His Wicked Obsession (Archer and Virginia) novel Chapter 477

Madeline's eyes flickered nervously. She placed the gift boxes on the coffee table, her hands wringing awkwardly in front of her.

Sensing Virginia's icy detachment, her gaze drifted past her to Archer, who was resting in bed.

"Archer, are you feeling any better?"

Archer leaned against the headboard, his dark gray hospital gown doing nothing to diminish his sharp, commanding presence.

He turned off his tablet, his tone perfectly polite but utterly distant. "Thank you for your concern, Mrs. Caldwell. I am fully out of the woods."

Calling her "Mrs. Caldwell" instantly drew an insurmountable line between them.

Madeline stiffened, her hands clenching tighter.

She turned back to Virginia, who was standing a few feet away, refusing to come closer. Her eyes welled with tears. "Virginia, Mom... I wanted to speak with you alone for a moment. Is that okay?"

Virginia stood there holding her water glass, her stunning features completely devoid of any emotion.

"Mrs. Caldwell, I don't think we have anything left to talk about."

Her voice was flat. There wasn't a trace of anger or resentment—she sounded exactly like she was talking to a total stranger.

Madeline's chest tightened in agony. She took a step forward, wanting to plead her case, but the pure indifference in Virginia's eyes lodged the words painfully in her throat. She couldn't force them out.

"Mrs. Caldwell," Archer suddenly interrupted.

His dark eyes were sharp and oppressive. "Virginia has exhausted herself taking care of me lately. She needs her rest. If there is nothing else, I suggest you leave."

Since the patient had effectively kicked her out, Madeline had no excuse to stay. She gave Virginia one last, desperate look before turning around and walking out of the room, looking like a hollow shell of herself.

The door clicked shut, plunging the room back into silence.

Virginia stood frozen, staring at the extravagant gifts left on the coffee table. Her long lashes fluttered slightly, a heavy weight pressing down on her chest.

No matter how logical or detached she tried to be, her biological mother's sudden, long-overdue realization of the truth was too much to process. She couldn't just casually offer forgiveness.

"Virginia, whatever you decide to do, I will support you. Don't put any pressure on yourself. The Vanderbilts will always have your back."

Virginia's heart skipped a beat.

She turned around, her clear eyes meeting the intense, unwavering focus of the man before her.

These eyes had once been clouded by rules, dogmas, and rigid responsibility. Now, they were brimming with a passionate, undeniable devotion.

"Archer, you don't have to do this for me..."

"Virginia." Archer lifted his hand, his thumb gently caressing her soft cheek, cutting her off.

"I used to be so incredibly arrogant. I thought pushing you away was what was best for you. It wasn't until now that I realized how terribly wrong I was..."

His Adam's apple bobbed, his dark eyes swirling with fierce possessiveness and the lingering terror of almost losing her.