Chapter 198
Chapter 198:
Looking back, Brinley knew the warmth Colin’s mother had shown her had been genuine. Still, the Palmer family’s silent acceptance of Colin’s involvement with Milly was undeniable.
“I’m not visiting your mother,” Brinley declared, her voice resolute and unwavering.
Colin’s expression tightened. “Brinley, my mother is seriously unwell. She’s in the hospital with high blood pressure, and lately she’s been saying how much she misses you p>
“If she’s sick, she has doctors and family,” Brinley replied, her gaze sharp with mockery. “Have you forgotten, Mr. Palmer? We’re nothing to each other now. You cheated on me with Milly. You’re nothing but a jerk p>
She paused, her tone turning even colder. “Your mother was kind to me, and I’m grateful for that. But that doesn’t mean she gets a free pass. They enabled your cheating, welcomed Milly into your life, and treated her like your wife before she was even officially one. Now she’s pregnant with your child, just waiting for the wedding. And you expect me to visit your mother now?” Her laugh was sharp, her eyes distant and cold. “Am I just entertainment for your family when you’re bored p>
𝖩oi𝗇 𝗼u𝗋 𝗰𝗈𝗆𝘮𝘶𝘯𝘪𝘵𝘺 on
Colin’s face flushed red. His mouth opened, but no defense came out.
“I’m not going,” Brinley repeated, setting her pen down with a faint tap. “It’s time for you to leave p>
Colin stared at her impassive expression, the pleading in his eyes slowly giving way to despair. He stood, no longer pressing the issue, and murmured, “Please, just consider it. My mom really wants to see you p>
At the door, he paused and turned back, his tone more sincere than ever. “Brinley, I messed up back then. I’m truly sorry, and I regret it. You’ve become so confident and brilliant, and your company is thriving. Now I see exactly what I let go p>
Brinley didn’t look up, her eyes fixed on the data on her screen, her voice flat. “Keep your regrets and apologies to yourself. You need to leave. Now p>
The door closed softly, sealing the encounter away.
Brinley pressed her fingers to her temple, noticing the faint chill in them.
Corbin stepped in, his gaze flicking to the bouquet of white roses on the table. “Brinley, the flowers p>
“Throw them out,” Brinley said without looking up. “And have the cleaners sanitize the room p>
“Understood p>
Left alone, Brinley shut down her computer, leaned back, and closed her eyes. Colin’s final words stung for only a moment, like a fleeting pinch, before quickly dissolving. She was no longer the Brinley from two years ago, haunted by everything he said.
Her phone buzzed with a message from Austin. “Are you done? I’m waiting downstairs p>
A smile tugged at her lips as she replied, “On my way p>
Inside the car, Brinley fastened her seatbelt, feeling Austin’s steady gaze on her. He didn’t start the engine right away, instead asking casually, “Was Colin just at your office p>
Brinley arched a brow and teased, “What’s this? Keeping tabs on my visitors p>
Austin turned slightly, a trace of frustration in his eyes. “I’m just looking out for you.” Then, with a hint of envy, he added, “He’s your ex, and you two were alone in your office for a while p>
Brinley laughed at his obvious jealousy. “You’re quick to turn green with envy.” She reached out and pinched his cheek playfully. “Don’t worry, I’ve been over him for ages, but p>
She deliberately dragged out her words, watching his jaw tighten before continuing slowly. “If you don’t treat me well, someone else might just steal me away p>
Austin caught her teasing hand and gave it a light, playful bite. “Not a chance. I’d chase you to the ends of the earth p>
His bold words sent a flutter through her, though she teased back, “Oh my, you’re quite the possessive type, aren’t you p>
After their playful banter, Brinley’s expression grew serious. “Colin came to tell me his mother is sick and wants me to visit p>
Austin’s grip on her hand tightened slightly, his eyes steady as he waited for her to continue.
“His mother was good to me,” Brinley sighed. “Even if the rest of the Palmer family isn’t worth my time, I can’t forget her kindness. I’m thinking… maybe I’ll go p>
She looked at Austin, her gaze earnest. “I’m telling you first because I don’t want you to feel uneasy p>
“I don’t mind,” Austin replied at once, then added, “If you go, I’ll come with you p>
“What?” Brinley blinked, waving her hand. “No way. Why would you need to come p>