Yet her mind was a blur. She couldn’t recall half of what left her mouth for the rest of the meeting.

Austin’s presence was impossible to ignore—his chest warm against her back, his arm locked possessively around her waist, his breath brushing her ear as he whispered little nothings. Trivial words, meaningless on their own, yet perfectly designed to scatter her focus.

The instant the video call ended, Brinley slammed her laptop shut and spun around, eyes flashing. “Austin! What exactly are you trying to do?”

Her sulky indignation only made him grin. He reached up and pinched her cheek as if she were a child throwing a tantrum. “I missed you. I just wanted to hold you.”

“You…” Her protest died on her tongue. His blunt honesty knocked the wind out of her irritation, leaving her more flustered than angry. “Do you have any idea how embarrassing that was?”

“I don’t know,” Austin replied, leaning closer until his nose nearly brushed hers, sincerity gleaming in his eyes. “I only know I want to be with you all the time.”

The intensity of his stare sent her pulse stuttering, her cheeks warming until she had no choice but to look away.

“If you keep this up, I’ll move back to Shaw Mansion.”

He didn’t pause before answering. “Then I’ll move with you. Wherever you are—that’s where I’ll be.”

Brinley’s shoulders sagged in defeat. She realized he wasn’t bluffing—Austin would shadow her anywhere if it meant keeping her close.

The truth was, she had been swamped lately. Between the merger of VantagePath Realty and Shaw Group and the flood of projects on her desk, Austin had been left on the sidelines. Maybe this was simply his way of demanding her attention.

The thought softened her. Her irritation ebbed, replaced by something gentler.

She turned back to him, her eyes calmer now. “Alright,” she sighed. “I won’t work. I’ll stay with you. Happy?”

“Really?” His eyes lit up like a boy handed his favorite toy.

“Really.” She nodded. “But only if you promise to rest properly—and stop pretending you’re sick.”

“Done.” He didn’t hesitate, arms sweeping her close. “As long as you’re with me, I’ll do anything you say.”

He kissed her hair and held her as if he could anchor her there forever.

For a moment, the world narrowed to just the two of them—until her phone shattered the quiet.

Brinley groaned and tugged it free. The caller ID read Alayah.

On the other end, her voice came warm and careful, first fussing over Brinley’s health, then gently admitting the real reason for her call.

She wanted to see Brinley—not because of Colin, but simply because she cared.

Even if Brinley truly meant to sever ties with the Palmer family, Alayah believed it would be best to meet once more, to settle everything face to face.

Austin’s jaw tightened at her side at the intrusion. He didn’t say a word, but his displeasure gathered across his face like a storm.

Brinley, however, knew Alayah was right. Some ties needed to be cut in person.

.

.

.