His Wicked Obsession (Archer and Virginia) novel Chapter 120

Holding up her ten tiny fingers, the little girl mimed getting pricked by needles for everyone to see.

The crowd went silent for a second before they all covered their mouths, hiding their polite snickers.

It was as if no one saw the little girl's teary, reddened eyes.

Madeline's face stiffened, but she kept up her graceful smile. "Be a good girl, Cindy. Grandma loves both your mommy's and Aunt Chloe's gifts."

Her tone sounded affectionate, but she didn't so much as glance at the wooden box on the table.

Virginia didn't react. She merely held Cindy's hand tighter and quietly stepped away from the crowd.

When dinner was served and everyone took their seats, the conversation naturally revolved around Chloe.

The older guests lamented her difficult past, asking about the progress of her treatments.

Upon learning that she was being treated by Doctor White, their pity instantly turned into excitement, fully expecting her to make a triumphant return to the spotlight.

Soaking up the praise, the pride on Madeline's face was impossible to hide. "Chloe has always been gifted. Once she's fully recovered, making a comeback won't be an issue at all."

As she said this, her gaze suddenly shifted over to Virginia.

"I'm not worried about Chloe. But Ginny..."

"Oh right, I heard Ginny is working as a psychologist now. Where is she practicing?"

Before Virginia could answer, Madeline let out a heavy sigh. "Practicing? Let's not exaggerate. She's just doing some basic counseling and emotional support for the elderly."

Virginia remained silent.

"Mom, don't say that about her," Chloe interjected smoothly. "You all might not know, but senior mental health is actually quite an important field of study right now. I believe she'll become a great scholar like Doctor White one day."

Madeline patted the back of Chloe's hand, smiling fondly. "You're just too sweet."

Then she looked back at Virginia. "Ginny, don't blame me for being blunt. I'm only saying this for your own good."

Because of this, no one had noticed the way his grip on his wine glass tightened during Madeline and Chloe's performance.

"Archer?"

Sensing his distraction, Chloe dug her fingers lightly into the inside of his arm.

Archer furrowed his brow, picked up a serving fork, and dropped a shrimp onto Chloe's plate.

He showed absolutely no intention of peeling it for her.

Chloe's expression shifted drastically before she managed to paste on an awkward, stiff smile.

The atmosphere at the table didn't cool down over this minor hiccup, but aside from putting food on Cindy's plate, Virginia barely touched her own meal.

Noticing this, Madeline pulled Virginia out onto the balcony as soon as dinner ended.