Chapter 216
Chapter 216:
Austin watched Brinley dart around chaotically, like a startled deer, and gently drew her into his warm embrace. “Relax. Everything will be fine,” he assured her.
He then grabbed his phone, quickly checked the recent calls, and tapped to redial Miguel.
The line connected instantly, Miguel’s anxious voice bursting through. “Mr. Moore! At last! You missed this morning’s board meeting, and the executives p>
“I’ll be there later,” Austin replied with calm confidence, as if the towering stack of corporate matters were trivial. “Gather the paperwork needing my approval, and I’ll handle it when I’m back p>
Miguel, not daring to press further, said simply, “Right away, sir p>
After ending the call, Austin turned to Brinley. “See? It’s all under control p>
Brinley arched a brow skeptically. “Under control? For a massive enterprise like Moore Group, how many deals stall when the CEO takes a day off p>
As she spoke, she scrambled to find her clothes, fumbling as she slipped her arms into the sleeves.
Austin, amused by her endearing clumsiness, rose and slid his arms around her waist from behind. “Nothing outranks you in my world,” he murmured, his breath grazing her ear, making her pause mid-motion.
She turned to meet his earnest gaze, her heart warmed yet tinged with unease. “But you’re the pillar of Moore Group, supporting so many livelihoods. That weight on you p>
“I’ll manage the duties, and you don’t have to worry about it,” Austin said, pressing a tender kiss to her forehead. “Brinley, I’m not a child. I know my priorities. But with you, I want to indulge a little… stealing more moments together.” His voice, soft and resonant, left her speechless.
𝘓a𝗍𝘦𝗌𝘁 𝘤𝗁а𝗉𝘁e𝗋s 𝗼ո
Gazing into his resolute eyes, her mild frustration with him faded.
“You should hurry back,” she said, smoothing the creases of his shirt. “Come find me after,” she added gently.
Austin grinned, lightly pinching her cheek. “What, already missing me p>
Brinley’s cheeks flushed as she shot him a mock glare. “Missing you? I’m just concerned for your company p>
“Sure, my company,” Austin teased, his eyes twinkling with mischief. “I’ll head out now, but I need a kiss for the road p>
Brinley rolled her eyes playfully. “You’re so cheeky.” Yet she rose onto her toes and brushed her lips against his.
Unsatisfied, Austin cradled her head, deepening the kiss. After a lingering moment, he pulled back, their foreheads touching, his breath warm. “Wait for me p>
“Okay.” Brinley nodded, her breathing uneven.
Austin kissed her forehead once more before heading out. As his figure disappeared through the doorway, Brinley touched her warm cheeks, her heart racing. She wandered to the window, watching his sleek black Maybach glide away until it vanished from sight.
Later, Brinley freshened up and descended the stairs as lunch was served. Felix eyed her briefly before speaking. “Brinley, my racing club’s getting together tonight—you should come p>
“I’m not going. It’s your crowd, not mine. Why should I join?” Brinley replied without looking up.
“Please, you’ve got to come!” Felix leaned in, his voice pleading. “Everyone has heard about you and can’t wait to meet you. Weren’t you always my racetrack sidekick back in the day? Come on, just come and relax with us p>
His eager gaze sparkled with the same relentless enthusiasm he’d had as a kid, begging for that rare collectible car model. Brinley’s resolve melted, and she sighed, giving in. “Alright, but we’re not staying out all night p>
Felix let out a triumphant whoop, whipping out his phone. “I’m texting them now—the legendary international racing champion is dropping by to share her expertise p>
After lunch, Brinley sprawled on the couch, thumbing through her phone. After a brief pause, she sent a message to Austin. “Off to Felix’s racing club tonight. Might be home late p>
His reply pinged back instantly. “Go have fun, but don’t touch a drink p>
The mix of bossy and boyish tone made Brinley chuckle. As she slipped her phone into her pocket, Felix caught her smile. “What’s so funny? Did Austin text you p>
“None of your business,” Brinley replied, giving his head a playful tap.
“He’s keeping tabs on you, isn’t he?” Felix grinned, raising a brow. “You are special to him. Bleron’s ice-cold CEO, untouchable with the ladies, but the way he looks at you p>
“Time to go,” Brinley cut him off, snatching her bag and standing, dodging his teasing.
The sleek black sports car glided away from Shaw Mansion, Brinley watching the city blur past the window. A sudden thought struck her. “Hey, that hundred million you wired me—where did it come from?” she asked.
Felix hesitated, then shrugged lightly. “From Dad, obviously p>
“Dad?” Brinley’s eyes widened in shock.
“When you cut ties with the family two years ago…” Felix kept his focus on the road, his tone growing quieter. “Dad was furious. He said you would get nothing for choosing love over family, and that Brennen and I would inherit everything. The next day, the lawyer showed up, and Dad handed me shares from his companies p>