Chapter 201
Chapter 201:
At that moment, a sharp knock echoed from the front door. Before Brinley could say a word, the bedroom door creaked open.
Austin appeared in the doorway, his gaze fixed on Brinley as she knelt by the bed, carefully packing items into a suitcase. With a teasing smirk, he said, “Brinley, are you plotting a secret getaway without telling me p>
She shot him a mock scowl, her eyes glinting with mischief. “Don’t be ridiculous. I’m heading to my family’s place next week and plan to stay a bit longer this time p>
Austin strode over, his tall frame casting a shadow over her. “Didn’t you just go there not long ago p>
Keeping her focus on folding clothes, Brinley replied without looking up, “Come on. That was more like a rushed visit than a family reunion. We barely shared a proper meal. This time, I want to spend real time with my dad and… make amends.” Her voice softened as it trailed off.
Years ago, her choices involving Colin had strained her family ties. Although her father had never blamed her, guilt still lingered in her heart. This trip was her chance to mend things and offer a sincere apology.
Austin crouched beside her, gently taking a silk scarf from her hands and tucking it neatly into the corner of the suitcase. “Don’t worry. Your dad cherishes you. He wouldn’t be upset with you p>
Brinley sighed softly. “I was so foolish back then. Cutting ties with my family over a jerk nearly gave my dad a heart attack p>
Austin clasped her hand, his touch warm and reassuring. “That’s behind you. Your happiness is what brings him joy p>
𝘋i𝗌𝘤оvе𝗿 𝗁id𝗱e𝘯 𝗀𝖾m𝘴 𝗼𝗻 gаln𝘰𝘃еlѕ.𝖼o𝗺
After a brief pause, a spark of eagerness entered his voice. “So how long will you stay this time? I’m coming with you p>
Brinley’s eyes widened in surprise. “You’re joining me at the Shaw Mansion? Can you really step away from the Moore Group p>
“Of course,” Austin replied with an easy shrug. “The merger’s almost finished, and Miguel can handle the rest. Since you’ve got time, I want to be there with you p>
Warmth bloomed in Brinley’s chest at the hopeful glint in his eyes. “Okay, then p>
Over the next two days, they threw themselves into work, racing to wrap up their responsibilities so they could travel to the Shaw Mansion together. Brinley handled final inspections for the Westgate Project, shuttling nonstop between the construction site and her office.
Austin, meanwhile, was consumed by the Moore Group’s merger case, rarely returning to their villa.
Only on the morning of their departure did they finally find a moment to pack side by side.
In the hallway, Brinley stood beside her suitcase, watching Austin double-check that nothing had been forgotten. Smiling, she said, “Relax. I’ve packed everything we need p>
Austin nodded in satisfaction and took the suitcase from her. “Let’s get going p>
Just as they reached the door, his phone buzzed.
It was his father, Westley.
Austin’s brow creased slightly as he answered. “Hello, Dad p>
Westley’s voice was calm but carried a serious edge. “Where are you? Come home. Something’s come up p>
Austin’s frown deepened. Westley rarely sounded this insistent—this was no small matter. Glancing at Brinley, he replied honestly, “We’re heading to Brinley’s father’s place. What’s so urgent p>
“Have the driver take her to the Shaw Mansion first. You need to come back alone,” Westley said. “This isn’t trivial. You need to be here p>
His tone wasn’t commanding, but it carried undeniable weight. Austin knew that when Westley spoke like this, it meant trouble.
Tightening his grip on the phone, he said, “Alright. I’m coming p>
After hanging up, he turned to Brinley, his voice filled with apology. “Brinley, I’m so sorry, I p>
“It’s fine,” she cut in gently, straightening his collar with a warm smile. “If Westley called you, it must be important. Go on, don’t keep him waiting p>
Rising onto her toes, she planted a quick kiss on his chin and added playfully, “Besides, I’ll feel more at ease going home alone p>
Austin’s heart skipped at her kiss, but the warmth was quickly overshadowed by the sting of not being able to go with her. Her thoughtfulness was sweet, yet the idea of her traveling alone tightened something in his chest.
“More at ease without me?” he echoed, his voice taut.
“Yes.” Brinley nodded, oblivious to the shift in his mood. “Handle your business, and don’t worry about me. I’ll text you when I get there p>
She grabbed her suitcase and headed for the door, but Austin’s firm grip on her wrist stopped her.
His hold was unyielding as he pulled her into his arms. He shut the villa door and backed her against the wall, his towering presence overwhelming.
“Austin? What is this about?” Brinley gasped, trying to push him away.
He drew her closer instead, his gaze dark and intense, roiling with emotion—frustration at missing the trip, unease at their sudden separation, and irritation at this loss of control.
“Brinley, why are you more at ease without me?” he asked, his voice low and rough.