Bound by the Past, Locked by the Heart novel Chapter 293

As Willa followed Julian into the room, Randal kept his eyes lowered. The finger tracing the rim of his glass paused for a fraction of a second, but his expression remained perfectly neutral. He continued his conversation as if she were entirely invisible.

She took an empty seat near Julian, who smiled and addressed the room. "This is Ms. Vance, a brilliant reporter from Vantage Media. I'm sure a few of you are already well-acquainted."

The men around the table offered polite greetings, though their faces all bore identical, knowing smirks—feigning ignorance while fully aware of the scandal.

Randal was the only one who didn't react. He sat perfectly still, completely silent.

They were separated by four or five seats, acting like absolute strangers. Neither cast a single glance in the other's direction.

As the drinks flowed, the atmosphere grew rowdy.

Julian was quickly absorbed in a conversation, leaving Willa to her own devices.

She sat alone in the corner, feeling entirely out of place, staring blankly at the glass in front of her. Her mind was entirely consumed by thoughts of Nolan waiting at home.

Lost in her worries, a sudden, searing gaze pinned her in place.

She looked up and crashed straight into Randal's predatory stare.

His eyes were heavy with a thousand unspoken words, trapped by the audience surrounding them.

Flustered, Willa averted her gaze. She grabbed her glass and took a large swallow, the burning sensation in her throat finally snapping her back to reality.

She had let her guard down again.

By the time the party broke up, it was nearing ten o'clock.

Willa walked out alongside Julian, with Randal trailing a few paces ahead.

When they reached the main lobby, Randal abruptly stopped and turned around. His gaze bypassed Willa completely, landing squarely on Julian. A cold, humorless smirk touched his lips, his eyes glinting with a dangerous edge.

Willa didn't fight him. She let him guide her toward the exit.

Behind them, Julian's cheerful voice rang out. "Have a good night, Mr. Yates."

The moment they stepped through the front doors, the biting night air hit her, causing a violent shiver to run down her spine.

Randal instantly let go of her wrist, shrugged off his suit jacket, and draped it over her shoulders, pulling it snug to keep her warm.

"Why did you go to a place like that with him?" he demanded, his voice tight.

Willa pulled the lapels closer, her tone entirely detached. "It was for work."

"Work?" Randal scoffed softly. "Don't tell me you couldn't see he was practically gift-wrapping you for me to earn a favor."

Willa tilted her head, the evening breeze catching her hair. "If Julian wants to hand me over to you, that implies I'm willing to play along. Doesn't it?"