His Wicked Obsession (Archer and Virginia) novel Chapter 152

"See you tomorrow night."

After the call ended, Virginia sat motionless, clutching her phone for a long time.

Something felt off, but she couldn't quite put her finger on what it was.

...

The following evening.

Virginia wore a casual slate-blue blazer over a white crew-neck blouse. She tied her hair back in a low ponytail and wore a pair of simple pearl stud earrings.

It was understated but perfectly polite for a dinner out.

The address Zachary had texted her was for an exclusive private dining restaurant on the east side of the city. He had offered to pick her up, but she had declined.

By the time her cab pulled up, she realized the location was quite secluded. The establishment didn't even have a sign out front, just a single, warm amber light casting a glow over the entrance.

She pushed the door open. A waiter guided her down an elegant, antique-styled corridor before pushing open a set of carved wooden doors at the very end.

The private room was dimly lit. A dark tablecloth draped over a long table, centered around a vibrant bouquet of red roses. At either end of the table, white candles flickered in the shadows.

Flowers, red wine, candlelight...

Virginia hesitated for a moment before her eyes found Archer seated at the far end of the table.

He wore a custom dark gray suit paired with a pale blue-gray shirt. He had forgone a tie, opting instead to secure his collar with a minimalist silver-and-agate pin.

Bathed in the candlelight, his sharp features were striking—a straight nose and a clean, chiseled jawline.

He looked as aristocratic and untouchable as she remembered.

The moment the thought surfaced, a faint flush crept up her neck, and she quickly looked away.

Archer had been scrolling through his phone. Hearing her arrive, he lifted his gaze.

"Have a seat."

His tone was neutral, his expression entirely unreadable.

Virginia ordered herself to stop overthinking and took the seat opposite him.

Waiters began bringing out the courses. They ate in complete silence, neither of them showing any intention of starting a conversation.

As Virginia took a bite of Wagyu beef, a distant memory suddenly surfaced in her mind.

"You donated all that medication just for this?" she asked, her voice light and devoid of any fluctuation.

Noticing her reaction, Archer frowned. He didn't deny it. Instead, he picked up his wine glass, swirled it slightly, took a sip, and set it back down.

"Her condition requires positive, encouraging milestones right now. This speech is very important to her."

Virginia stared at him.

For a long, long time.

There was something about her gaze that made an inexplicable irritation flare in his chest.

Just when he assumed she was going to refuse, she caved.

"Fine," she said, picking up her napkin to dab at her mouth and fingers. Her voice was lucid and intensely cold. "I'll contact the committee when I get back."

With that, she stood up, grabbing her blazer and purse from the back of her chair.

Archer frowned, his dark, predatory gaze fixed entirely on her.

"Virginia—"