Chapter 188
Chapter 188:
Austin stepped forward and slid an arm around Brinley’s waist. He cast Milly a cold glance.
“My wife is exhausted. She has no time to waste on people who don’t matter,” he said, his tone brooking no argument.
He drew Brinley close and guided her away without another look. Milly remained rooted to the spot, rigid with humiliation, while the crowd’s pitying and mocking stares made her feel like a sideshow performer who had wandered onstage by mistake.
Back in the lounge, Austin poured a cup of warm water and handed it to Brinley with a faint smile. “You handled that perfectly p>
Brinley took a sip, satisfaction tugging at her mouth. “If I’m not firm with people like her, they’ll keep thinking I’m someone they can push around p>
Austin laughed softly. “You just sang my praises in front of everyone. Does that mean you have feelings for me now p>
Brinley’s cheeks warmed at the teasing, and she shot him a mock glare. “Don’t let it go to your head p>
But inside, a quiet warmth spread through her.
Y𝗼𝗎r 𝘥a𝘪𝗹у 𝖽𝗼𝘀𝖾 𝗈𝖿 𝗇𝗈𝘷еl𝘴 о𝘯 𝘨а𝘭ոovеl𝘴.𝖼𝗈𝗺
She lifted her gaze to Austin’s and found his eyes full of affection.
The three-day deadline hadn’t arrived yet, but in that moment, Brinley realized her heart had already known the answer for some time.
Their intimate silence was cut short by a playful voice. “Well, well. You two are really enjoying the moment. Should I come back later p>
Brinley looked up to see Nicolas strolling over, a black gift box in hand.
“You’re an hour late and still shameless about it?” Austin eyed him, then casually aimed a kick at his leg.
Nicolas dodged and hissed, “Seriously? You’re picking a fight with me—your buddy—just because I interrupted you and your wife? That’s low, Austin p>
Then he turned to Brinley, his voice gentler as he offered the box with a warm smile. “I’m Nicolas Gomez. Austin and I grew up together. We’re more like brothers than friends. This is just a small gift. I hope you’ll accept it p>
As Brinley reached for the box, Austin leveled a glare at Nicolas. “Enough with the theatrics p>
Nicolas arched a brow. “Ah, that’s right—I forgot. Now that you’re married, guys like me are just outsiders p>
He gave Brinley a teasing look. “Isn’t that so, Brinley p>
Entertained by his theatrics, Brinley lifted the lid of the box. Inside was a set of black racing gear.
The fabric was flawless—clearly high-end—and tailored almost perfectly to her size.
Smiling, she looked up at him. “I love it. Thank you, Mr. Gomez p>
“Mr. Gomez? That sounds too stiff. Just call me Nicolas. And by the way, you were incredible on the track yesterday! In fact, the reason I came p>
“Enough!” Austin cut in, pulling Brinley closer. His eyes made the warning plain. “Keep your distance p>
Nicolas clicked his tongue, then winked at Brinley as if to say, See what I mean? Jealous already.
Brinley burst out laughing. “Nicolas, you’re hilarious p>
Austin’s jaw tightened as he spoke in a low voice. “Don’t be fooled. He’s just messing around p>
Brinley smiled, keeping her thoughts to herself.
She already knew who Nicolas was—the only son in his family. He’d grown up spoiled, yet had never lost his discipline. Instead of wasting his privilege, he poured his energy into building a racing club whose drivers had won trophies at home and abroad. On top of that, his business instincts made him a match even for Austin.
Catching the hint of jealousy in Austin’s eyes, Nicolas seemed to enjoy it all the more. He leaned closer to Brinley, lowering his voice with a grin.
“Your cornering yesterday was flawless. I’ve been racking my brain over it. Why don’t you take me on as a student? You’ll have full access to my club’s resources, and I’ll fulfill any demand you make p>
Brinley hadn’t expected him to be so earnest—so genuinely passionate about racing. She had assumed he was only joking, but it was obvious he truly respected her skill.
Before she could respond, Austin grabbed Nicolas by the collar and yanked him back. “Enough. Stop hovering around my wife p>
“Come on, Austin!” Nicolas shot back, protesting loudly. “We’re talking about racing here—nothing else p>
Amused by their childish back-and-forth, Brinley leaned back in her chair, a faint smile curving on her lips.
Who would have thought the usually aloof Austin could be so animated around someone he trusted?
Somehow, it made him seem even more dependable than she had imagined.
As Nicolas kept pestering her about taking him on as a student, a sudden commotion rippled through the banquet hall.
Brinley glanced toward the entrance and spotted Ryan, the Knight family’s butler, walking in with an attendant carrying a box.
The Knight family might not rival the Moores in sheer business power, but their name carried weight in elite society—and Ryan, their long-standing butler, embodied that influence the moment he stepped into the room.
He walked straight to Brinley, nodded politely, and spoke in a calm, respectful tone. “Mrs. Moore, congratulations on claiming first place at the racetrack and leaving such a dazzling impression p>