Chapter 186
Chapter 186:
Milly felt strangely different this time—her timid caution edged into something like inferiority, as if she were slipping into a role she had rehearsed.
Once the banquet wound down, the crowd spilled into the adjoining ballroom.
The crystal chandeliers dimmed to a mellow golden glow, and servers wove gracefully through clusters of guests, balancing trays of champagne.
Brinley had barely taken her place when an eager circle of racing enthusiasts converged around her.
“Mrs. Moore, your cornering technique was incredible! How did you gauge your speed in that split second?” a young man asked, notebook already poised.
𝗗𝘰n’𝘁 𝗆𝘪ѕs ո𝗲𝗐 𝗿e𝗅𝘦𝖺𝗌е𝗌 o𝗇
Before Brinley could respond, a woman leaned in, eyes bright with anticipation. “And that last overtake—did you predict Ballard would brake there p>
Brinley answered each question with patient precision, breaking everything down from entry angles to throttle control, her tone polished yet easy to follow.
Her business partners, having watched the exchange, teased with a laugh, “Mrs. Moore, looks like you’re moving into coaching now p>
Austin lingered at her side, quietly taking in her animated gestures and bright expressions, his eyes warm with affection. Whenever someone tried to draw him into small talk, he offered only the briefest nods, his attention never wavering from Brinley.
His posture—focused on her alone—quietly shut down every attempt at conversation.
The music softened, and the host stepped forward with a smile. “Ladies and gentlemen, the ballroom dance is about to begin. Please join us on the floor p>
Austin extended his hand toward Brinley. “Want to dance with me p>
Her lips curved as she slipped her hand into his, letting him lead her onto the dance floor.
His stride was steady and assured, guiding her through a smooth spin as if the two of them were gliding across the surface of a still lake.
Brinley moved fluidly with Austin’s lead, breathing in the crisp scent that clung to him, the freshness easing the fatigue left behind by endless chatter.
As he guided her through a turn, her peripheral vision snagged on Milly in the far corner, whispering quickly to Colin as though trying to explain something.
Colin, however, wasn’t watching Milly. His gaze swept over the dancers before locking on Brinley, his eyes dark with an unreadable tangle of emotions.
A faint crease formed between Brinley’s brows, but before she could fully look away, Austin spun her sharply.
Her back met his chest—steady and warm—and when she tipped her chin up, she found his gaze fixed deeply on her.
“Don’t waste your eyes on people who don’t matter,” he murmured, voice low against her ear. “Keep your attention here p>
Her lips curved despite herself. She set her hand firmly on his shoulder, choosing to match his rhythm with genuine focus.
The chandeliers cast golden swirls across the hall, muffling the clamor around them until only their shared breath and synchronized steps remained.