His Wicked Obsession (Archer and Virginia) novel Chapter 463

Everyone in their circle knew Archer had been divorced, and this child had simply appeared out of nowhere. Privately, they all assumed she was adopted.

The moment the words were spoken, the atmosphere at the dining table shifted into something incredibly awkward.

Virginia sat right beside Archer.

She wore a champagne-colored silk gown, her hair swept up to reveal her long, graceful neck.

Hearing the comment, her hand holding her fork paused briefly, but her expression remained perfectly calm. She offered no explanation.

Archer furrowed his brows. He was just about to set the record straight when Helena put her silverware down first.

"Clara, you're quite mistaken about that." Helena's smile didn't fade; in fact, she lifted her chin a fraction higher. "Our Cynthia is Archer's own flesh and blood. She is the rightful heiress of the Vanderbilt family."

Clara's face froze, a flicker of shock crossing her features. "Bio-biological?"

Truthfully, the moment the remark had slipped out, Clara had regretted it and was scrambling for a way to backtrack. She hadn't expected Helena to personally announce Cynthia's true identity right there.

"Of course." Helena beamed, gently stroking Cynthia's head before leaning in to kiss her again. Her tone was thick with pride and adoration. "All my treasured heirlooms finally have a worthy successor."

The society ladies were no fools. They instantly caught on and pivoted their stance.

"Oh my! No wonder I thought the little darling looked exactly like Archer!"

"Helena's jewelry collection is priceless. Little Cynthia is destined for an extraordinary life."

Amidst the chorus of flattery, Virginia kept her head down, quietly eating her food.

Back when Archer and Virginia had first married, Helena hadn't approved of her, so she kept the heirloom hidden away. But later, when she finally accepted Virginia and wanted to gift it to her, her foolish son had already gone and divorced her...

Virginia's wrist was pale and slender. The vivid green resting against her skin made her look even more ethereal and stunning.

"...Helena, Archer and I are already divorced. I can't accept this."

She reached to take it off, but Helena clamped a hand over hers. Her tone carried a rare note of unyielding authority.

"You can always remarry. This bangle chooses its owner. Once it's on, it's not allowed to come off."

Perhaps sensing Virginia's dilemma, Helena compromised slightly. "How about this? Keep it for now. Consider yourself holding onto it for Cynthia. Don't refuse me."

Since she had put it that way, refusing again would just seem ungracious. Virginia had no choice but to temporarily accept it, deciding she would find an opportunity to return it to Archer later.