His Wicked Obsession (Archer and Virginia) novel Chapter 118

It was an exceptionally rare piece of flawless emerald green jade with incredible translucency.

Intricate lotus vines were carved around the band, giving it a warm, luminescent glow under the stage lights.

"That's beautiful. It's perfect for an elder," Virginia said, her eyes lighting up as she sat up a little straighter.

She raised her paddle and placed a bid.

In the front row, Chloe stiffened, a flash of cold malice darting across her eyes.

She recognized that voice instantly. It was Virginia!

Why is she everywhere? It's like a bad nightmare!

She took a deep breath, hid her annoyance, and hooked her arm around Archer's, pouting playfully. "Archer, that bracelet is so pretty. I really want it."

Archer frowned slightly but remained silent.

Chloe shook his arm lightly. "Win it for me? Just consider it... an early celebration for my recovery?"

A few others in the room placed counterbids. Without hesitation, Virginia raised her paddle again.

Just then, a large, well-defined hand in the front row held up a paddle.

"Three million dollars."

His voice was flat, but the bid instantly doubled the current price.

The room fell dead silent. A few people recognized Archer and sheepishly lowered their paddles, not daring to bid against him.

Virginia frowned and looked toward the front.

He sat impeccably straight, not bothering to look back. The lines of his raised arm were sharp, and a small tassel swayed gently from the cufflink at his wrist.

She pulled her gaze away, her grip tightening on the paddle before she slowly lowered it.

"Giving up?" Clementine asked, frowning.

"Yeah."

Archer won the bracelet.

Beaming, Chloe wrapped her arms around him, her sweet, intimate display immediately drawing plenty of envious stares from the crowd.

Virginia didn't respond, but a fleeting look of pain flashed through her eyes, so quick she hardly even noticed it herself.

A few steps away, hidden around the corner of the hallway, Archer stood in silence. He watched the elevator doors slide shut, his thumb unconsciously rubbing the velvet box in his hand.

"Archer, what are you doing here?"

Chloe had quietly followed him. Seeing the velvet box in his hand, the sweet smile on her face was instantly replaced by a wave of pure, toxic jealousy.

"Nothing. I'll take you home."

Turning around, he walked toward the elevators.

...

Half a month later, outside the Caldwell residence.

Virginia crouched down, smoothing out the ruffles of Cindy's princess dress before ringing the doorbell.

Today was Madeline Caldwell's fiftieth birthday. She had called three days prior, insisting that Virginia come over for a rare family dinner.

Madeline had sounded so earnest, and Virginia still held onto some hope for her family, so she hadn't refused.