Bound by the Past, Locked by the Heart novel Chapter 58

"And now you've seen," Willa replied, her tone laced with irritation.

"I have." Iris nodded. "You're completely different from what I imagined, and you're nothing like Scarlett. I can see why he fell for you."

Willa had absolutely no idea how to respond to that.

Iris didn't miss a beat. "But don't get too comfortable. When I want something, I never let it go easily."

"I have no interest in him."

"Is that so?" Iris raised a brow, her voice dangerously light. "And how does he feel about you?"

How did Randal feel about her? Probably nothing but hatred.

A bitter ache settled in Willa's chest, and she chose not to answer.

"Alright, you can go. Get that draft to me as soon as possible."

Willa turned to leave. Just as she reached the door, Iris's voice floated over her shoulder.

"Don't forget, you're coming with me to that business forum interview in a couple of days."

"Understood," Willa replied, pulling the door shut behind her.

During her lunch break, Willa packed up her things to leave.

She had taken a half-day off to visit the prison with Sean Thorne that afternoon.

As soon as she stepped out of the lobby, she spotted Randal standing near the entrance, an unlit cigarette resting between his fingers.

The moment he saw her, he casually tossed the cigarette into a nearby trash can.

Willa walked over to him. "What are you doing here?"

"Just passing by."

Passing by?

Neither his apartment nor Yates Capital was anywhere near this part of town. It was completely out of his way. How could he possibly be passing by?

Willa didn't bother entertaining the lie. "Miles told you something, didn't he?"

Randal didn't bother denying it either. He cut straight to the chase. "Is Iris giving you a hard time?"

"Not exactly. But your little fan club is certainly creating a lot of unnecessary drama for me."

The second the words left her mouth, she froze.

Why did that sound so bitterly jealous?

Sean listened patiently, his brows pulling into a tight frown. "I can help you, but my resources are limited. There's no guarantee I'll find anything."

Willa nodded. "I know. Just the fact that you're willing to try is enough. Thank you."

"But..." Sean hesitated, pausing before he continued. "People talk. If you start digging, it won't stay a secret for long. I'm worried that once whoever framed your father realizes you're trying to clear his name, they'll come after you next."

"They?" Willa let out a hollow laugh. "I don't even know who 'they' are."

Sean stayed quiet for a long time before letting out a heavy sigh. "Alright, I'll do it. But, Willa, you have to promise me one thing."

"Anything."

"No matter what I uncover, you cannot act on your own. You can't take these people on by yourself. We need to be smart and plan this out carefully."

"I promise," Willa replied softly, though her tone carried a hint of distracted compliance.

She didn't say another word for the rest of the drive, her eyes locked on the scenery blurring past the window.

The bare branches along the street were already sprouting fresh green buds, a stark contrast to the dead, wintery landscape she had seen when she first returned to the country.

For the first time in a long time, a faint, fragile glimmer of hope bloomed in her chest.

Eventually, things would get better.