Bound by the Past, Locked by the Heart novel Chapter 85

Willa picked it up and flipped through the pages. It was a new editorial proposal.

"The Legacy Brands piece got a great response," Iris said. "I pitched it to the higher-ups. We're turning Legacy Brands into a full investigative series to dig deeper."

Willa looked up at her in surprise.

Iris shrugged. "Don't look at me like that. I just think you're capable of pulling this off, and besides..."

She paused, a meaningful smile playing on her lips. "I absolutely hate being used as someone's pawn."

Willa blinked, the realization hitting her instantly.

Scarlett deliberately bringing up her past with Randal had been a calculated move to use Willa to stir up trouble.

"Thank you," Willa said, her gratitude completely genuine.

Iris waved it off. "Don't thank me yet. If this series tanks, it's all on you."

"I know."

Willa poured her heart into the Legacy Brands series.

She spent three days restructuring the editorial direction, expanding a single feature into five distinct angles, drafting detailed interview outlines and photography concepts for each.

Once the final draft was ready, she sent it straight to Iris.

Iris replied almost immediately: [Come to my office.]

Willa knocked and entered to find Iris reviewing her proposal on the monitor.

"Sit."

Willa sat across from her, waiting for the verdict.

Iris looked up. "Did you do this yourself?"

Willa nodded.

"Excellent. You're wasted as just an editor. Frankly, you should be sitting in my chair."

Willa froze, unable to tell if it was genuine praise or subtle sarcasm.

But Iris kept going. "The series is approved. Budget is approved as requested. If you need more staff, just say the word."

Willa hadn't expected Iris to greenlight it so easily, let alone without a single revision.

"Ms. Underwood..."

Iris waved a hand, cutting her off. "Go on. Start your interviews on Monday."

Willa stood up and reached the door before Iris suddenly called out to her.

"By the way, you and Randal have been pretty close lately?"

Scarlett seemed to anticipate her response and let out a light laugh. "Oh, I wouldn't say that. I heard someone's been following you lately. Don't you want to know who it is?"

"Don't worry, it's just a casual chat. Tomorrow at three in the afternoon, The Serene Cloud Teahouse. I'll be waiting."

The line clicked dead.

Willa clutched her phone, staring blankly out the window.

What exactly did Scarlett want?

At three o'clock the next afternoon, Willa walked into The Serene Cloud Teahouse right on time.

The place was exceptionally elegant, tucked away in an old alley within the bustling downtown district. She gave Scarlett's name and was escorted by a waiter to the VIP room at the very back.

Scarlett was sitting gracefully at the tea table, wearing a pale green silk dress with her long hair loosely pinned up. From a distance, she looked like a beauty who had just stepped out of a classic painting.

But to Willa, the sight was grating.

Hearing the door, Scarlett looked up with a flawless smile. "Please, sit, Ms. Vance."

Willa took the seat across from her.

With elegant precision, Scarlett prepared the tea and pushed a cup toward Willa.

"This is this year's premium green tea. It's Randal's favorite. Try some."