Bound by the Past, Locked by the Heart novel Chapter 33

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Travis's hand was only halfway to Willa when a massive figure suddenly materialized in front of her.

Wyatt stepped in.

His towering six-foot-three frame completely eclipsed Travis's twisted, furious face.

"Get out of my way! This has nothing to do with you," Travis bellowed, trying to mask his sudden panic.

Used to throwing his weight around, he didn't back down. He tried to sidestep Wyatt to grab Willa's arm.

Wyatt said nothing, but his reflexes were lightning-fast.

Before Willa could even process what was happening, a sickening crunch echoed through the air, followed by an agonizing scream.

A heavy thud followed immediately as Travis was slammed face-first into the concrete just outside the courtyard.

Disoriented and groaning, he tasted dirt, tears and snot streaming down his face in a pathetic mess.

Martha let out a bloodcurdling shriek and threw herself beside her son, wailing at the top of her lungs, "Murder! They're trying to steal our home! Somebody help us!"

Her screeching grew louder, quickly drawing the attention of passersby and neighbors from the adjacent houses.

Whispers rippled through the gathering crowd, and some neighbors quickly took Martha's side.

"In broad daylight? Who just assaults people like that?"

"That girl looks so sweet and quiet. Who knew she had it in her? You really can't judge a book by its cover."

Sophie couldn't listen to the gossip anymore and snapped at the crowd, "This woman is illegally squatting in someone else's house, and she's been running her mouth with absolutely no shame!"

An older woman nearby frowned. "That can't be true. Martha's family has lived here for years. If it's really yours, why are you only coming for it now?"

Martha cried even harder. "Her father gave this house to my husband ages ago! Now she's showing up out of nowhere, trying to steal it back and beat us to death!"

A middle-aged man stepped forward protectively. "We have laws in this country. You can't just act like thugs. You lay one more finger on them, and I'm calling the cops!"