Chapter 25
Chapter 25:
“Serves him right,” Brandon huffed, puffing out his chest. “That reckless brat knows nothing but charging headfirst without thinking p>
Then he bent closer, lowering his voice to a hush. “By the way, Felix wired you a hundred million. It’s all yours—use it however you want p>
Brinley was caught off guard. The next moment, her phone buzzed in her hand. A quick glance confirmed her suspicion—it was a transfer notification from Felix. His note read: “Spend it however you want. If it’s not enough, just tell me. And if Colin dares to bother you again, I’ll fly back and wreck his company myself p>
Shaking her head, Brinley typed back with helpless amusement: “Got it. Focus on winning your race p>
Not far away, Austin remained quietly observant, taking in the warmth between Brinley and Brandon.
For all of Brandon’s bluster and harsh words, the fondness in his eyes betrayed him every time he looked at Brinley.
Catching Brinley’s unguarded smile, Austin felt his own lips curve before he could stop it.
Only when Brandon finally turned to him did Austin step forward. With both hands, he offered the velvet gift box he had been holding. “Mr. Shaw, this is my first visit. I brought a small token—please accept it p>
Brandon took the gift without opening it, his gaze sweeping over Austin with deliberate authority. “That’s very kind of you. My daughter has a stubborn streak. If she gives you trouble, I hope you’ll let it slide p>
The words carried a veneer of courtesy, but beneath them lay a father’s quiet concern about how his son-in-law would treat his daughter.
Though the Shaw family commanded respect, they still trailed behind the Moore family, whose influence stretched across both politics and business. With most people, Brandon might have been more affable, but when it came to the man who had married his daughter, he preferred to test and probe.
𝗦𝗁𝖺r𝘦 𝗒𝗈𝗎r 𝖿𝗮𝗏𝗼𝘳i𝗍е𝘴 𝖿𝗋оm
Austin dipped his head slightly, his voice steady with sincerity. “Brinley is incredibly thoughtful. Having her as my wife makes me the lucky one p>
After a brief pause, he continued with quiet conviction. “I know how deeply the Shaw family cherishes her. I’ll make sure she’s cared for, and I won’t allow her to endure any grievances p>
His calm assurance struck a careful balance between deference and resolve—respecting Brandon while making his own stance unmistakably firm.
Brandon studied him for a long moment. When he found only sincerity in Austin’s eyes, his stern expression softened into a rare smile.
“Good. Come inside—the food’s already on the table p>
He clapped Austin warmly on the shoulder and guided him toward the main hall.
Trailing after them, Brinley noticed how respectful Austin looked beside her father, and an odd flutter stirred in her chest.
A man who could dominate boardrooms and command an empire was here, showing such patience and courtesy—like any ordinary son-in-law eager to earn his father-in-law’s approval.
During the meal, Brandon struck up a conversation with Austin about business affairs.
Austin listened attentively, offering a handful of sharp, measured insights at just the right moments. He carried himself with calm restraint, neither flaunting his knowledge nor bowing too low.
From her seat off to the side, Brinley lowered her gaze, watching his composed demeanor as her feelings grew more complicated by the minute.