His Wicked Obsession (Archer and Virginia) novel Chapter 226

After Virginia settled inside, he bypassed the front passenger seat entirely and walked around to slide into the back with them.

Cynthia sat right between them, one hand clutching her mother's while the other tugged on his shirt sleeve.

"Mr. Archer, you were so amazing today."

"Was I?"

"Brighton's dad is usually so mean, but he looked like a terrified mouse when he saw you." Cynthia tilted her head, her big eyes sparkling brightly. "Can you come pick me up every single day?"

A warm, genuine smile touched Archer's features. He gently pinched her chubby cheek. "I will."

Virginia leaned quietly against the window, her mind drifting far away as her daughter's praise echoed in her ears.

She replayed the scene at the kindergarten.

The sight of Mr. Preston groveling pathetically before him, his horrible wife completely terrified into silence, and the raw heartbreak in Archer's eyes when he inspected Cynthia's bruised arm.

She had raised her daughter entirely alone for the past four years, never once having anyone step in to protect them. She was completely used to surviving without relying on a single soul.

But today, when Archer stormed through those doors, she had to admit—she felt a profound wave of relief.

There was no denying that he was stepping up as a genuinely devoted father.

They had been driving for over ten minutes before Virginia finally realized they were heading the wrong way.

"This isn't the way to the apartment."

"I'm taking you two to pick up a few things."

"Like what?"

The little girl excitedly answered for him. "Yummy treats! Mr. Archer promised me!"

Virginia shot a glance at Archer. He was chuckling softly as he entertained the little girl, his normally sharp jawline softer than she had ever seen it.

She parted her lips to object, but ultimately decided to let it go.

...

Up on the third floor of the luxury mall.

Cynthia perched happily on a tall stool inside Häagen-Dazs. With a giant scoop of pink strawberry ice cream in front of her, she shoved a tiny spoonful into her mouth, her eyes curving into joyful crescents.

"So yummy!"

"..."

Virginia pressed her lips together, deciding it wasn't worth the battle.

...

By the time they returned to the apartment, Archer was balancing Cynthia in one arm and carrying a massive grocery bag in the other. It was packed with premium ingredients tailored perfectly to the mother and daughter's favorite meals.

Virginia unlocked the door but lingered defensively in the entryway, parting her lips to speak.

Before she could tell him to drive safely and have a good night, Cynthia piped up.

"Mr. Archer, don't leave! You promised you'd play with my new doll!"

"..." Defeated, Virginia stepped aside to let him inside.

Whatever.

She would just make him leave once the little girl fell asleep.

Archer whispered something to the little girl that instantly appeased her. Stripping off his tailored suit jacket, he rolled his crisp sleeves up his muscular forearms, took off his luxury watch, and headed straight into the kitchen.