Chapter 85
Chapter 85:
“You’re really passionate about this?” Austin asked, flipping the packet open. His fingers paused over the bold phrase “racing-themed,” his voice steady but threaded with curiosity.
“Passionate doesn’t even cover it.” Brinley’s voice rang with conviction. “This is the chance our company needs to rise again p>
A flicker of surprise crossed his features before his composure returned.
“So you’re planning to bid p>
𝖴p𝘥𝘢𝘁е𝘀 𝘦𝘷𝘦r𝘺 𝘄𝖾𝗲𝘬 𝗼n
“Without question,” she answered with a firm nod, her tone resolute.
Austin turned to the terms page and saw that the design proposal had to be submitted within three months. His brow lifted as he muttered, “That’s a brutal timeline. Besides, there’s so much tied up in it—government permits, sponsor coordination, motorsport certifications. Your company alone can’t shoulder all that p>
“I know it won’t be easy.” Brinley fixed her gaze on him, her voice steady with fierce, unwavering grit. “But after the last project collapsed, we need a milestone to prove we can stand tall again p>
“Want my help?” Austin closed the folder, his expression sharpening with intent. “Moore Group has a team that knows every corner of this system—the government, the association. I can line up the funding anytime p>
He said it with quiet authority, as if summoning an army of resources were no more difficult than flipping a switch.
A rush of warmth spread through Brinley’s chest. With Austin’s backing, the project would be hers for the taking.
Yet she shook her head. “No need. I appreciate it, though p>
Drawing in a breath, she met his gaze with clear, unyielding eyes. “I need to do this on my own p>
He arched a brow. “And why is that p>
“Because this company is mine. It’s my battleground.” Brinley held his gaze without flinching, her voice sharpened by conviction. “The Moore Group is powerful, and your network is unmatched—I know that. But I refuse to spend my life buried in someone else’s shadow. Confidence is forged with every project you see through p>
A gentler note slipped into her tone, but the strength remained. “I don’t want people to remember me only as Austin’s wife or the Shaw family’s daughter. I want them to say Brinley stands out—and so does her company p>
The breeze lifted her hair, strands brushing her cheek, while the last streaks of sunset spilled across her shoulders like a crown of gold.
Austin studied the pride and unshakable will in her eyes, instantly recalling the scene at the Moore Estate—when she had stood her ground against Ryder and his family, cutting down their provocation with sharp, fearless words.
Brinley had never been the kind of woman who hid behind others. She had her own defenses, her own foundation, and a clear vision of what she meant to achieve.
“Are you sure?” Austin held her gaze. “This project is riddled with hidden traps, and there are powerful players moving in the shadows. On your own, you p>
“I’m not on my own,” Brinley cut in swiftly, a confident curve touching her lips. “I have my team, my skills, and p>
Her eyes flicked to him, softening as she added with quiet certainty, “And Austin, you’re standing behind me too, aren’t you p>