Chapter 265
After ending the call, Brinley noticed Austin’s clenched jaw and softly brushed her fingers along his cheek. “I’d like to meet with Alayah.”
Austin clasped her hand, his thumb tracing slow circles over her skin, his voice tinged with irritation. “Why bother? The Palmers are manipulative schemers.”
“Because they are manipulative, the smartest move is to have a clear, in-person conversation and sever all ties,” Brinley replied, meeting his gaze with steady resolve. “I won’t let them think I’m still waiting around, and it will cut off any future drama.” She paused, then added earnestly, “Don’t worry. I’ve got this. Think of it as closing the book on those old days.”
Austin fell silent, reading the determination in her eyes. Reluctantly, he conceded, though his tone stayed firm. “Tell me when and where. I’m coming with you.”
“There’s no need,” Brinley said, smiling gently. “I can manage alone. Just focus on getting better. It’s not like I’m heading into a warzone. I’ll be fine.”
Austin’s brow furrowed, unyielding. “No way. What if Colin shows up? I won’t be okay with you going alone.”
Brinley chuckled. “We live in a lawful society. What could they possibly do to me?”
After a brief pause, Austin softened slightly. “Fine, but I’ll have Miguel send a couple of guys to keep an eye on you. Call me if anything goes wrong.”
Knowing this was his limit, Brinley nodded. “Alright.”
The next afternoon, Brinley arrived at a familiar café where she had once met Alayah.
By the window, Alayah was already seated, a teapot and pastries arranged neatly on the table.
Spotting Brinley, she rose, her expression warm, though her eyes were rimmed with red. “Brinley, sweetheart, you made it.”
Brinley took the seat across from her, offering none of the warmth she once had. “What is this about?”
Alayah’s smile faltered for a moment before she sighed and poured Brinley a cup of coffee. “Have some coffee first. It’s chilly, and you’re dressed lightly.”
Brinley ignored the cup, cutting straight to the point. “Just say what you need to say.”
Alayah set the pot down. Her hands twisted nervously in her lap, as if summoning courage. “Brinley, I know you’re still upset with us. Colin was foolish. But after all those years together, is there really no affection left? No bond?”
“Affection? Bond?” Brinley laughed sharply, her eyes turning icy. “Alayah, what kind of bond survives him being with me while cheating with Milly?”
Alayah’s face paled, her voice turning softer. “Colin knows he messed up and regrets it. After you left, he locked himself in his study, barely eating or sleeping—just a shell of himself…”
“That is none of my concern,” Brinley cut in coldly. “I’m here to set things straight. Colin and I are done. I’m Austin Moore’s wife now, and I’m content. The Palmer family needs to stop meddling in my life.”
“Brinley, don’t be so heartless,” Alayah pleaded, her eyes welling up. “Powerful men like Austin tend to have multiple women in their lives. You might not have the same freedom as you did with us. Colin messed up, but he genuinely cares for you…”
Brinley’s tone sharpened into a chill. “Mrs. Palmer, what are you getting at? That I can’t survive without the Palmer family, or that I’m not good enough for Austin?”
She paused, her gaze slicing into Alayah with precision. “My happiness with Austin isn’t for outsiders to judge. Instead of worrying about me, maybe focus on reining in your son and keeping him from pestering me.”
Alayah fell silent for a moment. “That’s not what I meant… You’re such a good girl, and my son should have held onto you.”
“I’ve said all I needed to,” Brinley declared, rising to her feet. “Let’s cut contact from now on.”
With that, she turned to leave, but Alayah suddenly seized her wrist, her voice thick with desperation. “Brinley, please, wait. Colin… he’s outside. He wants to make a proper apology.”
Brinley frowned and yanked her hand free. “No need.”
Just as she spoke, the café door swung open, and Colin stepped inside.
Spotting Brinley, he hurried toward her. “Brinley.”
She stepped back, creating a firm gap between them, her voice cold as ice. “Keep your distance.”
“Brinley…” Colin reached for her hand with frantic urgency, but she dodged him. “I know I messed up. I betrayed you, but please—just give me one more chance.”
“One more chance?” Brinley’s laugh was bitter and cutting. “Colin, you think there’s any chance left? The moment you chose to lie and cheat, you slammed that door shut.”
Colin’s face blanched at her words, but he pressed forward, undeterred, reaching for her wrist again. “I get that you’re upset. But I never really cared about Milly—it was just a stupid mistake…”
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