Bound by the Past, Locked by the Heart novel Chapter 232

On the ride back, Randal tested the waters. "Um... Miles... wants to treat you to dinner to apologize."

"Sure," Willa agreed without hesitation.

She had never truly resented Miles. At the end of the day, they were just on different sides. Everything he had done back then was purely out of loyalty to Randal.

Randal actually paused, clearly not expecting her to agree so easily. He quickly pulled out his phone and finalized the time with Miles.

The dinner was set at an exclusive private dining club, carefully chosen by Miles.

By the time Willa arrived at the private suite, Miles was already waiting. Seeing her walk in, he jumped to his feet to greet her, his expression stiff and awkward, clearly not knowing what to do with his hands.

"Willa, you made it. Sit, please, take a seat."

Willa sat across from him. Randal hovered closely by her side, attentively pulling out her chair, placing the napkin on her lap, and pouring a glass of warm water to set near her hand. His seamless devotion left Miles completely dumbfounded.

Miles's mouth twitched, swallowing whatever he had been about to say.

The dishes began to arrive one by one. Every single plate was one of Willa's favorites. She knew instantly that Randal must have called ahead with specific instructions.

Miles picked up his glass of liquor and stood, his face full of guilt. "Willa, this is for you. I was out of line before. I never should have run my mouth to Randal and tried to drive a wedge between you two."

With that, he tipped his head back and downed the entire glass of hard liquor in one gulp.

Willa let out a soft sigh. "Miles, you're his friend. You were looking out for him. I don't blame you for that."

Miles paused, then pressed on with his explanation. "I hadn't really interacted with you before. All I knew was that you dumped him. I thought if I lied and told him you had completely moved on and were living your best life, he'd finally give up and get back to normal."

"I didn't expect..."

He couldn't bring himself to finish the sentence. He poured himself another full glass and downed it just as quickly.

Willa couldn't help it—she burst out laughing. The tension in the room instantly dissolved into a relaxed, easy atmosphere.

For the rest of the night, Miles babbled endlessly about Randal's embarrassing childhood moments.

Willa glanced sideways at the man beside her. He was trying his hardest to maintain a stoic expression, but the tips of his ears were burning bright red.

She looked down, the corners of her lips turning up into a genuine smile.

By the time they walked out of the restaurant, the sky was pitch black.

Miles was completely wasted. His driver had to support his weight as he stumbled toward his car. Just before leaving, he grabbed the window frame and slurred at the top of his lungs, "Willa! When that baby is born, I'm going to be the godfather! Everything I own goes to the kid!"

Randal kept a stone-cold expression and rolled the window straight up in his face. "No one wants your money, Miles."