His Wicked Obsession (Archer and Virginia) novel Chapter 63

Archer held his wine glass to his lips, his expression impassive. He wasn't angry; he knew Clementine was ultimately just standing up for Virginia. He remained silent.

Seeing this, Chloe's eyes reddened further, her voice cracking with tears. "Clem... I was just feeling so lonely by myself, which is why I begged Archer to let me tag along."

"Alright, enough. Stop crying." Clementine waved a dismissive hand, annoyance etched deeply into her features. "I absolutely despise this kind of scene. I just wanted to enjoy my birthday, and now you're making it look like I'm a bully!"

After venting her frustration, she turned to Virginia and draped a casual arm around her slim waist. "Ginny, come on. Let's head over there. We're not wasting time on toxic people."

With that, Clementine pulled her away.

Virginia spared a fleeting glance at Archer and Chloe before looking away and following her friend deeper into the venue.

Chloe kept her head bowed, her face ashen as a suffocating wave of anger washed over her.

Archer tore his gaze away from Virginia's retreating figure. He lifted his glass and drained his wine in a single gulp.

In the lounge area, Virginia leaned in to listen to Clementine. A rare, relaxed smile graced her lips—something she hadn't shown in a long time.

"Chloe actually tried pulling that victim routine in front of me. She clearly doesn't know who she's dealing with!"

Clementine winked at her. "Don't worry. As long as I'm around, no one gets to treat you like dirt."

Virginia didn't say a word, simply lowering her head to take a sip of her freshly poured champagne.

The champagne slid down her throat—crisp, light, yet deeply sweet and rich.

Deep inside, an icy knot around her heart seemed to loosen just a fraction.

...

When the birthday cake was wheeled out, the lights in the banquet hall dimmed.

It was a stunning three-tiered fondant cake, topped with numerical candles that flickered in the darkness.

Clementine pulled Virginia up to stand next to the cake. Someone immediately rallied the crowd, "Come on, gather around! It's wish-making time for the birthday girl! Anyone who doesn't show up right now is getting blacklisted from the city tomorrow!"

The threat drew a chorus of laughter from the guests.

Since Clementine refused to let go of her arm, Virginia had no choice but to stand right beside her.

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