Bound by the Past, Locked by the Heart novel Chapter 299

The car pulled up to the temporary drop-off zone outside the Vantage Media skyscraper.

Willa unbuckled her seatbelt and stepped out.

Randal scrambled out of the car, chasing her all the way to the glass doors of the lobby.

Willa stopped and shot him an icy glare over her shoulder. "Do you need something else?"

Randal looked at the ground, his voice dropping. "No, just... when you get off work, if you need a ride, you can call me."

Willa gave a dismissive hum and practically sprinted to the elevators.

A few colleagues were already inside the elevator car. They exchanged polite nods before burying their faces in their phones, though Willa could feel their eyes darting toward her every few seconds.

She was hyper-aware that the moment she walked into the building, the air was thick with blatant, gossipy stares.

Taking a deep breath, she ignored the silent judgment and headed straight for her desk.

She had barely logged into her computer when the editor-in-chief summoned her. Willa smoothed her skirt and walked into the office.

"Take a seat, Willa," the editor said, folding her hands on the desk and skipping the pleasantries. "Was that Randal Yates dropping you off this morning?"

Willa nodded, keeping her tone completely indifferent. "We bumped into each other on my commute, and he offered me a lift."

She knew no one would buy that excuse, but she was too exhausted to invent a better lie.

The editor was quiet for a moment, tapping her manicured nails against the desk.

"Willa, I don't care what you do in your personal life. But Vantage Media is a legitimate news organization. This industry thrives on rumors, and I won't have people whispering that my reporters use the casting couch to score exclusive interviews."

Willa lowered her gaze, her voice deadpan. "I know my boundaries. I'll make sure it doesn't become an issue."

The editor gave a curt nod and slid a thick folder across the desk.

"On that note, keep following the Vanguard Properties story. Julian York was very pleased with your last piece, and he's requested that you be the point person for all their upcoming corporate announcements."

Willa took the folder, a flicker of surprise crossing her face before returning to a neutral mask. "Understood."

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