Chapter 101
Chapter 101:
The last streaks of sunset stained the horizon in shades of gold and rose as Brinley slipped out of the building.
She pulled out her phone and typed a crisp instruction to Corbin. “Have the tech team prepare the patent certificate for the new material and get it posted on the company site p>
His reply came within seconds, punctuated with a playful cheer emoji. “On it p>
Though she already suspected who had stirred up the trouble, Brinley chose not to dwell on it. Milly’s petty maneuvers weren’t worth a battle now—not when the stakes were higher.
оrg𝖺𝘯𝗶𝗓𝗲 yo𝘶𝗋 𝘭ibr𝘢𝘳y о𝗻 g𝖺lո𝗼𝘃еl𝘴.𝘤𝗈m
In Brinley’s mind, schemes and shortcuts could never outlast real ability.
With the matter settled, she headed back to Hillcrest Villa, arriving just as the clock struck six, the twilight air still warm against her skin.
Austin was in the living room, waiting for her return, the aroma of dinner already drifting from the neatly set table.
“Rough day?” he asked evenly as he rose to take her bag from her shoulder.
Brinley shook her head, easing into her chair and tasting the soup. A delicate sweetness washed over her tongue, comforting enough to melt away the day’s weariness. “Nothing serious. It’s all handled now p>
He didn’t press. Instead, he reached for the tablet she had set aside, his gaze scanning the clarification statement posted on the website.
When the design sketches caught his eye, a flicker of admiration softened his expression. “This concept is brilliant p>
Her face brightened at once. “You think so? I worried it might be too bold for the judges p>
“True design never shies away from boldness.” He set the tablet down and met her gaze with quiet certainty. “You’ve had a long day. Get some rest after you finish your soup p>
“All right.” Brinley drained the last of her soup, set the spoon aside, and quietly made her way upstairs.
Austin lingered at the table, his gaze following her until she vanished down the hall. A faint smile softened his features, warmth flickering in his eyes.
“Goodnight,” he murmured after her.
She faltered on the stairs, hesitated for a heartbeat, yet chose silence instead of answering.
On the eve of the big presentation, rain drifted lightly over Bleron, misting the streets in a silver haze.
Brinley’s study glowed softly beneath a solitary lamp, shadows stretching across shelves lined with books. Rain pattered steadily against the wide panes of glass, a quiet counterpoint to her hushed rehearsal for tomorrow’s presentation.
A third cup of coffee sat abandoned on the desk.
As her fingers reached for it absentmindedly, they brushed against unexpected warmth—a bowl that hadn’t been there before. She flinched slightly, startled.
“Too much iced coffee will ruin your stomach.” Austin’s low murmur came from above.
Lifting her gaze, she found him standing there in cream-colored loungewear, an empty tray balanced in his hand. The porridge beside her still gave off a faint steam.
“Why are you still awake?” she asked softly, her eyes lingering on the shadows beneath his lashes, a faint ache tugging at her chest.
Lately, Austin had made a point of returning home earlier, yet his nights still stretched long in the study, pages and screens keeping him company until dawn.