Bound by the Past, Locked by the Heart novel Chapter 305

Randal placed the folder back in its spot, clearly unwilling to elaborate.

But his silence and evasiveness were all the answers Willa needed.

She rapidly pieced together the fragmented memories in her mind, suddenly realizing exactly why he had been so determined to infiltrate Vanguard at all costs.

The truth behind a loved one's wrongful death was a chain stronger than any other obsession, capable of trapping a person forever.

"Does Scarlett Sterling... does she know you're investigating the Sterling Family?"

Randal finally raised his eyes. His gaze turned somber, his tone eerily calm. "She knows."

Willa was momentarily stunned, finding it hard to believe, but she wisely chose not to press the issue.

She couldn't begin to fathom Scarlett's mindset. She didn't understand how Scarlett could remain completely apathetic and stand by idly while knowing full well that Randal was investigating her own family.

Yet, at the end of the day, none of that was her business.

A heavy, suffocating tension settled inside the car.

After a long pause, Willa asked, "So what's your next move? Are you turning these documents over to the police?"

Randal leaned back against the seat, closing his eyes briefly. "There isn't enough evidence. Harrison operates with extreme caution; he's practically airtight."

Willa remained quiet for a moment as a sudden thought flashed across her mind.

"Could Julian York have what you're looking for?"

Randal snapped his eyes open and stared at her, his expression conflicted. "Willa, do not involve yourself in this."

"I'm not getting involved," Willa replied, averting her gaze. "I'm just giving you a suggestion. What you decide to do is entirely up to you."

His brows knitted together. "Julian is a cunning fox. He might possess what I need, but he won't hand it over easily."

Willa knew this perfectly well.

Julian had only tried to recruit her to confirm that Randal's investigation wasn't aimed at destroying Vanguard Properties itself.

However, she couldn't shake the creeping suspicion that Julian's schemes went far deeper than a simple alliance.

The next morning, Chloe scurried over to her desk, clutching her laptop.

"Florence told me to ask when the interview outline for the Vanguard project will be ready. She says she needs it to prepare in advance."

Willa replied with a simple [Got it] and resumed writing her outline.

That afternoon, she sent the draft to Florence and Chloe, asking them to review it for any missing details.

Florence responded to the email almost immediately with a brief [Received].

Chloe, on the other hand, was incredibly meticulous, highlighting a few questions and offering some solid suggestions for revisions.

Willa accepted all of her feedback, made the final adjustments, and sent the completed version to the editor-in-chief for approval.

The editor quickly approved it and told her to reach out directly to Julian's assistant to finalize the official interview time.

Willa pulled up the number and made the call.

It was picked up on the second ring.

"Hello, Ms. Vance. Mr. York was just asking about your progress on this end."

"The interview outline is finalized. I'd like to schedule a time with Mr. York. If it's convenient, sometime this week would be ideal."