Chapter 185
Chapter 185:
The night air on the terrace carried a sharp chill. Brinley tugged her shawl tighter around her shoulders before slipping back into the glow of the banquet hall.
Near the main table, Colin lingered with a glass of wine in hand, his posture suggesting he was waiting for her to cross the distance between them.
Rather than indulge him, Brinley veered away and approached Emerson Santos, the president of the racing association, whom she had spoken with briefly earlier. She lifted a hand in cordial greeting and said with a bright smile, “Mr. Santos, earlier you mentioned the youth racing training program. I thought it sounded wonderful. Would you mind telling me more about it p>
Emerson’s eyes lit up, and he launched eagerly into an explanation, his voice gaining momentum as he spoke.
Brinley listened intently, nodding at intervals. In her peripheral vision, she saw Colin pause, then turn away to blend in with the others. Trailing behind him, Milly moved quietly, head bowed, keeping step like a shadow that didn’t dare stray.
𝖨𝗻𝗌𝗍𝖺ո𝘵 𝗮𝘤𝗰𝗲ss oո 𝘨а𝗅𝗻оvе𝗹ѕ.c𝗼m
Soon, everyone settled around the table as waiters glided between them, carrying silver trays piled high with delicacies beneath the sparkling chandeliers.
Austin leaned toward Brinley, placing a bite onto her plate. “Go on, try this p>
Brinley sampled it, savoring the velvety sauce that clung to the tender mouthful.
Just as she was about to speak, a cluster of business executives swept over, wine glasses raised in greeting.
At the front stood the chairman of Hercules Corporation, his expression warm as he lifted his glass. “Mr. Moore, Mrs. Moore—what a day worth celebrating. Mrs. Moore, your success in racing was remarkable. I’m certain your real estate venture will soar as well. We look forward to working with you p>
Austin raised his glass with composed assurance, his voice carrying weight. “Thank you. We share your enthusiasm and are eager to begin this partnership p>
Brinley followed his lead, sipping her wine before adding with a gracious smile, “I’m honored. I’ll count on your guidance in the days ahead p>
A few drinks into the evening, a soft flush warmed her cheeks.
Noticing, Austin subtly intercepted the flow of wine. He leaned close and murmured near her ear, “If the wine’s too much, let me handle it. You don’t have to push yourself p>
Brinley gave a small shake of her head, her eyes bright with unrestrained delight. “It’s fine—I’m in a good mood today p>
The banquet hall pulsed with rising energy, laughter and clinking glasses rippling through the crowd like waves.
She moved effortlessly among the guests, carrying polished confidence with business leaders and easy warmth with the racing fans who flocked to her side.
Across the room, her gaze would occasionally meet Austin’s. The two of them traded quiet, knowing looks without a single word.
At one point, Brinley drifted toward the food tables. Passing the dessert spread, she noticed Milly lingering alone, a forkful of tiramisu suspended midair as her thoughts wandered elsewhere.
The sound of Brinley’s heels made Milly flinch. Her eyes snapped up, wide with alarm, and her hand trembled so badly the fork nearly slipped from her grasp.
“I—I’m sorry!” Milly blurted, her complexion drained, as though Brinley’s presence terrified her.
Brinley didn’t answer. She gave Milly a cool, detached glance, reached for a mango mousse, then turned and walked away without breaking stride.