Bound by the Past, Locked by the Heart novel Chapter 141

"Let's go." Iris had already turned to head out. "They're just upstairs. A few friends in content creation, having some tea and chatting. It's not as suffocating as it is down here."

Willa followed her, pausing for a moment at the door of the private room.

What would happen if Randal came out later and couldn't find her?

She patted the phone in her pocket.

"What is it?" Iris asked, glancing back.

"I..." Willa hesitated. "I'm going to send him a message first."

[Warm: Ran into Iris. She invited me upstairs for a bit, I'll be down soon.]

After hitting send, she didn't get a reply.

He was probably caught up socializing.

She put the phone away and followed Iris into the room.

The atmosphere inside was noticeably different. A few people were gathered around a tea table, savoring their drinks and deep in conversation.

As soon as Iris walked in, someone smiled and greeted her. "Iris, you made it. Take a seat."

Iris stepped aside to reveal Willa. "Brought a friend for you all to meet. This is Willa, the creator of the Heritage Brands series. Any of you seen it?"

"You produced that series?" A man wearing glasses stood up. "I've watched it. The content is fantastic."

Willa felt a wave of flattered surprise. "Thank you."

"Come on, sit here." The man offered the seat next to him. "Perfect timing. Our platform is looking to develop content focused on intangible cultural heritage. Would you be interested in collaborating?"

Willa sat down, feeling a bit reserved at first, but as they talked, she lost track of time.

This was her domain.

Once she started talking, the words flowed effortlessly, her eyes shining with passion.

Discussing something she actually cared about felt like a massive release for the emotions she had suppressed for so long.

Iris sat across from her, a faint smile playing on her lips.

The man she was talking to was Martin Jenson, a content director for a new media platform.

Still no text back. His breathing grew heavy, his hands trembling uncontrollably as a cold sweat broke out over his back.

Refusing to give up, he dialed her number again, only to get the same automated voicemail.

The phone slipped from his ear, his entire body shaking.

The voice in his head started whispering again.

She ran. She ran away again. She still doesn't want you.

He slammed his fist into the wall. Blood seeped from his knuckles, but he felt no pain.

"Find her!" he roared at his bodyguards. "Check every room upstairs and bring her to me."

Terrified, the guards didn't dare say a word and immediately scattered to search.

Randal stood frozen, leaning against the wall and gasping for air.

It felt as if a heavy weight was crushing his chest, leaving him suffocating in panic.

He dialed her number one more time, but it still didn't connect.