Chapter 199
Chapter 199:
Brinley chuckled and shook her head. “You’re a respected figure, Austin. What would people think if you showed up at my ex’s home with me? Your business associates might have a good laugh at your expense p>
Unfazed, Austin eased the car into traffic, his voice calm and steady. “Let them laugh. You’re visiting your ex’s family. I’d only feel comfortable if I’m there with you p>
He glanced at her, a warm smile breaking through. “Besides, let the Palmer family see who stands with you now. It’s better they know p>
Brinley met his straightforward gaze, a blend of warmth and mild exasperation stirring within her. His simple, unwavering support always made her feel secure.
The car soon pulled up outside a restaurant tucked into a quiet alley, its understated charm offering a peaceful escape from the city’s chaos. Austin, clearly a regular, was greeted warmly by the owner and ushered upstairs into a private room.
They had barely settled and placed their order when the door swung open. Nicolas’s cheeky grin appeared. “Well, look who it is—Brinley and Austin! What a coincidence p>
𝗪е𝘦𝗸l𝘆 𝗋e𝗹𝘦𝘢ѕe𝘀 𝗼𝘯 ѕ.𝖼𝗼𝘮
Austin’s expression darkened, irritation flashing across his face. Having grown up with Nicolas, he knew that beneath his carefree demeanor lay a sharp mind. This was no coincidence—it had been planned.
“This is a private dinner,” Austin said coolly.
The message was unmistakable. Uninvited guests were not welcome. Yet Nicolas feigned ignorance, pulling up a chair and flipping through the menu. “Perfect timing. I’m starving. Mind if I join p>
Ignoring Austin’s scowl, he turned to Brinley with an easy grin. “So, Brinley, have you tried that racing suit I sent you? Does it fit? If not, I’ll have another one made p>
Before she could respond, he seamlessly switched topics. “Also, my racing club could really use a star like you. Why don’t you take me on as a student? I’ll even hand over the club as a gift p>
Austin’s gaze turned glacial. “Do you have too much time on your hands, Nicolas p>
Nicolas shrank back slightly, yet still managed a playful wink at Brinley. “Don’t mind him. He’s just jealous. Think about my offer, yeah? My club p>
“Enough,” Austin cut in, his tone edged with warning. “Eat quietly or leave p>
The room fell silent.
Brinley glanced at Austin’s tense jaw and Nicolas’s deliberately innocent expression, barely suppressing a laugh. She served Austin some food and poured water for Nicolas, smoothly defusing the tension.
“Let’s eat before it gets cold. Mr. Gomez, I’m just a casual racer. There’s no way I can take on your club p>
Nicolas opened his mouth to protest but caught Austin’s menacing look and wisely focused on his food, sneaking the occasional glance at Brinley.
Austin’s expression softened as he placed a rib on Brinley’s plate, his voice gentle. “Eat more. You were running around the site all afternoon p>
The warmth in his tone stood in sharp contrast to the chill he had directed at Nicolas moments earlier.
Watching them, Nicolas muttered under his breath, “I get it. I’m just a background character in your love story.” A sharp look from Austin immediately silenced him.
Their exchange amused Brinley, filling her with a quiet warmth. The restaurant’s dishes were refined, but Nicolas’s presence kept the atmosphere lively, if slightly tense.
Austin focused on taking care of Brinley, occasionally shooting Nicolas looks that clearly suggested eviction. Undeterred, Nicolas chatted animatedly, jumping from new racing models to international tracks, then to modification tips and next month’s rally.
Soon, his phone rang.
He answered, his voice rising in alarm. “What? The track is flooded? The drainage system is completely down p>
After he hung up, another call came in.
This time, he exclaimed in disbelief, “What did you say? Three cars broke down? All at once? How is that possible? We just checked them yesterday p>
The double blow snuffed out Nicolas’s earlier enthusiasm. He glanced at Austin, then at Brinley, a chill running through him. “Well… I should go deal with this,” he said, grabbing his jacket. “Brinley, I’ll catch you later p>
Once Nicolas was gone, Brinley laughed softly. “Austin, that was your doing, wasn’t it p>
She had noticed Austin texting Miguel earlier, issuing instructions.
“You’re pretty harsh on your friend p>
Austin raised a brow and placed a piece of fish on her plate, his expression utterly innocent. “Me? I didn’t do anything. Maybe it was just an accident p>