Chapter 126
Chapter 126:
When she analyzed racing simulator data on her computer, he would casually pass the study door and ask in an offhand tone, “What’s got you so focused p>
And what unnerved her most was that he had started watching replays of actual races.
One evening, she entered his study with a plate of fruit and caught him frowning at a screen showing an intense rally.
“You follow this stuff?” Brinley asked, setting the plate down and trying to sound indifferent.
“Somewhat.” Austin picked up a strawberry and held it out to her. “This driver’s angle is risky. What do you think p>
Caught off guard, Brinley bit into the strawberry, muttering, “Looks… impressive p>
“Impressive?” Austin chuckled softly, his eyes flicking to her lips. “I think he could improve his throttle control. He isn’t managing power delivery smoothly through the corners p>
Brinley fell silent.
He was right. That was the racer’s biggest weakness—and it had been her exact thought when she’d watched the race back then.
𝘈𝘤𝘁і𝘷𝖾 𝗰𝘰mmu𝗻іty оո
How did Austin catch it so quickly?
“You really know a lot about racing,” she remarked.
“Just a little.” Austin’s tone was deliberately dismissive—the same way she had brushed him off once. But the amusement in his eyes only deepened.
Their interactions shifted, growing more nuanced and subtle.
One evening at dinner, Austin set down his utensils and said almost casually, “The FIA called again today p>
After a brief pause, Brinley asked, “And what did they say p>
“They doubled the appearance fee.” Austin’s eyes held a teasing glint. “Looks like they’re desperate for me to join p>
“Don’t go,” Brinley blurted. Then she quickly added, “It’s not worth risking your life for any amount of money. If something happened to you, what would become of Moore Group p>
“But now I’m curious to try.” Austin placed a piece of fish onto her plate, his tone easy. “Who knows? Maybe I’m a natural p>
“Your gift lies in business,” Brinley replied firmly.
She lowered her head, absently stirring her food, her chest heavy with unease. Was this another test? Did he already suspect something?
“Maybe.” Austin didn’t push the matter. He simply watched her in silence, his gaze intense and unreadable.
Later that night, Brinley lay in bed, restless and unable to sleep.
After a long stretch of hesitation, she finally picked up her phone and dialed a number she had deliberately kept out of reach for years.