Chapter 234
Chapter 234:
Back then, Brandon had already seen through Colin’s reckless, self-centered ways. Again and again, he had warned Brinley, “Colin only cares about chasing success. He’s not the kind of man you can lean on for life. Austin is different. He’s reliable and sincere in the way he treats you. Why can’t you see that p>
At the time, Brinley brushed off those words, convinced her father was simply old-fashioned and inflexible, her heart too clouded by love for Colin to understand.
Looking back now, she realized how right Brandon had been all along.
Colin’s grand declarations about “sacrificing everything for you” had been nothing but shallow talk from a man without true devotion. By contrast, Austin—the one she had once resisted—had always been there quietly, offering support and creating security without ever asking for recognition.
The comfort she felt with him was nothing like the fiery but empty affection she had once mistaken for love. With Austin, there were no forced promises or dramatic scenes—only a calm, constant presence that seeped into her heart like a soft drizzle sinking into the earth.
“Go inside,” Austin said gently, reaching up to smooth the strands of hair the wind had tossed around her face. “Don’t stay up too late p>
“Do you want to come in for a bit?” Brinley asked.
He shook his head lightly, glancing toward the faint glow of a lamp in the villa’s second-floor window.
“No. Your father’s probably waiting for you. It’s better if I don’t go in.” He paused, then added thoughtfully, “He has plenty on his mind right now, and my presence might only add to his worries p>
Brinley understood, and warmth rose in her chest. “Drive safely,” she said softly.
“I will p>
𝘕𝗈𝗏𝗲𝗅s 𝗶𝗇 𝘵𝗋𝘦𝗇𝗱 𝗼ո
Austin waited until he saw her enter the villa and the heavy carved doors close behind her. Only then did he start the car and drive off.
Inside, Brinley found Vivien in the living room, directing staff as they organized the supplements into storage.
When she spotted Brinley, Vivien smiled brightly. “Mr. Moore is so considerate! He bought so many supplements for your father p>
Brinley returned her smile and was about to respond when footsteps sounded from the staircase.
Brandon appeared, holding a folder of documents. His complexion looked somewhat improved, though the redness in his eyes made it clear he was still exhausted.
“Dad, why are you still awake?” Brinley hurried over.
“I was reviewing the information about the land project in the south of the city. Had a few thoughts,” Brandon said as he sat on the sofa. His gaze drifted to the neatly stacked boxes nearby, and a knowing smile crossed his face. “Austin brought these p>
“Yes.” Brinley opened one of the boxes, revealing rows of neatly arranged supplements. “He said they’re for your health. He even arranged for two family doctors to stay here, so you can reach out anytime if you feel unwell p>
Brandon nodded slowly, quiet approval in his voice. “He always handles things thoroughly. I told you before he was someone dependable, but you wouldn’t believe me p>
Brinley flushed at her father’s words. She lowered her eyes and admitted softly, “Back then, I just didn’t see it clearly p>
“It’s a relief that you’ve come around,” Brandon said. “Austin may seem reserved on the surface, but he’s truly considerate. He understands your need for independence and never tries to take control from you. Yet he’s always there to clear any hurdles you might face. Men like that are few and far between p>
He paused, his tone turning more serious. “Brinley, I know you’ve always wanted to stand on your own and not depend on the Moore family. But you need to understand—Austin isn’t helping because he doubts your abilities. He’s helping because he cares. Don’t let pride stop you from leaning on him when you truly need support p>
Brinley realized Brandon could see straight through her. She nodded lightly. “I understand p>
They spoke a while longer, going over the company’s main projects and the risks ahead. Only in the early hours of the morning did father and daughter finally retire to their rooms.
Yet even as Brinley lay in bed, sleep wouldn’t come.
She picked up her phone and began scrolling through the photos Felix had taken the day before.
In one of them, Austin was serving her food, his profile gentle under the warm light. In that moment, her own smile had been impossible to hide.
Her father’s words echoed in her mind. “Don’t let pride stop you from leaning on him when you truly need support p>
Maybe it was finally time to stop holding back and allow herself to accept the care Austin had been giving her.
The following morning, Brinley stood by the tall glass window, watching employees stream into the building below as the day began.
In her hand was her phone, the screen lit with the speech she had prepared the night before. After revising it three separate times, she decided keeping it simple and direct would be best.
“Mrs. Moore, all the department heads are present, and the employees are already gathered in the main conference room,” Corbin announced as he entered. His arms were loaded with a notebook and several folders, his breathing a little uneven.
Brinley turned, taking the folders from him with a nod. “Thank you for staying late last night and preparing all this p>
“It’s nothing!” Corbin shook his head quickly. He hesitated, then asked cautiously, “Have you really decided… to merge VantagePath Realty with Shaw Group p>
“Yes.” Brinley opened the folder and glanced over the agenda. “I built VantagePath from the ground up, and Shaw Group needs new energy. Instead of keeping the teams apart, it makes more sense to bring our resources together p>
She looked up to meet Corbin’s eyes, her voice sincere. “For the employees of VantagePath, this could give them a bigger stage to grow on. But in the end, the decision will still be theirs to make p>