Chapter 19
Chapter 19:
“You’re home early today p>
Setting the documents aside, Austin rose and walked toward her.
Tonight he wore a gray casual outfit that softened the sharpness of his presence.
“Congratulations,” he said, a faint smile on his lips. “Securing this project means VantagePath Realty has a promising future ahead p>
Brinley smiled. “Thank you p>
Austin studied her for a moment before shifting the topic. “We talked about visiting your father. When would he be available p>
T𝗵𝗲 𝘮oѕt 𝗉𝗼р𝘶𝗅𝗮𝘳 n𝘰𝗏𝘦𝗅s 𝗈𝗻
The reminder made Brinley tense slightly; the matter had completely slipped her mind.
“My dad’s been very busy lately… maybe in a few more days,” she replied.
Austin seemed to see through the excuse, but he didn’t press. “No hurry p>
Later that night, as darkness settled over the villa, Brinley found herself thinking about Austin’s words.
Curled into the beanbag chair in the attic, she held her phone in one hand. Her finger hovered over the contact labeled “Dad” before she finally tapped to dial.
After two rings, a familiar, jovial voice answered. “Well, if it isn’t the CEO of VantagePath Realty. The workaholic finally has time to call her father p>
A smile tugged at Brinley’s lips. “Dad, I just secured a project for my company p>
“That’s good to hear,” Brandon Shaw said. Then his tone turned stern. “Now tell me—how’s Austin treating you? Is he bad to you p>
At the mention of Austin, something tugged in Brinley’s chest.
“No,” she said. “Actually, he suggested visiting you. He’s even talking about arranging a wedding ceremony.” She added casually, “I just wanted to know when you might be free p>
Silence stretched on the line for a moment.
Brinley could almost picture her father rubbing his chin, thinking.
“I’d love for you to come visit,” Brandon replied at last, his voice softening with a hint of warmth. “But I still haven’t forgiven you for what happened with Colin p>
A sudden ache tightened Brinley’s chest. She knew her father’s words were harsh, but beneath them was nothing but love.
“Dad, I was foolish back then p>
“All right, enough,” Brandon interrupted gently. “No need to drag up the past. How about next Saturday? I’ll be available then p>
He hesitated before adding, “Just so you know, your brothers are tied up with their own work and can’t attend. I hope you don’t mind p>
Brinley let out a small laugh. “Dad, I don’t mind. They have their own responsibilities. It’s only a meal—it doesn’t matter if they’re there or not p>
She knew her brothers were always busy, constantly away with their own commitments. Over time, the family had simply grown used to their absence.
“That’s good,” Brandon said warmly. “And tell Austin he’d better not come empty-handed. I’ll be expecting a gift p>
“I’ll remind him,” Brinley replied with a quiet chuckle.
After she ended the call, a wave of relief washed over her.
No matter how stern her father sounded, his love remained constant—steadfast and unconditional.