His Wicked Obsession (Archer and Virginia) novel Chapter 154

Virginia followed Valentin inside. He didn't waste any time, navigating her through greetings with several industry giants before leading her directly to Chairman Preston.

They discussed her corporate program for a few minutes. The chairman was deeply impressed and immediately invited her to the Preston Group headquarters the next day for a formal meeting.

With business settled, Chairman Preston went off to entertain other guests. Valentin fetched two flutes of champagne and handed one to Virginia.

"Can you finally relax now?" Seeing the smile in her eyes, his heart gave a small jolt. "Care to celebrate with a dance, Ms. Caldwell?"

Virginia was just about to answer when her peripheral vision caught movement on the far side of the ballroom.

Archer was standing in the center of a crowd, one hand tucked into his pocket and the other holding a drink.

He was wearing a bespoke black three-piece suit paired with a deep navy tie. The platinum cufflinks at his wrists caught the light with every subtle movement.

Surrounded by executives, he seemed to be discussing business. He nodded occasionally, his expression locked in its usual stoic indifference.

Virginia frowned, retracted her gaze, and said, "Let's dance."

The live band struck up a waltz. Valentin offered a gentlemanly bow and led her by the hand onto the dance floor.

He was an incredibly considerate partner, purposefully shortening his strides to match hers, making their movements seamlessly synchronized.

Virginia spun to the rhythm a couple of times, her tense muscles slowly unwinding, her smile growing more genuine.

But just as she completed her third turn, a figure stepped directly into their path.

"Mr. Hunter. I'll be cutting in."

It wasn't a request.

Virginia looked up to find Archer, his face completely devoid of expression.

Valentin raised an eyebrow, let go of her hand, and took a step back, gesturing with a polite sweep of his arm.

Archer stepped in smoothly. His long fingers engulfed her right hand, while his other hand settled firmly on her waist.

His skin was pale, his palms dry and cool to the touch. His grip was light, his movements masterful as he effortlessly took the lead.

The sheer familiarity of his touch caused every muscle in her body to lock up.

It brought back memories of their third month of marriage, when he needed a date for a major corporate gala.

He didn't seem to be looking at her at all, his impassive eyes fixed on some invisible point just above her head.

They didn't exchange a single word the entire time.

The song finally ended.

Applause erupted from all sides.

The room buzzed with praise for their stunning performance.

Virginia pressed her lips into a tight line, released his hand, and stepped back to reinstate a polite distance.

A flicker passed through Archer's eyes. His hand dropped to his side before he lifted it to adjust his cufflink.

Valentin strolled over, swirling his drink, a cryptic smile on his face.

"I wouldn't have pegged the ever-busy Mr. Vanderbilt as a master of the waltz. I do wonder, though, if your wife has ever had the pleasure of dancing with you."

The air instantly turned ice cold.