Chapter 253
Chapter 253:
Brinley’s chest ached, her voice rising. “I can manage the business issues and still be here for you. Why can’t you trust me and lean on me p>
Her question hit Austin like a hammer blow, straight to the heart.
As he looked at the hurt on her face, it struck him that all his efforts to spare her worry had only built a wall between them.
“I’m sorry,” Austin said softly, guilt threaded through his voice. “It’s my fault. I won’t make the same mistake again p>
The anger in Brinley’s eyes slowly ebbed, replaced by worry that weighed even heavier.
She leaned forward and gently pulled the blanket higher over him. Her voice softened. “Don’t worry about those documents. The doctor said you need to rest p>
“There are still a few urgent files p>
O𝗋gа𝘯𝗂𝘇𝘦 𝘺𝗼𝘶𝘳 𝗅i𝗯𝗋𝗮𝘳𝘆 о𝘯
“Let Miguel handle them,” Brinley cut in. “What matters most right now is your health. Moore Group won’t collapse if you take a day off, but I can’t live without you p>
Her last words were barely above a whisper, yet they washed through Austin’s chest like a tide.
He looked at her face so close to his—her eyes filled with nothing but fear and care—and for the first time that day, the stabbing pain in his stomach eased.
Carefully, he pulled her into his arms, cautious not to strain himself.
Resting his chin lightly on her hair, he murmured, “Alright. I’ll listen to you p>
Leaning into him, Brinley could hear the steady beat of his heart and the slight quickness in his breathing.
Her arms circled his waist carefully, her touch so light it seemed she was afraid of hurting him.
“Don’t ever do this again,” she whispered. “Eat on time, stop staying up so late, and don’t keep everything to yourself. If you ever lie to me again p>
“If I lie to you again,” Austin said, his eyes softening as he looked down at her, “you have my full permission to spank me. Will that p>
Brinley let out a small laugh and tapped his shoulder lightly. “You are such a tease p>
The tension in the room eased, little by little.
Watching her, Austin felt affection wrap around his heart despite the pain in his stomach.
“I’ve already talked to my father,” Brinley said abruptly, straightening to meet his eyes. “I’ve decided to delay the merger between VantagePath Realty and the Shaw Group p>
Austin raised a brow. “What brought on the change? And what about Lachlan p>
“There’s no rush,” Brinley replied steadily as she picked up an apple and began peeling it. “The legal department is looking into his nephew’s company’s tax problems. We’ll have solid proof soon enough. The merger can wait. Your health comes first p>