Bound by the Past, Locked by the Heart novel Chapter 281

"Don't go! Willa... please don't go..." He gripped her tightly, his breathing heavy.

He stood bare-chested in the doorway, the angry scratches she had left on his skin the night before still glaringly visible.

There was not a trace of his usual hostility in his eyes; only the terrified desperation of a man begging for his life.

"I took advantage of you last night, but please don't leave..." he babbled, his voice trembling violently. "Let's just talk... okay?"

As he spoke, he tried to pull her hand against his bare chest.

His sudden clinging sent a shock of revulsion through Willa.

Watching the once high-and-mighty man now groveling for peace didn't stir a single ripple of sympathy in her heart—it only made her irritated.

She lifted her gaze to scan the hallway, a mocking smirk curling her lips.

"This is a hotel. The hallway has 24-hour surveillance. Are you sure you want to stand here half-naked and put on this tragic performance?"

"If you don't want to be tomorrow's front-page news in Norvale, I suggest you let go of me..."

Willa yanked her hand back forcefully, turned on her heel, and stepped into the elevator.

As the doors slid shut, she leaned against the wall and closed her eyes to take a deep breath, her heart still hammering in her chest.

Only after catching her breath did she pull out her phone.

Having not returned home all night, she saw several missed calls from Arthur Vance. Nugget was probably crying for her too.

Thinking of this, she quickly called him back.

Arthur's anxious voice came through the receiver, deliberately kept to a whisper, likely afraid of waking the sleeping toddler.

"Willa? Why didn't you come home last night? You didn't answer your phone either, I thought something had happened to you!"

It was all Randal's fault for being so relentless.

Arriving at the office, Willa had barely sat down at her desk when the editor hurried over.

She quickly stood up, ready to explain. "About last night's interview..."

"Julian York just called," the editor cut her off, his tone flat. "He said something came up yesterday and he didn't have time to go into detail with you. He wants you to go back this afternoon."

Willa's heart seized, and she instinctively tried to decline. "I..."

"What is it?" The editor saw her hesitation and urged, "Mr. York is actively giving you a chance. You need to seize it. Nail this exclusive, and you might get a permanent position sooner."

Willa deflated. She didn't dare bring up what actually happened yesterday, so she just managed a stiff smile. "Alright, I'll head over this afternoon."

After the editor nodded and walked away, Willa immediately took out her phone and sent a message to Arthur.