Chapter 202
Chapter 202:
Wrapped in Austin’s arms, Brinley breathed in the clean, familiar trace of his scent, the ache of their impending separation easing beneath his sudden hold. She tilted her face upward, meeting his dark eyes, alive with unspoken emotion.
What flickered there wasn’t true anger—only a restless sulk, a quiet reluctance to let go.
“Austin,” she chided softly, pressing a finger against his chest with mock severity. “Why are you acting upset with me? It was your father who told you to go back. I’m not the one keeping you away p>
He caught her playful finger and brushed it with his lips in a teasing nip that held more warmth than protest. “I’m just… not happy about it,” he admitted under his breath, his tone tinged with boyish grievance. “We said we’d visit your father together. Then everything changed at the last moment p>
The sight of him like this drew an involuntary laugh from Brinley. Here was Austin—unyielding in negotiations, a man whose presence could silence an entire boardroom—now sulking like a boy denied his favorite toy.
Rising onto her toes, she brushed a gentle kiss across his lips, her voice soft as silk. “Alright, calm down. There’s no need to get worked up. Once you’ve handled your family’s business, you can still come to my father’s place p>
Austin stiffened, his Adam’s apple bobbing as he swallowed. He knew she was coaxing him, yet the sweetness of her words struck straight at his most vulnerable spot.
He bent down and claimed her mouth again, this time with aching depth, pouring every trace of reluctance and helplessness into the kiss. Only when her breath grew shallow and her palm pressed against his chest did he finally pull back.
Forehead to forehead, his breathing uneven, he murmured, “I was waiting for you to say that p>
𝖫𝖺𝗍𝖾𝗌𝗍 𝖼𝗁𝖺𝗉𝗍𝖾𝗋𝗌 𝗈𝗇
With steady hands, he smoothed her hair where it had been mussed, his gaze turning serious. “Take care of yourself. Let me know once you’ve arrived safely p>
“Of course.” Brinley nodded softly. After a brief pause, she added in a gentle murmur, “You too. When it comes to your family business, don’t overwork yourself p>
Though she didn’t press for details, Brinley could already imagine the weight he carried. A dynasty as vast as the Moore family, tangled in layers of power and profit, could never truly know peace.
Her words stirred a quiet warmth in Austin. He clasped her hand more firmly. “Don’t worry about me p>
A quick glance at the clock told him he couldn’t linger. Reluctantly, he guided her to the door, then summoned the butler with a crisp command. “Prepare a car to take my wife to the Shaw residence. Make sure the route is secure p>
“Understood, Mr. Moore,” the butler replied promptly before hurrying off.
Austin leaned close, offering her a few careful instructions before watching her step into the waiting car. As the vehicle rolled down the drive, his gaze lingered until the last trace of her taillights disappeared. Only then did the tenderness drain from his expression, replaced by a hard, steely resolve. Turning on his heel, he climbed into his own car and sped away.
In the other car, Brinley sat in silence, her eyes following the blur of passing scenery, her heart tangled with emotion. Though Austin’s jealous display had been little more than an act, it left her heart thrumming with warmth. He always seemed to know how to unsettle her feelings with effortless precision.
She pulled out her phone and typed a message. “On my way already. Take care of yourself too, and don’t rush p>
His reply came almost immediately, just a single word. “Okay p>
A smile curved her lips as she slipped the phone away and leaned back against the seat, her eyes drifting shut for a brief rest.
Austin’s expression when that call had come in surfaced in her mind, a shadow of worry tightening her chest. What, exactly, was happening within the Moore family? She forced the thought aside.
He had explained it before—the Moore family’s affairs were vast, riddled with rivals and relatives eager to push him aside. Yet he had fought his way to the top and secured his position as CEO of the Moore Group, proving his capability and iron resolve time and again.
She believed he could handle this as well.
And he had promised to come to the Shaws’ house once everything was settled. All she needed to do was wait.
Leaving the bustle of the city behind, the car slipped onto quieter roads, heading toward the outskirts of Bleron. The Shaw residence stood in a renowned enclave of wealth, a serene district tucked far from the city’s chaos.
Reaching it required passing through a stretch of urban off-road terrain. The road twisted sharply, riddled with uneven dips and tight curves—an area few ordinary drivers bothered with. On most days, it became an unofficial track for thrill-seekers eager to test their skills.
Brinley knew every bend by heart, memories of past practice runs flashing through her mind.
“Robert, this road sometimes attracts racers. Keep your speed down and stay alert,” she cautioned.
“Understood, Mrs. Moore. Don’t worry,” Robert Watts replied, his grip steady as he instinctively eased off the accelerator.
But caution alone couldn’t guard against everything.
As they rounded the next bend, the sudden snarl of engines tore through the air, echoing along the narrow road. It wasn’t the sound of a single car, but several—deep, aggressive growls that betrayed heavily modified machines built for speed.
Brinley’s brow furrowed as she glanced into the rearview mirror.
Three brightly painted sports cars surged into view, headlights flashing as they weaved arrogantly across the road, as though the lane belonged to them alone.
“Mrs. Moore, hold on,” Robert warned, his knuckles whitening on the steering wheel as he steadied the car. His voice sharpened with focus, every muscle taut.
Within seconds, the pack closed in, flanking their vehicle without slowing. Windows slid down almost in unison, revealing grinning young men barely out of their twenties. Their eyes gleamed with reckless defiance, smirks daring her car to falter.