Chapter 187
Chapter 187:
The music faded, and a gentle wave of applause rippled through the room.
As Austin released Brinley’s hand, his fingers brushed her palm, leaving behind a subtle, tingling warmth.
Just as she stepped back, she spotted Milly at the edge of the dance floor, clutching a wine glass.
“Mr. Moore,” Milly said, her voice soft and deliberately delicate. “Could I have a quick word with your wife alone? Just a few minutes, if that’s alright p>
Austin’s brow furrowed, ready to refuse, but Brinley lightly touched his arm, signaling she could handle it.
She turned to Milly, her tone cool and detached. “Whatever you have to say, say it here. There’s no need for secrecy p>
Milly bit her lip, her eyes instantly filling with tears, drawing curious glances from nearby guests.
“It’s… about Colin and our baby…” Her hand settled delicately over her stomach in a meek gesture. “I know I messed up before, causing misunderstandings that hurt your relationship with Colin. I’m here to apologize sincerely. Please, stop coming after me. I just want to carry this baby in peace p>
Milly’s words, cloaked as an apology, were laced with venom—implying Brinley still harbored feelings for Colin and was bullying her. She even dragged Austin into it, hinting his wife was tangled up with her ex.
Murmurs swelled around them, curious stares converging on Brinley.
𝘔𝗼ѕ𝗍 𝗋𝖾а𝘥 𝗍𝘩𝗂ѕ 𝗐𝘦е𝗸 o𝗻
A short distance away, Colin’s expression darkened at Milly’s speech. Instinct urged him to step in and clarify, but a friend held him back, knowing any explanation would only make things worse for Brinley in a moment this charged.
Brinley watched Milly’s pitiful performance and scoffed inwardly.
So she was recycling the same old play-the-victim routine.
Instead of replying hastily, Brinley let a slow smile spread across her face.
Waiting until the crowd’s attention fixed on her, Brinley spoke calmly, her voice carrying clearly through the hushed corner.
“Miss Russell, are you implying I’m abusing my role as Austin’s wife to bully you p>
Milly flinched at Brinley’s words, panic flashing in her eyes, yet she clung to her victim façade. “That’s not what I meant… I was only p>
“You’re trying to paint me as a bitter woman,” Brinley cut in, her voice laced with biting mockery, “obsessed with an ex and jealous of his pregnant partner? Sorry—your scheme falls flat with me p>
She stepped closer, her gaze sharp as a blade as it pinned Milly in place. “You’re accusing me of sabotaging your relationship with Colin? Then tell me—who was the one hiding in the shadows as the other woman while I was still dating him p>
Her words landed like a slap. Milly went ashen, lips trembling, suddenly speechless.
The whispers in the room shifted, and eyes began drifting to Colin with dawning comprehension. So there was more to the story.
Brinley didn’t stop.
“Your claim that I’m targeting you? That’s absurd,” she continued, voice crisp and cutting. “It was you who paid someone to mess with my car at the racetrack. And today, you’re the one who came to me with this so-called apology. Please. Do you really think I’d stoop so low as to target a pregnant woman p>
She paused, flicking a glance at Colin—his face tight with anger—before turning her eyes to Austin. Her tone softened, carrying a hint of playful sweetness.
“Besides, my husband is Austin—the heir to the Moore family, head of Moore Group, a powerhouse in business. He’s handsome, successful, and exceptional—perfectly suited to me p>
She let the words hang, watching Milly’s face drain to a ghostly white, her own smile bright and unshaken.
“Why would I throw away an incredible husband to chase an ex with a shady past? That would be ridiculous p>
Each line landed with deliberate precision.
She made it unmistakable: she had severed any lingering ties to Colin, praised Austin without reservation, and exposed Milly and Colin’s deceitful history in the same breath.
What kind of fool would abandon a husband like Austin for someone like Colin?
The room went quiet—then soft chuckles broke out.
“Mrs. Moore is absolutely right—her husband is truly exceptional p>
“I knew it. Mrs. Moore isn’t the type to cling to old flames p>
“So it turns out Milly was trying to stir up trouble p>
Milly stood trembling, her face drained of color, her carefully crafted “apology” collapsing in spectacular fashion.
Instead of dragging Brinley down, she had put her own—and Colin’s—shameful past under a spotlight.
Colin’s expression darkened further. His chest tightened as Brinley praised Austin so openly.
Was that really how she saw him now—as something revolting?