Chapter 228
Chapter 228:
“I appreciate that, Austin,” Brinley said, shaking her head with quiet determination. “But I can’t take it p>
Austin’s brow creased faintly. “Brinley, please don’t refuse my help. Lachlan has been with Shaw Group for years, and those board members are a tight-knit group. You don’t have to face them alone p>
“I’m not alone,” Brinley cut in firmly. “I’ve got my father, Felix, and the employees who genuinely care about Shaw Group’s future.” She paused, a flicker of self-reproach in her gaze. “Truthfully, I bear some blame for this mess p>
Austin stayed quiet, giving her space to continue.
“Two years back, my dad wanted me to take the reins at Shaw Group,” Brinley said, her voice softening. “But I was so wrapped up in Colin, convinced love trumped everything. For him, I turned my back on my dad and left him to bear the burden of the company alone p>
Reflecting on her impulsive choices, Brinley gave a wry smile.
If she hadn’t been so obstinate and had stepped up sooner, Lachlan might not have gained such a foothold.
“Now that I’m back, it’s time to own up to my role. I can’t dodge it anymore.” She lifted her eyes to Austin. “I’m taking charge of Shaw Group and merging VantagePath Realty with it p>
Austin’s frown deepened. “Have you thought this through? VantagePath is your own creation p>
𝖭𝗲𝘸 𝗐𝗲e𝗸𝗹𝘺 c𝗵𝘢𝗉𝘁е𝘳𝘀 o𝗻 ѕ.𝘤𝗈𝗺
“Shaw Group’s support was crucial to VantagePath’s success,” Brinley replied steadily. “Now it’s my turn to give back. Only by uniting both companies’ strengths can we counter Lachlan effectively p>
“But what about the risks?” Austin’s voice carried urgency. “Those old sharks at Shaw Group are sly. Merging VantagePath exposes your cards. If you can’t outsmart them, you could lose it all p>
He wasn’t questioning her skill—he knew how ruthless those board members could be when profit was on the line. Brinley, though seasoned in business, didn’t share their cutthroat instincts.
To his surprise, she let out a fearless laugh, brimming with resolve.
“So what if I lose everything?” Her eyes gleamed with confidence as she met his gaze. “I built VantagePath from nothing to what it is now. Even if it all crumbles, I know I can rebuild p>
Sunlight poured through the window, casting her in a warm glow. In that instant, Austin saw her radiating resilience honed by hardship, and a boldness that embraced the unknown.
It stirred and ached him in equal measure.
He knew he couldn’t sway her. Though she seemed soft-spoken, her resolve was fiercer than anyone else’s. Once she committed to a path, no force could turn her aside.
After a long silence—long enough for Brinley to wonder if he was upset—Austin finally said, “Fine p>
Brinley blinked, caught off guard by his swift shift.
“But there’s one condition,” he added, his expression stern. “You can’t shut me out, even if you’re set on doing this yourself. If you hit a roadblock you can’t clear, you have to tell me right away—no more keeping things to yourself like before p>
He paused, then continued, “I won’t step in openly, but I’ll be your biggest backup. Anything you need, just say the word, and I’ll make it happen p>
His words sent a surge of comfort through Brinley, and her eyes glistened faintly. She knew this was as far as Austin could bend—honoring her choice while still protecting her.
“Thank you, Austin,” she murmured, her voice soft with emotion.
Austin reached out and gently tousled her hair. “No need for that, sweetheart.” He pulled a document from the folder and handed it to her. “Miguel worked through the night on this. It’s got everything on Lachlan and the board—their underhanded deals, even some damning evidence. It could come in handy p>
Brinley flipped through the pages, struck by the thoroughness. The document even listed a shady transfer from Lachlan’s offshore account last month.
“This is p>
“Business competition is never a clean game,” Austin said evenly. “Play smart with different people, but only use this if you have no other choice. I know you hate dirty tricks, but it’s good to have a safety net p>
Brinley nodded. “I understand p>
“What’s your next move?” Austin asked.
“First, a real talk with my dad. Then I’ll call a board meeting to officially step into Shaw Group’s leadership and propose merging with VantagePath Realty p>
“Do you need me to go with you?” Austin rose to his feet.
“No.” Brinley shook her head. “This is a Shaw family issue. I need to handle it alone. But once it’s done, I’ll treat you to dinner p>
Austin let out a warm chuckle. “Okay, but I’m covering the bill—to celebrate my amazing wife kicking off her reign as queen p>