His Wicked Obsession (Archer and Virginia) novel Chapter 122

Probably didn't mean to.

As soon as those words fell, everyone's gaze snapped straight to Virginia.

Madeline looked up as well, her face livid as she glared at her.

Chloe buried her face in Madeline's chest, her shoulders shaking as she sobbed. "Mom, don't blame Virginia. It... it was my own fault for losing my footing..."

In an angle no one else could see, a chilling gleam of triumph flashed through Chloe's eyes, her lips curving into an almost imperceptible smirk.

Virginia stood frozen in place. Madeline's disappointed, hateful glare and the crowd's silent accusations washed over her like a suffocating wave.

"What happened? Did the older sister push the younger one into the pool?"

"No way... how could anyone be so vicious?"

"What else could it be? She's jealous of Chloe, obviously. Didn't you see her face at the dinner table? She's clearly upset that Mrs. Caldwell treats Chloe so well."

"..."

"Mommy!" Cindy ran over from nearby and tightly hugged Virginia's leg.

Her little face was pale, and her big, dark eyes brimmed with tears.

"Mommy didn't push her! She didn't!"

"You're all bad people! Bad people!"

The four-year-old sounded fiercely defensive, her urgent voice filled with pure loyalty to her mother.

Virginia took a deep breath and lowered her eyes, gently pressing a hand to the back of the little girl's head to shield her from the pointing fingers and disgusted expressions.

Then, she spoke calmly, "Mom, I didn't push her."

But Madeline wasn't listening.

Chloe was speechless.

She froze, her fingernails suddenly gripping Madeline's collar tight. The downcast look in her eyes filled with furious resentment.

That bitch! Virginia must have seduced him. That was the only reason he wasn't taking her side!

Despite his neutral response, Madeline had already made up her mind.

She let go of Chloe, stormed over to Virginia, and delivered a heavy slap across her face.

The sharp, heavy sound of the smack stunned everyone present.

Virginia's face was knocked to the side, her left cheek swelling rapidly.

Archer paused when he saw the strike. A dark glint flashed in his somber gaze, and his fists clenched without him even realizing it.

But he remained rooted to the spot, unmoving and silent.