Bound by the Past, Locked by the Heart novel Chapter 226

The Sommers family must have pulled a massive amount of strings to trace the breadcrumbs back to Stella.

But given Stella's spoiled, arrogant nature, where would she find the connections or the sheer intellect to orchestrate a hit on the eldest daughter of the Sommers family?

At most, she was capable of throwing verbal tantrums or pulling petty, underhanded tricks.

Unless... someone was pulling the strings behind her, or simply using her as a pawn.

The thought sent a chill down Willa's spine.

Almost instinctively, her mind jumped to Scarlett Sterling.

If that were true, that woman was terrifyingly dangerous.

During dinner, Willa cautiously broached the topic again: "Randal, I want to go see Sophie. I'll come right back."

Randal offered the same rehearsed response: "The doctor said you need rest. Hospitals are crowded and full of germs. It's bad for you and the baby."

"I just need to see with my own eyes that she's okay, otherwise I won't be able to sleep tonight."

Randal didn't reply, quietly eating his meal.

Just as she was about to give up, he finally spoke, albeit begrudgingly: "I'll take you tomorrow."

Willa's head snapped up, a smile breaking across her face. "Really? You promise?"

He gave a curt "Yeah," shifting his gaze away as his tone hardened once more. "But you are absolutely forbidden from speaking to Corbin."

Willa nodded enthusiastically.

The following afternoon, Randal escorted Willa to the private hospital where Sophie was recovering.

With an arm wrapped securely around her waist, he was half-holding, half-supporting her as they walked toward the ward. Just as they neared the door, the adjacent stairwell door suddenly swung open.

"You're joking, Mr. Yates. Willa is Sophie's friend. Checking on her is only basic decency. As for you, Mr. Yates..."

He paused, his tone laced with sarcasm. "You're about to be a married man. Don't hold onto someone so greedily."

Randal's expression darkened, though the smile remained plastered on his face. "What kind of twisted fetish do you have, Mr. Sommers, constantly eyeing what belongs to other men?"

"I have zero interest in what's yours. I'm merely reminding you to exercise some boundaries. Don't act so greedy, eating from your own bowl while staring at someone else's plate. You might just end up with nothing."

The remaining trace of amusement vanished from Randal's face, leaving pure, unconcealed malice. "I'm the greedy one? Corbin, what gives you the right to lecture me? No matter my flaws, I'm a thousand times better than a commitment-phobic, cheating bastard like you!"

"Cheating? A bastard?" Corbin's brows furrowed deeply, displaying a rare look of profound offense.

"Make yourself clear, Randal. I walk a straight line. Since when did I become a cheating bastard who won't take responsibility?"

Willa's heart instantly leaped into her throat.