Bound by the Past, Locked by the Heart novel Chapter 18

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Arthur was still making excuses for that woman, completely unaware that she had already remarried some wealthy tycoon and forgotten they even existed.

Not wanting to break her father's heart, Willa forced her resentment down and simply hummed in agreement. "Yeah."

They hadn't seen each other in five years and had an endless amount to catch up on, but their time was up before they knew it, and a guard signaled for her to leave.

Willa looked at Arthur, her eyes filled with sorrow. Gripping the receiver tightly, she choked out, "Dad, take care of yourself. I'll come visit you as often as I can."

When she stepped out of the prison gates, Sean Thorne was already waiting by the side of the road.

He was her father's longtime friend and the only person who hadn't abandoned them after the incident, consistently watching out for her all these years.

She hurried over, looking up at him with genuine gratitude. "Sean, thank you for everything you've done over the years."

"No need for formalities. Your dad saved my mother's life back in the day. I'll always owe him for that." Sean waved it off and gestured toward his car. "Come on, the wind is brutal out here. Let's talk inside. I'll give you a ride home."

Willa didn't decline and slid into the passenger seat.

They drove in silence for a while before Sean finally spoke up. "Willa, are you in some kind of trouble? You look like... you've got a lot weighing on you, and it's not just about your dad."

Sean had watched her grow up. Willa knew her half-hearted excuses wouldn't fool him for a second.

She hesitated, eventually opting to share only what was safe. "Work has just been a bit stressful, and there's a minor issue with the old house. But don't worry, I can handle it."

Sean glanced at her and firmly reminded her, "Alright, but if it gets to be too much and you need help, just ask. Don't try to shoulder everything alone."

"I won't," Willa nodded softly.

The car pulled up to her apartment building.

Before stepping out, she gathered her courage and looked at him. "Sean, I came back because I want to clear my dad's name."

Sean's expression grew troubled. "That case involved too many powerful people. The water is way too deep and incredibly dangerous. Your dad specifically sent you abroad because he didn't want you getting dragged into it."