His Wicked Obsession (Archer and Virginia) novel Chapter 465

Archer didn't spare her another glance as he turned and walked back.

Evelyn lifted her head in overwhelming gratitude. Her gaze drifted past the open car door and through the half-rolled window, landing straight on Virginia.

The kept woman was wearing an expensive silk gown, the priceless jade bangle on her wrist acting as a blinding taunt.

And right next to her... was an absolutely adorable child?!

Why?! Why did she have to discard every ounce of her dignity and beg like a dog just to be exiled to a rural outpost, while that kept woman got to sit there and effortlessly enjoy it all?!

Evelyn ground her teeth, a toxic surge of jealousy and malice bubbling up in her eyes.

The car door shut, sealing out the oppressive heat.

Archer pulled a sanitizing wipe from the console and methodically cleaned his hands. Tossing it in the trash, he leaned over to kiss the little girl's forehead, then reached out to cover Virginia's hand where it rested on her lap.

Cynthia rubbed her sleepy eyes, her voice thick with exhaustion. "Archer, why are you always leaning over? You're even clingier than before."

Archer paused, a low chuckle rumbling in his throat.

Watching this unfold, Virginia couldn't help but find it amusing. Her lips curved upward. "He's always been clingy."

Hearing her words, Archer's eyes darkened.

A second later, he leaned right into her space, his lips flawlessly finding hers and pressing a soft kiss against her mouth.

The crisp, intoxicating scent of Oud & Bergamot completely enveloped her.

Virginia's breath hitched.

Clearly not satisfied with just a taste, he cupped the back of her head, aiming to deepen the kiss.

Virginia's cheeks flushed. She pressed her hands against his firm chest and turned her head away. "Cynthia is watching."

Seeing Virginia, Madeline's eyes went red. She hesitated, her chapped lips parting.

"Ginny..."

Virginia stood completely frozen. Only when Archer and Cynthia stepped out of the car did she force herself to walk forward with chilling distance. Passing by Madeline, she muttered a brief, "Mrs. Caldwell."

Madeline's pupils shrank. A wave of suffocating sorrow hit her chest, and she forced a smile that looked far worse than tears. "Toby's been really upset these past few days. He keeps having nightmares and crying that he wants to play with Cynthia... I didn't know what else to do, so I brought him over."

Looking hopelessly awkward, she held Toby with one hand while reaching out the other to grab Virginia's. But under Virginia's icy glare, her hand fell limply back to her side.

Virginia observed every subtle shift in Madeline's expression. Her hands curled into fists at her sides, but she said absolutely nothing and simply walked into the house.

Madeline stared at her daughter's slender, aloof back. The overwhelming guilt lodged like a rock in her throat, choking her.

She wanted to ask how her daughter had survived those grueling years abroad. She wanted to ask if the scars from her old car accident still hurt. She wanted to ask if she could ever be forgiven...