Bound by the Past, Locked by the Heart novel Chapter 112

"Alright, I'll definitely let him know."

After hanging up, Willa sat alone on the sofa, staring blankly out at the heavy night sky.

What exactly was Randal hiding from her?

Even Miles was helping him lie to her.

She quickly made a decision in her mind.

She was going to find him and demand the truth herself.

First thing the next morning, she got ready, headed out to hail a cab, and went straight to the FN Club.

"Is Randal here?" she asked the receptionist.

The young woman stammered, "Mr. Yates... isn't here..."

Without asking further, she walked straight inside.

The girl tried to stop her but didn't dare get physical, so she just trailed behind, shouting.

"Ms. Vance! Mr. Yates really isn't here..."

Willa turned a deaf ear, searching the entire club from top to bottom.

There was no sign of Randal anywhere.

She froze in place, feeling as if all the strength had been instantly drained from her body, a chill shooting from the soles of her feet straight to the top of her head.

Suddenly, she remembered what Scarlett had told her before.

[Once his little obsession wears off, how long do you really think you'll be able to stay by his side?]

She had already prepared herself for the fact that this wouldn't last, but she hadn't expected it to end so quickly, so messily.

If he really just wanted revenge, to play with her and toss her aside, he could have just said it straight. There was no need to hide like this.

She wasn't desperate to cling to him anyway.

Fortunately, she had constantly forced herself to stay grounded and hadn't actually fallen too deep.

Willa turned and walked out of the office, looking utterly lost. As soon as she reached the hallway, she ran straight into Miles walking from the opposite end.

Seeing Willa, his footsteps faltered, a complex expression flashing across his face.

"Willa, what are you doing here?"

Willa had completely lost all her energy.

"I came to find Randal."

Miles let out a heavy sigh, looked away, and then turned back, finally giving in. "Come with me."

He led her into a quiet meeting room and shut the door behind them.

"That's just how the Yates family is to the core. If you don't obey, they beat you until you do.

"Randal was rebellious as a kid, so he took plenty of beatings. After Jace went into politics, Robert wanted Randal to take over the family business. But Randal only had eyes for racing, so the conflicts at home just kept escalating."

His voice was remarkably calm, but as Willa listened, her heart ached as if it were being squeezed.

"He went back to lay his cards on the table and call off the wedding. His dad refused. The two got into a huge fight... and his dad got physical..."

"Where is he now?" her voice trembled.

"The Yates Estate."

Willa turned around, ready to storm out.

Miles stopped her. "Willa, you can't go right now."

"Why?"

"Things over at the estate..." Miles looked at her, hesitating. "His dad gave the order—no one is allowed to see him. If you go now, you'll only make things worse."

"Then what's going to happen to him?" Willa's tears instantly welled up.

Miles sighed. "He told me not to tell you specifically because he was afraid you'd react like this."

"Willa, once he gets this sorted out, he'll come back."