His Wicked Obsession (Archer and Virginia) novel Chapter 481

"Yes!" Cindy threw her arms around his neck and planted a kiss on his cheek. "Ms. Lane even praised me for finishing all my lunch!"

Virginia Caldwell sat in the backseat, watching the heartwarming scene through the window. A faint smile naturally touched her lips.

Archer Vanderbilt settled the little girl into her car seat before bending down to slide into the car.

The family of three shared an atmosphere so harmonious it was impossible to find a single flaw.

...

That evening, at Cloudcrest Estate.

A gentle breeze swept through the grand courtyard, chasing away the lingering late-summer heat.

Helena Vanderbilt, dressed in an emerald-green silk dress, was directing Mrs. Higgins to serve dinner.

The dining table was laden with a vibrant, mouthwatering spread.

Helena placed a piece of tender BBQ rib onto Cindy's plate, beaming at the couple across from her.

"Archer's injuries are mostly healed now. When do you two plan on making it official and signing the papers?" Helena set down her serving fork, her tone filled with anticipation.

"Now that our family has Cindy, Edward and I feel like our lives are finally complete. But if you two could hurry up and give us another grandbaby, that would be even better."

To them, life was indeed complete, but there was still a tiny lingering regret—they hadn't been able to raise a grandchild from infancy.

If these two could quickly remarry and settle down, they would finally have something to look forward to...

Virginia's hand paused on her fork. Her cheeks warmed as she instinctively glanced at the man beside her.

Archer calmly set his silverware down and laced his fingers through hers beneath the table, holding her hand tight.

"Before... I was foolish. I let Chloe blind me, and I put you through so much pain. Please, take these."

Virginia's gaze drifted from her tablet to the priceless jewelry box, her expression entirely unreadable.

"Mrs. Caldwell, there's no need," she said in a steady tone. "I don't lack jewelry. You should take these back."

Madeline choked up, her fingers tightening instinctively around the edges of the box.

"Virginia, are you still blaming me? Blaming me for not protecting you back then, for favoring Chloe..." Her voice broke. "I truly know I was wrong. I've spent countless nights awake lately. Every time I close my eyes, I see the way you looked when you first returned to the Caldwells, timidly calling me Mom..."

Virginia lowered her eyelashes and took a slow sip of fruit tea from her fine china cup.

"Mrs. Caldwell." After a long silence, she set the cup down and looked at Madeline with clear, sober eyes. "The past is in the past. I don't blame you."