Chapter 60
Chapter 60:
Austin set the gift box down and glanced at Brinley. “You really don’t need to go to so much trouble. It’s fine if you don’t prepare gifts for my family. They wouldn’t mind p>
“How can you say that?” Brinley straightened at once, meeting his gaze with determination. “It’s my first time visiting your family. I can’t risk seeming impolite. What if they think I lack proper manners—and that I’m not good enough for you p>
Her seriousness sent a soft warmth rising in Austin’s chest.
“That won’t happen,” he said calmly. “As long as I’m with you, no one will dare say a word against you p>
The certainty in his eyes eased the anxiety twisting in Brinley’s heart.
Before their departure for the Moore Estate, Brinley turned once in front of the full-length mirror.
She wore simple, casual clothes, yet her natural beauty and quiet elegance made it impossible for her to look plain.
“Mrs. Moore, all the gifts have been loaded into the car,” the butler announced from the doorway, a list in his hands. “Would you like to confirm them again p>
𝖫𝖺𝗍𝖾𝗌𝗍 𝖼𝗁𝖺𝗉𝗍𝖾𝗋𝗌 𝗈𝗇
Brinley had already gone over the list more than five times. She had spent days choosing every single gift.
“No need,” she replied, taking the list from him. Anxiety left her palms cold.
She knew the presents were extravagant—perhaps even excessive—but she wouldn’t risk being belittled on her first visit, and she wouldn’t allow Austin to lose face because of her.
Outside, Austin’s car waited at the villa entrance.
He wore a charcoal-gray suit with subtle patterning that emphasized his tall frame.
When Brinley stepped out, Austin looked her over and grinned with admiration. Holding the door open for her, he said, “You look stunning p>
Brinley blushed, suddenly self-conscious, and slipped into the car. “Let’s go p>
As the vehicle rolled away from the villa, Brinley glanced at the van following behind, packed with the gifts she had carefully chosen one by one over the past several days.
She drew a deep breath, silently steadying herself.
The Moore Estate lay in the eastern suburbs of Bleron, perched halfway up a hill and surrounded by dense camphor trees.
From the car window, Brinley watched it draw closer, her fingertips curling with unease.
“Don’t be afraid,” Austin murmured beside her, taking her slightly cold hand in his. “I’m here p>
Brinley turned to him. Sunlight spilled through the window, casting soft shadows across his face.
She was grateful for his reassurance, yet anxiety still tightened in her chest. The Moore family was vast and complicated; remembering names and faces alone would be difficult, let alone navigating the rivalries and alliances hidden beneath polite smiles.
The car pulled up, and the great iron gates swung open from within.
An elderly man—clearly the family’s butler—stood at the front with a row of servants lined neatly behind him.
At their head was Austin’s eldest brother, Byron Moore, dressed in a dark blue suit.