Chapter 232
Chapter 232:
Felix elbowed his way toward the vacant chair beside Brinley, but before he could sit, Austin slid into the neighboring seat with the precision of a trained soldier. Stretching his long legs, he formed an unyielding wall between Felix and Brinley.
“You’re in my way, Austin,” Felix grumbled, scowling as he tried to inch closer.
Austin only rested his elbow near Brinley with an air of nonchalance, subtly drawing her closer to his side.
Defeated, Felix had no choice but to sit on Austin’s other side, muttering under his breath, “That’s pretty childish p>
The meal arrived, each dish a masterpiece of culinary art.
The starter was black pig ham paired with sweet melon, finished with a touch of fresh fig preserve. The main course featured perfectly seared Wagyu beef accompanied by creamy truffle-infused mashed potatoes and rich lobster pasta.
𝗜𝗇𝘵𝗲ոѕ𝗲 r𝘰ma𝘯c𝗲 оn ѕ.𝘤о𝗆
The mere sight of the feast was enough to stir hunger in anyone.
Felix delicately pierced a piece of prosciutto-wrapped melon with his silver fork and extended it toward Brinley. “Try this, Brinley,” he urged warmly.
Almost instantly, Austin’s fork darted across and smoothly redirected the morsel to his own plate. In a casual tone, he said, “She can’t eat that. Her stomach’s been sensitive lately p>
He then sliced a small portion of Wagyu, pressed his knife to test its doneness, and placed it on Brinley’s plate. “This is medium-rare—tender and gentle on the stomach. Ideal for her p>
Brinley found herself momentarily speechless.
Felix, undeterred, pursed his lips and speared a piece of lobster. “Surely this is fine. Lobster pasta was always your favorite, Brinley p>
Austin swiftly intervened again, intercepting the lobster. “The sauce has white wine for seasoning, and she should steer clear of alcohol right now. I’ll taste it for her p>
After being outmaneuvered twice, Felix began to realize that Austin’s “concern” wasn’t just care—it was control.
He shot Austin a look, taking in his unruffled expression, then reluctantly withdrew his fork and cut himself a hefty slice of Wagyu instead. “Damn. I shouldn’t have come. I’m just the third wheel,” he muttered, lacing it with sarcasm.
Amused by their petty rivalry, Brinley nudged Austin lightly with her elbow. “Stop. I’m not that fragile p>
Austin’s tone softened, but his stance didn’t. “You overdid it with drinks before, and the doctor recommended a light diet. You need to be careful p>
Brinley nodded quietly, touched by his attentiveness.
Felix watched the exchange, marveling, then discreetly snapped a photo with his phone.
In the image, Austin was carefully slicing steak for Brinley, his face softened by the warm glow of candlelight. Brinley looked at him, eyes sparkling with unspoken delight. The crystal chandelier above cast a gentle light over them, wrapping the moment in intimacy.
“Oh, Brinley.” Felix pocketed his phone, his tone turning serious. “How did the board meeting go today? Did Lachlan and his supporters try to undermine you p>
Brinley’s smile dimmed slightly, though her resolve stayed firm. “They tried, but they didn’t get far. I laid out the merger strategy for VantagePath and Shaw Group and raised the audit concerns, which bought me some time p>
She gave him a brief account of the tense exchanges from the meeting. Felix listened, his eyes gleaming with admiration.
“You’re incredible, Brinley!” he exclaimed, smacking the table with enthusiasm. “I knew you’d have them outmatched! With forty percent of the company’s shares and VantagePath backing you, no one at Shaw Group can challenge you now p>
Austin’s lips curved into a proud smile as he looked at Brinley, his eyes brimming with admiration. “My wife is truly remarkable,” he said warmly.
His words brought a soft flush to Brinley’s cheeks. She shot him a playful glare, but her heart swelled with affection.
Throughout the meal, Austin attended to her with meticulous care. He served her perfectly portioned Wagyu and peeled her shrimp, making sure every detail matched her preferences.
Overwhelmed by the attention, Brinley gently pressed his hand. “That’s enough. I’ll gain weight if I keep eating like this p>
“A little extra weight looks good on you,” Austin chuckled, gently squeezing her cheek. “Feels just right p>
Felix rolled his eyes at their affection, but secretly snapped more photos.
Austin noticed Felix’s sneaky actions but chose to ignore them. Instead, he leaned closer and whispered something that made Brinley beam—an instant Felix’s camera captured perfectly.
Abruptly, Austin summoned a waiter and said casually, “Bring ten bottles of your finest wine p>
The waiter looked startled. “The exclusive reserve, Mr. Moore p>
“Yes,” Austin confirmed.
Felix nearly choked. “Austin, those bottles are over a million each p>
Austin shrugged. “If we don’t finish them, we can save them for later. Next time you’re here, put all expenses on my tab p>
Felix was dumbfounded. He wasn’t a stranger to wealth, but the sheer extravagance still left him reeling.
Struggling for words, he finally managed, “Austin, that’s… quite extravagant p>
Austin replied breezily, “It’s nothing p>