Chapter 67
Chapter 67:
A ring of bodyguards and servants surrounded her. Byron stood nearby with several members of the Moore family who had rushed over at the commotion.
Every one of them stared at Brinley as if she were some rare curiosity on display.
Not far off, Caiden’s expression twisted with barely suppressed laughter, the corners of his mouth twitching despite his efforts to stay composed.
Heat rushed to Brinley’s face until her cheeks burned crimson, and she wished the ground would simply swallow her whole.
Only then did it hit her: on her very first visit to her husband’s family estate, she had dozed off on a garden swing and fallen into a deep, unguarded sleep.
Brinley parted her lips, searching for an explanation, but every word she tried to shape felt clumsy on her tongue.
“Come on.” Austin rose smoothly and offered his hand with quiet certainty. “We should head back p>
Brinley hesitated for a beat, then slipped her hand into his.
His grip was broad and steady, carrying a faint, grounding warmth that eased the tension knotting in her chest.
𝖱𝘰𝗆a𝗻𝗰𝖾 𝘢𝘯𝘥 р𝗮𝘀𝘀𝗂о𝗇 𝗼ո 𝘨𝗮𝗹ո𝗼𝗏𝖾𝗅ѕ.𝖼o𝘮
As he guided her down the path, she became painfully aware of the eyes following them. Heat crawled up her neck until her cheeks burned. What a spectacle she had made on her very first appearance at the Moore Estate. She could already imagine the laughter whispered behind fans and wineglasses—her nap turning into tomorrow’s favorite joke.
When they returned to the main building, Westley studied them briefly but chose not to mention Brinley’s unintended nap. Instead, he said evenly, “It’s late, Austin. Don’t drive back tonight. Stay here and leave tomorrow p>
Caiden quickly added with a grin, “Exactly. You don’t come home often. Stay, and I’ll have your room on the third floor prepared p>
Ryder and Carolyn echoed the suggestion, their cheerful tones carrying a hint of forced politeness.
Brinley suspected they were eager to see whether she and Austin would share a room. If they didn’t, Ryder and Carolyn would surely use it as a weapon against them.
Austin’s eyes shifted to Brinley, his expression gentle yet respectful. “What do you think? Should we stay p>
The stiffness in Brinley’s chest eased under his considerate gaze.
She dipped her head slightly and murmured, “Whatever you decide p>
Austin’s mouth curved into a small, approving smile before he turned to Westley. “Then we’ll stay the night p>
Caiden brightened immediately. “Excellent! I’ll make the arrangements at once p>
The Moore family’s grand residence stretched across four floors, each space meticulously designed to reflect their wealth and heritage.
On the ground floor were the living room, dining hall, and a series of leisure rooms meant for hosting guests.
The second and third floors housed Westley and the rest of the family.
The fourth floor was reserved entirely for Austin.
When Caiden escorted them up the sweeping staircase to the third floor, Brinley paused, struck by a sudden realization.
The entire floor stretched into more than a dozen suites, each one lavishly furnished.
From every window, a sweeping view of the Moore Estate’s gardens unfolded—endless manicured lawns and winding stone paths laid out in perfect symmetry.
“You’ll be staying in the master bedroom. Everything has already been arranged,” Caiden said with quiet deference.
Brinley’s pulse stumbled when her eyes landed on the room.
Only one enormous bed dominated the space.