Bound by the Past, Locked by the Heart novel Chapter 187

Ever since she was brought to The Ridgeback Estate, Willa couldn't figure out if she actually wanted Randal to come home, or if she wanted him to stay far, far away.

She hated talking to him, yet she craved his presence—because when he was around, she at least had a brief window to interact with the outside world.

She didn't dare tell Sophie she was being held captive. She lied, claiming she was swamped with work during the day and could only reach out at night.

Occasionally, Sophie would call her. Randal would put it on speaker and stand right beside her, listening as Sophie loudly cursed him out over the line.

Once she was done venting, Randal would drawl out a slow, sarcastic response: "Sophie, does Corbin give you too much allowance? How about I do the Sommers family a favor and bankrupt you all?"

Sophie would just yell louder. Willa would manage a rare, tired smile and quickly urge her friend not to cause trouble for Corbin.

It wasn't that she truly feared Randal could destroy the Sommers family.

Though they couldn't rival the Yates family's absolute power, they weren't exactly a dynasty Randal could topple overnight.

She was simply terrified that if Sophie kept pushing, Corbin would intervene—and that would trigger the unhinged side of Randal, pushing him into a self-destructive frenzy.

But fate had a cruel sense of humor.

When Eleanor Yates walked into the estate on the arm of a middle-aged man, Willa had a sinking feeling that Corbin had already done exactly what she feared.

The man was in his fifties, tall and imposing, radiating an undeniable aura of absolute authority.

His eyes resembled Randal's, yet they were fundamentally different.

This man's eyes were filled with ice-cold calculation and supreme control. The moment he stepped into the room, he commanded the space, untouchable and utterly devoid of weaknesses.

Randal, on the other hand, merely masqueraded as a ruthless tyrant. Underneath the armor, he was cracked, bleeding, and shattered at the slightest touch.

"Ms. Vance, it's been a while," Eleanor nodded gracefully, her eyes briefly snagging on the silver chain around Willa's wrist before her face hardened.

He paused, letting the weight of his words settle. "I also trust you understand what should be spoken of, and what must be taken to the grave. The Yates family cannot afford such a scandal."

Willa kept her head bowed, remaining silent. The implication was crystal clear.

If word got out that Randal was holding her captive, the entire Yates family would become high-society gossip.

The wealthier the family, the more obsessed they were with their pristine reputation. A dirty secret like this was completely unacceptable.

Mrs. Gable walked in holding a tray with two cups of tea. She glanced at Willa, her eyes holding an unreadable mix of pity and indifference, then set the cups down and swiftly exited, pulling the door shut behind her.

Robert took a sip of his tea and continued. "Randal is getting married very soon. Even if Scarlett is gracious enough to overlook this, our family absolutely will not tolerate him keeping a mistress."

"Mr. Yates, just get to the point," Willa said, lifting her eyes. Her face was perfectly calm.

She didn't hate the man, but she certainly felt no warmth toward him either.