Chapter 211

Chapter 211:

Meanwhile, the Moore Estate felt worlds apart from the warmth of the Shaw Mansion.

Though the living room was brightly lit, the atmosphere was heavy and stifling. Westley sat upright in an armchair, his sharp gaze sweeping over his sons before finally settling on Austin.

Ryder lounged lazily on the sofa, legs crossed, his tone casual on the surface but edged with criticism. “Dad, I don’t usually interfere, but Austin’s behavior has crossed a line. For the sake of his wife, he’s been pulling strings, throwing money around, and stirring things up all over Bleron. Our family has always valued keeping a low profile. If people start saying we’re pouring family resources into a woman, what kind of impression does that leave p>

His wife, Carolyn, was quick to add fuel to the fire. “Exactly. We don’t intend to interfere in his personal life, but this concerns the Moore family’s reputation. If we become the subject of idle gossip p>

“Carolyn, you’ve got it wrong.” Austin stood, his expression unreadable. “Everything I’ve done for Brinley, I’ve done openly and with my own resources. I haven’t touched a single cent of Moore family wealth. How could that possibly damage our reputation p>

𝗝𝘰і𝗇 t𝗵ou𝘴𝗮𝘯𝗱𝘀 оf 𝗳𝘢𝗻𝘴 𝗈ո

Corbett let out a short, derisive laugh. “Uncle Austin, as the CEO of Moore Group, every move you make reflects on the Moore family. You know that p>

“Oh?” Austin raised a brow. “So you’re saying our family’s reputation could be ruined simply because I choose to support my wife p>

Corbett faltered, his face flushing red. “That’s not what I meant. I was only saying p>

“Enough,” Westley cut in, his deep, commanding voice silencing the room at once. “Why are we, as a family, bickering like this p>

The silence that followed was thick with tension.

Westley fixed Corbett with a stern look as he continued, “Corbett, Austin is the CEO of Moore Group. He knows exactly what he’s doing, and he has every right to support his wife p>

Turning to Austin, Westley’s tone softened slightly. “They mean well. Still, you must be mindful of appearances and avoid drawing unnecessary attention p>

His words were diplomatic, but his true stance was clear: he had no objection to what Austin had done.

Ryder and Carolyn looked displeased, yet neither dared to protest.

Everyone knew that Westley’s youngest son, born later in his life, held a unique place in his heart. Austin nodded. “You’re right, Dad p>

“Good. That’s enough for today,” Westley said, waving a hand dismissively. “Everyone else may leave. Austin, stay behind. I need a word with you p>

Once the others had gone, Westley finally set aside his stern façade. Lifting his teacup, he looked at his son with fond exasperation. “You actually dared to confront Ryder and his family head-on for your wife. That was bold p>

“They went too far,” Austin replied. His tone was lighter now, his gaze gentle. “Brinley is my wife. What’s wrong with supporting her? Protecting her is my responsibility p>

“I know.” Westley regarded him with unmistakable paternal affection. “She’s a good girl. She deserves to be treated well.” After a brief pause, he added, “As for Ryder and Carolyn, they’re simply envious of you and the authority you hold. Don’t trouble yourself over them p>

“I won’t,” Austin said with a nod.

“Alright. Go and get some rest,” Westley said, waving him off.

Austin acknowledged him quietly and left.

Once he was in the car, he gave the driver a single instruction. “To the Shaw Mansion p>

The driver hesitated. “But, sir, it’s almost ten o’clock p>

“Drive,” Austin said, his tone final.

At that moment, all he wanted was to see Brinley. Even a single glance would ease his heart.

The car rolled to a quiet stop beneath the trees outside the Shaw Mansion. Austin looked up to see that the light in Brinley’s upstairs room was still on.

He took out his phone and sent a short message. “I’m downstairs at your place p>

Moments later, the curtain on the second floor shifted. Brinley peeked out and spotted him at once.

Not long after, the villa’s front door swung open, and she hurried outside, dressed in her pajamas.

“What are you doing here?” she asked, stopping in front of him, her eyes wide with surprise and unmistakable delight.

“I missed you,” Austin murmured, pulling her into his arms. The tension of the night melted away the instant she rested against him.

Brinley leaned into his chest, listening to the steady rhythm of his heartbeat before whispering, “Did everything go alright? No conflict, I hope p>

Austin drew back slightly and pinched her cheek with a light touch, his voice calm and reassuring. “Just a small matter. Dad handled it p>

He offered no further explanation, unwilling to burden her with the weight of family politics.

“Really?” Brinley studied his face, her gaze searching.

“Really.” Austin bent down and pressed a gentle kiss to her forehead. “See? I’m perfectly fine p>

She caught the sincerity in his eyes and nodded, though deep down she knew the Moores hadn’t made things easy for him.

“It’s cold out here,” Austin said softly. “Go back inside. I only came to see you p>