Chapter 233

Chapter 233:

Brinley cast Austin a helpless glance. “There’s no need to be this extravagant p>

“It’s okay.” Austin took her hand and lightly brushed his thumb over her ring finger, where the band he had slipped onto her hand glimmered. “Felix is your brother, which makes him family to me. Treating him well is only natural p>

Felix was touched by those words. He snapped a few shots of the wine bottles—each priced at more than a million—and instantly uploaded them to his social media. The caption read, “What’s it like to have a wealthy brother-in-law? Absolutely thrilling p>

When dinner ended, Austin went to settle the bill, giving Felix a chance to tug Brinley aside in the hallway. His eyes glinted mischievously as he offered her his phone. “Brinley, you’ve got to check these out p>

The album held eight photos—one of her and Austin speaking quietly, another of him serving her food, and several more capturing them trading smiles. Every picture brimmed with warmth and closeness.

As Brinley swiped through them, a smile spread across her face despite herself.

“Austin saw me taking the pictures,” Felix admitted, scratching the back of his head sheepishly. “But he didn’t stop me. Do you think he let me on purpose p>

Before Brinley could answer, Austin strolled over and slipped his arm naturally around her waist. “So what’s this little conversation about p>

Brinley quickly returned Felix’s phone and replied teasingly, “We were just talking about how extravagant you are p>

Austin chuckled softly, leaning close to her ear. “I want everyone to see just how much you mean to me p>

The soft hallway light fell across his sincere face, and Brinley’s heart fluttered.

𝗠𝗼𝘀𝘁 𝗿𝗲𝗮𝗱 𝘁𝗵𝗶𝘀 𝘄𝗲𝗲𝗸 𝗼𝗻

On the drive back, Felix was considerate enough to take his own car, leaving the couple alone.

Inside the car, the air was calm, filled only with the gentle background hum of music.

Holding Brinley’s hand, Austin asked suddenly, “Do you need me to step in and help with anything p>

Brinley shook her head firmly. “No. I want to take my time getting familiar with each department and see how Lachlan and the others respond. If you step in now, it’ll only make me look unsure of myself p>

Austin fell silent for a moment, then nodded. “Alright. But promise me—if something comes up, you’ll call me right away. Don’t take everything on your shoulders p>

After a pause, he added quietly, “Miguel’s already uncovered solid proof that Absolon used company funds to buy a villa for his son. There’s also evidence showing Lachlan’s nephew’s company has been evading taxes. If you ever need to use it, the documents are there p>

Brinley weighed his words. “Not just yet. I’d rather watch and see how they act. If they decide to behave, perhaps we can still give them a way out p>

“You’re too gentle,” Austin remarked with a slight smile, though he didn’t argue further. “But remember this: being lenient with those who oppose you often means turning that cruelty on yourself. When the situation calls for it, don’t hold back p>

Brinley leaned against his shoulder and murmured her agreement.

Austin wanted nothing more than to take her back to Hillcrest Villa, but he knew it wasn’t the right time.

She had only just stepped into her father’s place at the company, and Brandon was still worn down by exhaustion. At this critical point, she needed to remain with her family.

As their car entered the grounds of the Shaw Mansion, Brinley spotted a familiar figure by the gate, directing several bodyguards as they unloaded boxes.

She stepped out, brows arching in surprise. “Miguel? What are you doing here p>

Hearing her voice, Miguel turned. The usual solemn expression on his face softened into a rare smile. “Mrs. Moore, Mr. Moore asked me to bring some items over p>

He moved aside, revealing over a dozen gift boxes of different sizes, each beautifully wrapped.

“These supplements are intended for your father. Everything’s freshly imported p>

Brinley glanced at Austin, still seated in the car, one hand idly resting on the steering wheel as if the whole matter were nothing more than a small chore.

“Austin, you really…” She stepped closer to the window, but he cut her off before she could finish.

“Your father’s health comes first,” he said, looking up at her with seriousness.

Miguel spoke again. “I’ve given the butler the nutritionist’s number. If he has any questions, he can reach them right away. Also, Mr. Moore has arranged for two family doctors to stay in the west guest wing. They’re on call for your father at any time, day or night p>

A gentle warmth rose in Brinley’s chest, her eyes growing misty.

Once everything was in order, Miguel turned to Austin to report. “Mr. Moore, I’ve reached out to all the partners who withdrew their commitments from Shaw Group. They’ve agreed to resume negotiations next week. I’ve sent the details to your email p>

“Alright,” Austin replied with a dismissive wave. “You can head back now. Your business here is done p>

Miguel gave a small nod, then left, and soon the courtyard fell into calm silence.

Leaning against the car door, Brinley looked at Austin with admiration tinged with wonder. “You even took care of those partners p>

“It wasn’t much,” Austin answered lightly. “They’ve had ties with the Moore family for years. I just gave them a little push p>

But Brinley knew it was far from simple. Lachlan must have offered them serious benefits to win them over. For Austin to pull them back so quickly, he must have called on significant influence and deep connections.

Her thoughts drifted unexpectedly to Colin, and she was struck by a sudden sense of irony.