Chapter 220
Chapter 220:
When Felix and Brinley stepped out of the club, the night air brushed cool against their skin—crisp and strangely invigorating. Felix slid into the driver’s seat, whistling off-key, his energy still buzzing from the earlier scene.
“Did you see Magnus’s expression just now, Brinley?” he said with a wicked grin. “Looked like he’d just bitten into something rotten p>
He shot her a sideways glance, mischief glittering in his eyes. “And Jacoby—ha! He thought he could humiliate you, but you flattened him with a few sentences. Bet he won’t be whispering behind our backs again p>
Brinley leaned into the leather seat, her gaze on the neon streaks flashing past the window. A soft, knowing smile curved her lips. “They’re just probing you. You’re young, and you took the reins so suddenly—it’s natural they’d test you first p>
Felix puffed out his chest, smugness written all over him. “Well, they believe me now. Who’d dare doubt me when you’re on my side p>
𝖶e𝗲kl𝘆 𝗿е𝘭еaѕeѕ 𝘰𝘯
Brinley laughed under her breath, amused by his dramatics. “This isn’t about me. You held your own tonight, Felix. Without that, I couldn’t have faced those seasoned schemers by myself p>
“Of course.” He tossed his hair with exaggerated flair. “I’m a genius on the track and a brilliant investor off it p>
Then his bravado slipped. He leaned a little closer, his voice softer. “But seriously… when Jacoby brought up Colin earlier, I was worried you might take it hard p>
The sound of Colin’s name dimmed Brinley’s smile for a moment, though her voice stayed even. “That’s behind me now. No point getting worked up. Honestly, is he even worth the energy p>
Relieved by her calm response, Felix exhaled and nodded. “Exactly—no point wasting a thought on that bastard. Anyway, you’ve been married to Austin for a while. When are you throwing the grand wedding? I’ve been waiting to stand up there as best man p>
The single word “wedding” caught Brinley off guard, stilling her for a beat.
The thought hadn’t crossed her mind. Her marriage to Austin had started as a practical arrangement, not a romantic dream. Neither of them had expected to fall in love for real.
Before she could answer, a sleek black Maybach shot out from a side street and came to an abrupt, precise stop right in front of their car.
Felix jerked the wheel and slammed the brakes. “Damn. Who the hell is that, tearing through like the world’s about to end p>
Before his words faded, the Maybach’s rear door swung open.
Austin stepped out, sharp in a tailored black suit, the streetlight gilding his broad shoulders and carving a halo around him. In stunned silence, Brinley’s eyes widened in disbelief.
Austin? What on earth was he doing here?
He strode to her window and rapped on the glass, voice low and unyielding. “Get out p>
Only then did Felix recognize him. Rolling the window down, he flashed a playful grin. “Austin! What are the odds? You’re driving around too p>
Austin’s attention didn’t even flicker toward Felix, his gaze locked firmly on Brinley. “Get out, Brinley p>
The quiet intimacy with which he spoke her name sent a shiver through her chest. With no room to argue, she unfastened her seatbelt and stepped out of the car. “What are you doing here? I told you I didn’t need a ride p>
“I miss you.” He slid an arm around her waist as though it were the most natural thing in the world. “Come with me. Just the two of us p>
Her brows shot up. “What p>
Felix leaned out the window, blinking in disbelief. “Uh, hello? What about me p>
“You can drive yourself home,” Austin said coolly, his gaze still steady. “We’re married, Felix. Wanting time alone with my wife is hardly unreasonable p>
Felix inwardly rolled his eyes. Then he pleaded, “Austin, let me come with you! I swear I’ll stay quiet—you won’t even notice me there p>
Austin shut him down instantly, without hesitation. “No. Couples need their space. Third wheels aren’t welcome p>
“I’m her brother!” Felix shot back indignantly. “Brinley hasn’t even said no yet. Maybe she wants me there too p>
Austin turned to Brinley, brow raised in silent question.
Brinley couldn’t help laughing at the two of them bickering like kids. She touched Austin’s arm with a placating smile. “Alright, enough. It’s late—let’s all just head back together p>
But Austin shook his head, stubbornness glinting in his eyes. “Not tonight. I finally managed a free evening, and I want it to be just us p>
Felix glanced between them, catching the unspoken intimacy in Austin’s tone. With a dramatic sigh, he waved them off. “Fine, fine. Brinley, I’ll go back first. You two go have your fun p>
With obvious reluctance, he climbed back into the car, but leaned out the window to shout, “Austin, take care of my sister p>
When the sports car disappeared down the road, Brinley turned toward Austin with a half-smile. “Honestly, you’re acting like a kid—getting jealous of my brother p>
Austin’s expression stayed serious. “I’m not jealous,” he said with quiet conviction. “I just want some time alone with my wife. Is that so wrong p>
Brinley’s lips curved into a small smile as she shook her head. “No, it’s not wrong.” She tipped her head playfully. “So, where exactly are we going p>
“You’ll find out soon enough.” A mysterious smile tugged at Austin’s mouth as he opened the door for her.
The black Maybach glided through the quiet streets, the night air pressing cool against the windows. Austin kept stealing glances at Brinley, his piercing eyes softened with warmth.
At last, the car rolled to a stop at the top of a hill.
Austin cut the engine, stepped out, and held out his hand. “Come on, sweetheart. Look at this p>
Brinley followed him out, and the instant her gaze landed on the view ahead, her breath caught. The sight before her left her completely stunned.