Chapter 129
Chapter 129:
Brinley studied the sketch, her eyes gradually brightening. “This could actually work! But… why is Jasiah so determined to target our project? The Moore Group has interests in countless industries. Why doesn’t he go after those instead p>
Austin set the pen down and looked at her, his voice low and steady. “Because he knows I’d lose it if he went after you p>
Brinley’s chest tightened, a mix of warmth and bitterness rising inside her. So this entire mess wasn’t really about her at all—it was about Austin. She was just an unfortunate casualty caught in the middle.
“So, what’s your plan?” she asked.
“Teach him a lesson. I’ll show him there’s a price for crossing anyone close to me.” Austin’s eyes turned cold as he reached for his phone. He dialed Miguel and said, “Miguel, look into the bidding records for the Riverside project Jasiah handled last year p>
D𝗈n’𝘁 𝗆𝗂𝘀𝘀 𝘯𝗲𝘄 𝘳eleа𝗌e𝘀 o𝘯
When he hung up, he noticed the tension on Brinley’s face. He reached over and gently ruffled her hair. “Don’t stress. You’ll pass the review next week. For now, just focus on finishing the sky garden design p>
Brinley stared at him, a realization snapping into place. “You knew from the start that Ryder was behind this p>
“I suspected as much,” Austin admitted calmly. “Schemes like this are his style p>
Brinley’s frustration flared. “Then why didn’t you say anything earlier? I’ve been worrying for nothing all this time p>
“I wanted to see how tough you really are.” Austin let out a low chuckle. “And you’ve proven to be even stronger than I expected p>
At that, Brinley’s irritation softened into reluctant acceptance. “Fine. But next time something like this happens, at least give me a heads-up p>
“I can’t do that,” Austin said casually, lifting an eyebrow. “But I’ll always be on your side p>
Brinley fell silent, unsure how to respond.
For the next three days, she threw herself into leading her design team, working nonstop to incorporate the sky garden into the overall project.
Every evening, Austin would drop by—not to interrupt, but to sit nearby and handle his own work. Whenever she hit a block, he would quietly offer a suggestion that helped her push through.
By Friday afternoon, the revised design was finally submitted.
Brinley stared nervously at the progress bar in the approval system, her palms damp.
“It’s approved!” Corbin suddenly shouted, pointing at the screen. “Mr. Saunders even said it’s innovative and worth promoting p>
Relief washed over her. Brinley slumped into her chair and let out a long breath.
That evening, when she walked through the villa’s doors, the scent of food greeted her. Austin was in the kitchen, an apron tied around his waist, bathed in the soft glow of the setting sun as he carried out a dish.
“You’re back,” he said, warmth in his eyes. “We’re celebrating your success tonight p>
Later, during dinner, Brinley couldn’t hold back her curiosity. “What exactly did you do to Jasiah? His sudden turnaround is completely unexpected p>
Austin slid a piece of fish onto her plate and replied casually, “I just had Miguel send the disciplinary committee an anonymous report about his shady practices p>