liam's chest.

He stepped forward, softening his tone as he pulled her into his arms. "Stop crying. I'm sorry, I lost my temper. Don't worry, I've already contacted a smuggler. Once we get through this rough patch, I promise I'll take you and Toby far away from here."

Chloe wept bitterly against his shoulder, but her fingernails dug deep into her own palms.

"You're such a sweetheart. Thank you, baby." Helena was elated, holding the little girl's face to plant a big kiss on her cheek.

After finishing her shrimp puff, Cynthia turned her attention to Archer, pouting cutely. "Archer, I want some of those sweet BBQ ribs."

Archer's typically cold features instantly softened. He set down his teacup, picked up the serving fork, and selected the most tender rib. He meticulously removed the bone before placing it onto the small plate in front of Cynthia.

"Eat slowly. Don't get it on your dress."

He pulled out a wet wipe and naturally dabbed away a spot of sauce on the little girl's lip.

Sitting across from them, Clara Sterling watched the scene with fascination, hiding her smile behind a napkin. "Helena, you're raising this granddaughter of yours so well. She's beautiful and so sweet. It's just a pity... if only she were his biological child, what a blessing that would be."