Bound by the Past, Locked by the Heart novel Chapter 286

286 /320

"I'll figure out the money," Willa reassured him gently. "I still have a small nest egg. If it's not enough, we'll cross that bridge when we get to it. The important thing is that we move out as quickly as possible."

She repeatedly emphasized, "Over the next two days, start packing up the house. Only take the essentials. I'll go look at apartments right after work and try to secure a place ASAP."

"Alright, got it. You focus on your work, I'll handle things here." Arthur didn't ask any more questions and readily agreed.

Though the decision to move was abrupt, Arthur was incredibly efficient.

By the time Willa left for work the very next morning, he had already sorted and packed the majority of the clutter in the living room.

She planned to use her lunch break to check out a few rentals near her office.

But after touring several spots, they were either way over budget or in chaotic neighborhoods unsuitable for a toddler. She couldn't find a single viable option.

After viewing the apartments, she rushed back to the office.

The afternoon meeting was long and tedious. She sat in the conference room, her mind consumed with the logistics of moving.

After the meeting, the editor asked her to stay behind.

Leaning against the desk with a cup of coffee, the editor flashed an inquisitive smile, his tone loaded with meaning. "Mr. York specifically called to praise your writing. He requested that you handle all future communications with his office."

He paused, his gaze fixing on her. "Willa, did you and Mr. York know each other before this?"

Willa knew exactly what Julian was playing at. She had absolutely no desire to get tangled up with that scheming old fox.

She was no match for him.

"No, our interview the other day was the first time we met," she answered truthfully.

The editor stared at her for a few seconds, chuckled, and shook his head, clearly not believing a word of it.

"Well, then you've got incredible luck. Julian York is notoriously difficult to deal with. Several of our reporters tried to book him before and got completely shut down."