Chapter 17
Chapter 17:
She couldn’t help recalling the two years she had spent with Colin—how their so-called marriage had been nothing but a scam. The memory made her lips curl into a cold smile.
Just then, her phone buzzed. It was a message from Austin: “I’ve arranged for my assistant to be at the bidding venue. If you need anything, just reach out p>
Brinley’s reply was curt: “No need. I can manage it myself p>
She set the phone facedown on the desk and returned to the proposal in front of her.
Meanwhile, in the top-floor conference room at Palmer Group headquarters, Colin sat restlessly.
For days, he had tried every possible way to get close to Brinley, yet he hadn’t managed to see her even once.
Now, with the bid drawing near, he had no choice but to return for this crucial meeting.
“This project will be Palmer Group’s highest priority over the next three years,” Colin told the board members. “The development district director has already acknowledged that our proposal aligns closely with the city’s long-term planning p>
𝗪𝗲𝖾𝗄l𝘺 𝘳𝗲𝗅е𝖺𝗌еs 𝗈ո.с𝗈𝗆
Several board members nodded in agreement. The marketing director added confidently, “Mr. Palmer, we’ve already poured thirty million into the land assessment. Our network and connections are firmly established p>
Colin gave a small nod, visibly relieved.
He flashed a self-assured smile as he looked around the room. “Palmer Group is set on winning this project p>
That was when someone remarked, “By the way, I heard Brinley has registered a company called VantagePath Realty and is preparing to bid as well. And now that she’s Austin’s wife, she might carry more weight than expected p>
Everyone present was aware of what had happened at the Knight family’s banquet, and the complicated history between Colin and Brinley was hardly a secret.
Every gaze shifted toward Colin.
He let out a dismissive chuckle. “Relax. She’s just an ordinary woman. What could she possibly know about real estate development? Most likely, that company of hers is nothing but a shell she set up on a whim p>
Even so, the thought of Brinley sent a faint chill down his spine.
“She always shows up wherever I am,” he added lightly. “Maybe she’s just trying to get my attention again p>
The executives visibly relaxed.
They all knew Brinley had once defied her family for Colin. And somehow, she was now Austin’s wife. They believed there had to be more to the story.
Still, as long as she didn’t threaten Palmer Group’s grip on the project, they saw no reason to worry.
Three days later, the bidding venue buzzed with anticipation.
Colin sat in the front row, speaking in low tones with the development district director, but his eyes kept straying toward the entrance.
He was waiting for Brinley.