Bound by the Past, Locked by the Heart novel Chapter 239

Willa's breath hitched. Forcing down the rising panic, she kept her voice perfectly level. "Nothing's going on. This is my first pregnancy, and I'm just nervous. I had a lot of questions I needed to ask."

Randal stared at her for a long moment, his expression completely unreadable. She couldn't tell if he bought the excuse or not.

The elevator arrived at the basement parking garage, and he guided her out by the hand.

He normally walked at a brisk pace, but realizing Willa was struggling to keep up with her pregnancy, he glanced at her and smoothly slowed his steps.

Once inside the car, Willa slumped back against the leather seat, exhausted. Her heart was still hammering against her ribs.

She knew she had acted completely out of character in the clinic. There was a very good chance Randal was already suspicious.

If he found out this baby was his, there was no way she could hide it from Eleanor.

If that happened, she would lose any chance of escaping with her child.

"Willa, your palms are sweating," Randal's deep voice suddenly cut through the silence, snapping her out of her frantic thoughts.

Willa looked down at her hand. A thin layer of cold sweat coated her palm.

She yanked her hand away, wiping it hastily on her shirt as she scrambled for an excuse. "Pregnant women run hot. It's totally normal to sweat easily. What do you know about it anyway?"

He gave a soft, yielding smile and didn't push the issue.

Seeing the tension dissipate, Willa subtly hooked her pinky around his, her voice softening into a light plea. "Can we go shopping? I haven't been out of the house in forever."

Randal went quiet, seemingly weighing the idea.

Willa waited a beat. When he didn't answer, she leaned into his side, her tone dipping into a sweet, coaxing register. "I just want to walk around for a little bit. I promise I won't overdo it."

His Adam's apple bobbed. "Where do you want to go?"

Just as the two of them reached the elevators, the doors slid open.

Willa looked up and froze.

Scarlett Sterling was standing inside, an elegant designer handbag draped over her arm.

Spotting Randal, Scarlett offered a poised smile. Her gaze quickly dropped to the luxury maternity brand logos printed on the bags in his hands. A subtle flicker passed through her eyes, though she didn't look the least bit surprised.

"Ms. Vance. It's been a while," Scarlett greeted her smoothly.

Willa forced a polite smile and nodded in return.

The ride down was suffocatingly silent. All three of them walked toward the parking garage together.

Just as they reached the cars, Scarlett suddenly called out, "Randal. My father mentioned there's a dinner next week with the Vanguard shareholders. He expects you to be there. It's a good opportunity to familiarize yourself with them before we finalize the merger. Shall I pick you up?"