Chapter 89
Chapter 89:
Brinley fell silent, lowering her gaze again.
Austin let out a sigh. Instead of scolding her further, he went to the kitchen and returned with a cup of warm water. “Here. Drink this first p>
After watching her take a sip, he said suddenly, “Starting tomorrow, you’re to be home by eight every night p>
“No way!” Brinley blurted. “Evenings are the only time I can revise the drafts. Eight is far too early p>
“Then work on them the next day,” Austin replied without hesitation. “I’ve already told Miguel to notify your building management to cut the power after eight p>
𝖬orе ոo𝘃е𝘭𝗌 оn ѕ.𝖼𝘰𝗆
“Austin!” Brinley gasped, staring at him in frustration. “How can you do that p>
He met her eyes, resolute. “Either you come home on time, or I’ll make sure your project doesn’t move forward p>
Brinley studied his expression, knowing he wasn’t bluffing. He never went back on his word. And when it came to her, he was especially unyielding.
Her eyes stung as she glared at him. She knew he was worried, but the force of his interference left her feeling cornered.
She tried to reason with him. “I’m working on something important p>
“Nothing is more important than your health,” Austin said, reaching out and running a hand through her hair with unexpected gentleness. “Take care of yourself, okay p>
The tenderness in his voice hit Brinley straight in the chest, and her anger melted like ice in the sun.
She sniffed quietly and muttered, “Fine p>
Austin’s expression softened when he saw her give in. “There’s porridge in the kitchen. It’s been kept warm. Go eat some p>
“I don’t want any. I’m not hungry p>
“You still need to eat.” He stood and pulled her up with firm insistence. “Otherwise, I’ll call your team right now and give them all a day off tomorrow p>
Dragged into the kitchen, Brinley watched him scoop a bowl of steaming seafood porridge from the pot. It was filled with her favorite ingredients, cooked until perfectly tender. The aroma alone was comforting.
“Eat.” Austin placed the spoon in her hand, then leaned against the doorway with his arms crossed, watching her intently.
Brinley reluctantly lifted a spoonful to her lips. Warmth spread through her stomach, easing the exhaustion and refreshing her almost instantly.
She glanced up and saw Austin watching her closely, a faint smile tugging at the corner of his mouth.
“Why aren’t you eating?” she asked.
“I’ll eat once you’ve finished,” Austin replied casually.
“Alright,” Brinley said softly, and kept eating.
The porridge was the perfect temperature—neither scalding nor lukewarm—proof it had been reheated more than once so it would be ready the moment she came home.
Only then did Brinley realize Austin hadn’t had anything urgent to tell her. He had just wanted to be there, making sure she ate.