Chapter 248
Chapter 248:
Brinley sat at the head of the VantagePath Realty conference table, guiding the discussion with her usual poise.
A sudden vibration broke the rhythm. Her phone, set near the corner of the table, lit up with a string of numbers she didn’t recognize.
She lifted her gaze, raised a hand to pause the discussion, and slipped toward the wall of glass overlooking the city. Sunlight spilled over her shoulder as she pressed the receiver to her ear. “Hello p>
A man’s voice answered—measured and deliberate, with a faint stiffness. “Is this Brinley p>
Her brows knit. The tone brushed against her memory, familiar yet elusive. Where had she heard it before?
“Yes,” she replied politely. “May I ask who’s calling p>
“It’s Ryder Moore p>
The name clicked instantly—Austin’s second brother.
The last time they’d crossed paths, Ryder and his sharp-tongued wife had taken turns cutting her down, sparing no effort in reminding her that, as Austin’s wife, she was an unwelcome outsider.
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“Ryder.” Her voice stayed calm and practiced, betraying nothing. “Is there something you need p>
“Just wanted to ask you something,” he said smoothly, though his tone chilled mid-sentence. “Have you been busy with work lately? Too occupied to notice your husband’s health p>
The words struck like a blow.
Even with sunlight blazing through the glass, a coldness seeped into Brinley’s bones.
She steadied her voice. “What do you mean by that? What’s happened to Austin p>
Ryder let out a sharp, scoffing laugh, unabashedly derisive. “You really don’t know? He was admitted last night due to gastric bleeding. As his wife, you’re clueless p>
“Gastric bleeding?” Her breath snagged, her chest tightening.
In an instant, his absence that morning, the unanswered messages—everything snapped into place.
But she didn’t give Ryder the satisfaction of seeing her shaken. “I was with him last night,” she said evenly. “He didn’t mention feeling unwell p>
“Come on!” Ryder’s tone sharpened into a blade. “He just didn’t want you worrying! And you’re so absorbed in your career that you’re completely blind to his suffering! As his partner, you should focus more on him instead of getting consumed by your work p>
He paused, his voice dropping into a sneer. “Imagine it—Austin too sick to lift himself from bed, while you strut around signing contracts. Tell me, is that your idea of marriage? Because from where I stand, it looks laughable p>
Each word was a stone, hurled to bruise—meant to corner her with guilt.
But as Brinley listened, her worry hardened into frost. She knew the Moores too well: their resentment of Austin’s success, their hatred of her place at his side.