Chapter 106
Chapter 106:
“Enough,” she cut him off, her tone sharp and distant.
Colin parted his lips, ready to argue, but his gaze flicked past her shoulder. Seeing the figure behind her, he forced a thin, bitter smile instead. “Goodbye, Brinley p>
He turned and walked toward the exit, every step weighted, his back bent as though the years had suddenly caught up with him.
“What’s got you so lost in thought?” Austin’s voice came gently from behind.
Brinley pivoted to find him standing there, a bouquet of bright sunflowers cradled in his hands.
𝗪ha𝘁 𝘦𝘃𝘦𝘳у𝘰𝗻е 𝗂𝘀 r𝖾а𝗱іոg o𝗇.с𝘰𝗆
“It’s nothing,” she replied softly. Her fingers brushed his as she accepted the bouquet, and a wave of warmth passed between them. Somehow, the hollow inside her chest felt full. “Thank you p>
“What exactly are you thanking me for?” he asked, brushing a loose strand of hair from her shoulder.
“For the flowers p>
Austin dipped his head, studying her animated face before letting out a low chuckle. “That’s all I get? Just words p>
Cradling the bouquet, Brinley’s gaze grew complicated, shadows flickering behind her eyes. “As thanks, I plan to buy you dinner tomorrow. Do you have time p>
“Of course. I’ll make time for you.” His laugh came easily, his eyes bright with amusement.
Brinley looked away deliberately, refusing to meet the depth in his expression. “Pick a time and send it over. There’s still a site survey I have to handle, so you go back without me p>
Raising an eyebrow, he offered, “I’ll drive you p>
“There’s no need. I need to bring Corbin and the others. I’m heading out now.” Without waiting for a reply, Brinley motioned for her teammates and strode off, her steps brisker than she realized.
The bouquet stayed clutched tightly to her chest, her mind circling back to the dinner invitation for tomorrow. She felt the urge to sidestep it entirely.
With the project finally secured, this was the right moment to sit down for a serious conversation with Austin.
Yet the thought of sitting across from him, laying it all bare, stirred a reluctance she didn’t want to acknowledge.
Austin’s gaze followed Brinley until she disappeared, the corners of his lips tightening into a faint, bitter grin.
“Mr. Moore, should we…” Miguel, hovering at his side, finally broke the silence. He had been waiting, restless, watching Austin stand rooted in place long after Brinley was gone.
At last, Austin’s eyes shifted away, his expression settling back into its usual rigid severity. “We’re going back to the company p>
Meanwhile, outside the hall, Brinley waved off her team with a bright smile, telling them to unwind and enjoy the victory. It was the dedication of the entire team that had allowed them to secure the project.
“Brinley, aren’t you joining us for a meal?” Corbin asked.
“I’ll pass. There’s something else I need to take care of.” With that, she offered them a gentle farewell before turning away, her steps carrying her alone toward the project site on the quiet outskirts of the suburbs.