Chapter 237
Chapter 237:
“Of course. I’ve already written it down,” Vivien replied quickly, adding a few details about Brandon’s health before the call ended.
After confirming everything was in order, Brinley ended the call and switched to her chat with Felix.
He’d told her that morning he was heading to the racing club to try out a new car. No doubt he was still tearing around the track.
She typed, “Wrap things up at the club soon and come home to be with Dad. No hanging around p>
His reply came almost immediately. “No problem p>
Brinley put her phone away and began tidying her desk.
Just then, Corbin knocked and walked in carrying a pile of documents. She accepted them and set them aside, saying lightly, “I’ll be leaving a little earlier tonight. The rest can wait until tomorrow p>
“Understood,” Corbin said with a nod.
у𝘰𝘂𝗋 𝗇𝖾х𝘁 𝖿a𝗏o𝗿𝗂𝘁е 𝗋𝖾а𝘥 iѕ оn
Brinley picked up her bag and headed out.
The elevator carried her down to the ground floor, where her car was parked—a plain black sedan Brandon had gifted her years ago.
Though it had sat idle for more than two years, it remained in excellent condition, every part maintained to perfection thanks to Brandon’s careful attention.
Sliding into the driver’s seat, she started the engine and glanced at her phone. Austin’s last message was from that morning, asking whether she’d eaten breakfast. There had been no updates since. He must still be caught up with work.
The drive from Shaw Group to Hillcrest Villa would take around forty minutes.
Even with the heavy traffic of rush hour, Brinley stayed relaxed, humming softly to the music drifting from the speakers. A small smile curved her lips as she imagined Austin’s expression when he saw her show up unexpectedly.
Would he be surprised?
Before going straight to the villa, she stopped at a fresh market and carefully chose ingredients she knew Austin liked best.
Because his stomach was sensitive, she planned to cook something for him.
When she finally reached Hillcrest Villa, she unlocked the door quietly and stepped inside.
The living room was dark, save for the faint glow spilling from the kitchen.
Brinley walked on tiptoe toward the light and spotted Austin in casual clothes, standing at the counter, completely focused as he stirred a pot of soup.
She gave a deliberate cough.
Austin turned at once, the ladle frozen midair. His eyes widened in surprise before softening with joy.
He crossed the distance in quick strides and took her wrist, disbelief clear in his voice. “You’re back. Why didn’t you tell me you were coming p>
“I wanted to surprise you,” Brinley replied with a triumphant smile, lifting the shopping bag in her hand. “I followed the smell in here. What are you cooking p>