Bound by the Past, Locked by the Heart novel Chapter 158

"He... he came too?"

Willa let out an awkward laugh and hurried to smooth things over. "Mr. Jenson, I'm so sorry. I'll go out and have a word with him."

She turned and marched up to Randal, suppressing her rising anger. "Didn't you say you wouldn't come inside?"

Randal met her gaze, pulling a phone from his pocket with absolute self-righteousness. "I didn't give you your phone. I was afraid I wouldn't be able to find you."

Before she could even properly scold him, Willa let out a tired sigh. "Forget it."

She took the phone and shoved it into her pocket. "Can you leave now? I'm right here. I'll go back with you when it's over."

Randal stubbornly stood his ground. "I'll wait by the door."

Willa reiterated firmly, "Then do not come inside."

He nodded, turned around, and obediently stood in the hallway outside the hall.

Only then did Willa walk back to the event.

Martin was still standing there, his color yet to fully return.

Willa offered him a reassuring smile. "Don't worry, he's not coming in."

Martin finally exhaled in relief, forcing a strained smile. "Then... let's head in and chat."

He led Willa deeper into the venue.

The salon went perfectly.

Martin introduced Willa to a variety of industry professionals—content creators, platform executives, and several heritage artisans.

She quickly blended right in, discussing content angles and brainstorming innovative ways to showcase old-world craftsmanship to modern audiences.

The time flew by.

Willa was in the middle of an engaging conversation with a master bamboo weaver when she suddenly noticed the atmosphere shift.

Whispers rippled through the crowd, and a barrage of strange, pointed glances began drifting toward the same direction.

She followed their gaze.

Randal had walked back inside. Across the sea of people, his dark, heavy gaze was fixated squarely on her.

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