Bound by the Past, Locked by the Heart novel Chapter 274

She hurried into the living room, taking the squirming Nugget from her father's arms and holding him tightly against her chest.

Arthur stood to the side, his worried gaze lingering on his daughter's slightly pale face.

Although he couldn't clearly hear the argument outside, he had distinctly felt the volatile, explosive tension.

He hesitated for a moment before asking, "Willa, that man outside... who was he? He didn't... hurt you, did he?"

Willa held Nugget, gently patting her son's back. Looking down, she was at a loss for how to explain her complicated history with Randal.

She didn't want her father to worry anymore, and she certainly didn't want to drag him into this muddy mess.

After a few seconds of silence, she looked up and forced a reassuring smile for Arthur, deliberately keeping her voice light and steady. "It's nothing, Dad. Just an... unreasonable neighbor. It's all sorted out. Corbin sent him away."

She paused, adding a cautious warning. "Dad, remember this. From now on, when you go out, if you see the neighbor next door... keep your distance. Don't talk to him. And..."

She looked down at the oblivious Nugget in her arms, her tone dropping significantly. "Don't let him see Nugget, and definitely don't let him get close. Do you understand?"

Arthur's heart sank heavily.

His daughter hadn't spelled it out, but her warning said it all.

That neighbor was likely... connected to Nugget.

Countless questions swirled in Arthur's mind, but he didn't press further. He gave a firm nod. "Alright, I understand. Don't worry. As long as I'm here, no one will bully you or my grandson."

"Yeah. Thanks, Dad."

Corbin walked over and sat in the chair across from Willa. "Willa, do you want me to arrange another place for you to live?"

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