Chapter 10
Chapter 10:
Austin was hardly ever seen at social events like this, so his appearance tonight caused a stir. People flocked to him one after another, eager to strike up conversation.
Brinley sat quietly at his side, looking like nothing more than a beautiful ornament.
Those who recognized her didn’t dare approach too closely. They had witnessed the earlier confrontation and had no desire to provoke her. Normally, Austin would have brushed off such flattering business talk with irritation. He had always kept others at arm’s length.
But tonight was different. His attention never truly left the petite figure beside him—Brinley.
For more than a decade, he had watched from a distance, and now, unbelievably, she was right here beside him.
“I need to use the restroom,” Brinley murmured, leaning close to Austin’s ear. Sitting for so long had left her restless.
Austin answered in a low voice, “Don’t take too long, okay p>
ѕ𝗵а𝗋𝘦 𝗒𝗈𝘂𝗿 𝗍𝘩𝘰𝗎𝗴𝘩𝘁ѕ 𝗈ո
She nodded and left the VIP lounge. Many pairs of eyes followed her.
After using the restroom, she stepped out—only to find a man reeking of alcohol staggering into her path.
“Brinley…” he mumbled.
Brinley scowled the instant she recognized Colin.
“Mr. Palmer, please control yourself,” she said, taking a step back.
But Colin lurched forward, reaching for her hand. “Brinley, I’ve realized how wrong I was! Give me another chance—I can’t do without you. These three months apart… I’ve missed you so much I feel like I’m going mad p>
“Enough,” Brinley snapped. “I don’t want to hear any more of your nonsense. Colin, listen—we’re done. Stay away from me, or I promise you’ll regret it p>
Her voice was cold, edged with menace.
For a moment, Colin hesitated at the fierce glint in her eyes. But the alcohol clouding his judgment, and the fear of losing her, made him reckless.
He lunged forward, trying to pull her into an embrace—then even tried to kiss her. “Brinley, just give me one more chance, please p>
“Get lost!” Brinley snapped, dodging him swiftly.
In the next instant, she drove her high-heeled foot into his abdomen with all the force she could muster.
Colin cried out in pain, doubling over as he clutched his stomach.
Before he could recover, Brinley kicked him squarely between the legs.