Chapter 102
Chapter 102:
“I was waiting for you,” he murmured, dragging a chair closer before settling beside her. His gaze swept over her pale face. “You must be worn out p>
“I’m fine.” Brinley gave a weak shake of her head, though she couldn’t keep it upright for long. “I keep thinking, what if p>
“There’s no ‘what if,’” Austin cut in, his voice steady, his eyes unwavering. “The plan you’ve drawn up is already more than enough p>
“You didn’t even make it to the last page p>
“I don’t need to,” he replied, calm and certain. “The way you spent night after night fine-tuning every parameter told me enough. You were destined to win p>
𝘞𝗲 𝗎p𝘥𝘢𝘁𝗲 𝖾v𝘦𝗿𝘺 𝘸𝘦𝖾𝗄 𝗼𝘯
Brinley’s head snapped up, and her heart warmed at his words.
By then, the rain outside had slipped away unnoticed, leaving the moon to break through a ragged veil of clouds. Its pale glow spilled across the design sheet in Austin’s hands.
“This concept is daring,” he murmured, brushing a fingertip over the sketched lines. “But it has something magnetic about it p>
“Magnetic?” Brinley arched a brow, a trace of challenge in her voice. “What if they say it isn’t professional p>
“Professionalism isn’t about clinging to rigid rules,” Austin said, lifting his eyes to hers, his voice steady but warm. His gaze carried a depth that softened the edges of his words. “Real mastery lies in blending contradictions until they feel like harmony p>
Brinley’s chest tightened as she met the sincerity in his eyes, and something long knotted inside her seemed to loosen at last.
She lowered her gaze to her lap, fingers twisting together, and whispered, “Austin… what if I don’t win this project p>
The moment the words slipped out, regret stabbed through her.
She never exposed her fears, never cracked her armor—but tonight, with Austin watching her so intently, the anxieties she had buried for days refused to stay hidden.
This project wasn’t just another stepping stone. It was the culmination of endless hours and relentless determination. She had poured herself into every detail. The thought of falling short—of all her sacrifices ending in disappointment—was unbearable.
Austin sat in silence, letting the air stretch before he spoke.
He reached for the glass on the table and held it out to her with steady hands. “Here. Drink this first p>
Brinley accepted it, her fingertips brushing the warm surface, and a faint calm seeped through her restless chest.
“You don’t need to force it.” His voice was low yet firm, threaded with quiet authority. “If this project slips by, wait for the next one. Your ability will eventually shine p>
His gaze lingered on her tired face, the exhaustion from too many sleepless nights etched into her features. With a gentler edge, he continued, “But Brinley… to me, your health matters more than any deal. Losing one project isn’t the end of the world. I’ll stand behind you p>
The words flowed from his lips with effortless ease, as if they were the most natural truth in the world.
Yet they made Brinley’s heart stumble in her chest.
The warm water slid down her throat, leaving a faint comfort in its wake. She tilted her head toward the moon beyond the window, her voice rough as she muttered, “I never asked you to support me p>
Austin let out a low laugh, his eyes glinting. “I know you didn’t. I just want to p>
Brinley pressed her cheek against the cool surface of the table, retreating into silence.
Only after a long pause did she lift her head again, eyes rimmed red yet softened by a small smile. “Thank you p>