Chapter 156
Chapter 156:
Miguel pulled up just as Austin and Brinley stepped out of the hospital. Parked at the entrance, the black Maybach’s sleek lines spoke of understated class.
When Miguel climbed out to open the rear door, his gaze caught on their linked hands. A flicker of surprise crossed his eyes before he quickly masked it. “Good morning, Mr. Moore, Mrs. Moore,” he said smoothly.
Austin gave a curt nod and guided Brinley inside.
Once they settled into the leather seats, Brinley’s brow furrowed as a sudden thought struck her.
She murmured, “What about my car p>
“It’s been towed and sent for repairs,” Austin cut in, placing a water bottle in her hand. “For the next few days, I’ll either drive you to the construction site myself or have Miguel take you p>
After a brief pause, his tone deepened. “Milly hasn’t been entirely dealt with yet. I’m concerned about your safety p>
At the mention of Milly, Brinley’s protest caught in her throat. She found herself unable to argue.
A𝗰𝘁і𝘷e 𝘤𝘰𝘮m𝘂𝘯i𝗍𝗒 oո
After yesterday’s scare, she couldn’t shake the faint chill of unease that clung to her. The accident hadn’t seriously hurt her, which meant Milly was probably still lurking in the shadows, waiting for another chance.
Her safety was a genuine concern.
“Alright,” Brinley murmured at last, giving a small nod. “Thank you p>
Austin let out a light laugh and reached over, ruffling her hair in a warm, almost teasing gesture. “Don’t thank me. We don’t need that kind of formality between us p>
His easy affection startled her. Heat rushed to her face, and she quickly turned toward the window to hide the blush creeping across her cheeks.
Beyond the glass, the city stretched wide beneath the blaze of sunlight, cars streaming along in steady flows.
Yet her heart remained tangled in a swirl of conflicted emotions.
The relationship between Brinley and Austin felt more intimate than before, as if an invisible thread were drawing them closer with every passing moment. That new closeness left her nervous—yet tinged with hope.
The car rolled to a smooth stop outside Hillcrest Villa.
When they stepped out, the butler greeted them warmly. “Welcome home, Mr. Moore, Mrs. Moore p>
Austin acknowledged him with a nod and guided Brinley inside. “Is lunch ready?” he asked, glancing toward the dining room.
“Everything is prepared,” the butler replied.
The moment Brinley entered the living room, a rich, mouthwatering aroma wrapped around her. The dining table gleamed with carefully arranged dishes, each one tailored to her taste.
The sight of the meal—so thoughtfully prepared—sent a gentle warmth through her chest.
Whatever lay ahead between her and Austin, at least for now, the care he showed her was unmistakably real.
“Come on. Wash up first, then we’ll eat,” Austin insisted. He set her bag down on the sofa and gently steered her toward the bathroom.
When she returned with freshly washed hands, Austin was already seated at the table, waiting with patient ease.
He nudged a plate of ribs closer and said with quiet insistence, “Try this and tell me what you think p>
Brinley lifted her fork, took a rib, and bit down slowly, savoring the rich flavor. The sauce warmed her tongue, and the tender meat slid cleanly off the bone.