Chapter 197
Chapter 197:
The car glided to a stop in front of VantagePath Realty.
As Brinley unfastened her seatbelt, Austin’s gaze lingered on her, his fingers idly tracing the steering wheel. There was a hint of hesitation in his eyes, as though he were debating whether to follow her inside. Catching his expression, Brinley grinned and pushed the door open.
“Don’t even consider it. My afternoon’s packed, and you need to get back before your team starts whispering about their absent boss p>
Austin laughed softly, reaching over to smooth her wind-ruffled hair. “Call me if you need anything. Don’t overdo it p>
“I won’t,” she assured him, her hand resting on the door handle. Then a thought struck her, and she turned back. “Oh, I’m planning to visit my family next week. Can you come along p>
The moment she finished speaking, Brinley saw a spark light up in Austin’s gaze. His demeanor shifted into unmistakable enthusiasm, his voice taking on a brighter, more upbeat tone.
𝗗оwո𝘭o𝘢𝖽𝘢𝘣𝗹𝖾 рDFѕ 𝗼𝘯
“Of course. I’m available,” he replied without hesitation. “Pick a day, and I’ll make it work p>
Relaxed, Brinley smiled and nodded. “I’ll confirm the details soon p>
Austin lingered, watching her walk into the building, only driving away once her figure disappeared from view.
On the passenger seat lay the half-empty water bottle Brinley had left behind, its faint warmth a subtle reminder of her presence.
Once inside the office, Brinley smoothly slipped into professional mode. She poured herself a glass of water, set it beside her, and powered on her laptop to tackle a backlog of tasks.
Several project deadlines loomed, especially the design plan for the commercial development on the city’s west end. The client was pressing for updates and expected feedback by midday.
“Brinley, here’s the materials breakdown you asked for,” Corbin said as he knocked and stepped inside, handing her a report, concern etched on his face. “Are you feeling better p>
“I’m fine, just recovering from last night’s drinks,” Brinley replied, skimming the document. “Review the Westgate Project proposal this morning. I’ve scheduled a design team meeting for 2 p.m. Prepare the notes and email them to me p>
“Got it,” Corbin replied. “Also, the engineering team flagged a small issue at the site. They’d like you to inspect it in person p>
Brinley glanced at the time. It was just past 10 a.m. She stood, grabbing her coat. “I’ll go now p>
At the construction site, dust clouded the air as Brinley, wearing a hard hat, carefully navigated the uneven ground in her heels. The sun beat down, sweat gathering at her brow, yet she remained focused, absorbing the engineer’s briefing.
She occasionally crouched to review the plans, her tone sharp and authoritative, unfazed by the harsh conditions.
Only after identifying the issue—a problem with the material joints—and devising an immediate fix did she finally exhale, removing her hard hat to wipe her forehead.
Back at the office by noon, Brinley ate a quick lunch before plunging into a whirlwind of meetings. The afternoon blurred with document signings, discussions, and coordination with partners, leaving her barely any time to sip her water.
By the time she finished, night had already fallen.
“Brinley, it’s time to call it a day,” Corbin said as he entered, files neatly arranged in his hands. He hesitated before adding, “Uh, Mr. Palmer is here. He’s asking to see you p>
Brinley’s hand froze on the mouse, her expression hardening. “He’s here again p>
Corbin nodded. “He insists on speaking with you p>
“Tell him I’m not here,” Brinley said evenly, her eyes fixed on the screen. “Have reception show him out p>
“But…” Corbin hesitated. “The receptionist couldn’t stop him. He’s already upstairs, right outside p>
Before he could finish, the door swung open.
Colin stood in the doorway, dressed in a tailored suit, a bouquet of white roses clutched in his hand. A strained, polite smile rested on his face. “Brinley, can we have a word p>
Leaning back in her chair, Brinley fixed an icy stare on the out-of-place roses. “Mr. Palmer, this is VantagePath Realty, not a place for personal discussions p>
Colin remained silent, unmoving, his gaze locked on her.
Glancing at the wall clock, Brinley’s voice turned cold. “Ten minutes. Speak quickly p>
Corbin slipped out quietly.
Colin stepped forward and set the roses on the coffee table. He sat across from her, his posture subdued. “Brinley, I know you don’t want me here, but p>
“Don’t use my name,” she cut in, her tone detached. “We’re not that close. Get to the point. I don’t have time to waste on you p>
Colin’s face tightened, his throat bobbing as he tried again. “This isn’t about Milly p>
He met her eyes, a flicker of sincerity surfacing in his gaze. “It’s my mother. She’s ill and keeps asking for you p>
Memories stirred in Brinley’s mind.
During her two years with Colin, his mother had always been kind. Aware of Brinley’s lonely evenings, she would bring over ingredients to cook hearty meals. Knowing Brinley hated the cold, Maria would knit warm scarves for her.