Chapter 123
Chapter 123:
After the project meeting ended, Brinley massaged her aching temples, exhaustion pressing down on her.
On the drive back to the villa, the car radio buzzed with updates about the upcoming exhibition race. Almost reflexively, she turned up the volume, her grip tightening on the steering wheel as the announcer mentioned the event.
Tucked behind the passenger-side sun visor was the gold-embossed invitation to the race, its emblem a silent pull on her attention. Each morning before leaving, she would steal a glance at it, the sight stirring something deep within her.
Tonight, she arrived home later than usual.
The living room was quiet, making her wonder whether Austin was home yet. As she passed his study, the door slightly ajar, a warm glow spilled into the hallway.
She nearly walked by, but something on the desk caught her eye, stopping her cold.
There, bathed in lamplight, sat an envelope bearing the same gold-embossed racing emblem as the one hidden in her car.
How was this possible?
Her breath hitched.
Had Austin received an invitation too?
𝖣𝘰𝘯’𝗍 m𝗶ѕs ո𝗲𝘄 r𝗲𝘭𝖾a𝘀еѕ 𝗈n
“Come in,” Austin’s voice called from inside, tinged with playful ease.
Caught off guard, Brinley felt a flush creep up her neck at being spotted. She steadied herself with a slow breath and pushed the door open.
Austin lounged behind the desk, casually lifting the envelope before setting it down with a nonchalant flick. “You’re back p>
Brinley’s eyes darted to the envelope, her breathing carefully measured.
“Yeah,” she said, stepping to the desk and flipping through a few folders to mask her unease. “What’s this? It looks quite fancy p>
“It’s an invitation from FIA,” Austin said, leaning back with his arms crossed, his gaze fixed on her. “They want me to join the exhibition race p>
“Exhibition race?” Brinley’s voice tightened. “Are you going p>
“I haven’t decided yet.” Austin gave the envelope a small shake. “What do you think p>
“You shouldn’t go p>
The words slipped out before she could stop them, and she instantly regretted it.
Her response was too quick—too revealing—as if she were desperate to keep him away.
Sure enough, Austin’s brow arched, his eyes sharpening with curiosity.
Brinley scrambled to recover, forcing a neutral tone. “You’re Austin Moore—a man worth billions. Why bother with a showy race? It’s dangerous. What if there’s an accident p>
“An accident?” Austin cut in, rising abruptly.
He stepped closer, his height suddenly imposing, his gaze carrying a subtle weight. “You think I’ll lose p>