Chapter 64
Chapter 64:
Austin sat quietly beside Brinley, saying nothing throughout.
When others had criticized her, he had subtly inched his chair closer and let his knee brush against hers, as if offering silent support.
Now, watching her composed face, he smiled.
His dear wife hadn’t let him down.
Brinley felt his gaze and turned to glare at him.
He had clearly known some of the Moores were determined to give her trouble, yet he hadn’t warned her even once. Obviously, he had wanted to see how she handled it. Infuriating.
But after thinking it through, she had to admit his approach had its merits. By holding back, he had given her the chance to stand strong in front of the Moore family—and even win Westley’s approval.
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His tactics were ruthless. No wonder his family wasn’t close to him. Who could truly embrace someone so sharp and calculating?
Before long, the butler came in to announce that dinner was ready, and everyone moved to the table.
During the meal, the mood lightened a little, though a faint awkwardness still lingered in the air.
A few relatives made small talk with Brinley.
Carolyn also approached, taking Brinley’s hand with exaggerated warmth as she asked about her skincare routine and hair salon, acting as though the sharp-tongued woman from earlier had been someone else entirely.
Corbett, shoved along by his father, reluctantly came over to share a drink with Brinley. He forced a stiff smile, but his eyes still carried a spark of defiance.
Around the table, some people clustered in small groups, whispering as they stole glances at Brinley, their faces full of curiosity, envy, and speculation.
Others behaved as if she weren’t there at all, chatting among themselves and making it plain they had no intention of associating with her.
Brinley felt drained. Dealing with them was more exhausting than sitting through three back-to-back meetings.
At last, Brinley understood why Austin preferred staying at his villa rather than returning to the Moore Estate.
The very air in the house seemed to reek of scheming, and every conversation felt like a hidden trap.
As the gathering began to disperse, Briseis spoke with Brinley. She brought out the scarf Brinley had given her and smiled. “You have great taste, Brinley. I’ve been searching everywhere for this one p>
“I’m glad you like it,” Brinley replied with a polite smile.
“Don’t take Carolyn’s words to heart,” Briseis added more quietly. “She only cares about money p>
Brinley gave a small nod but didn’t respond.
She wasn’t sure whether Briseis was being sincere or testing her, but at least she seemed friendly.
Even so, Brinley felt suffocated by the gathering, as if she were trapped in an invisible net.
The men retreated to the study to talk business, while the women lingered in the living room with idle chatter, their eyes frequently darting to Brinley with thinly veiled judgment and calculation.
Holding her teacup, Brinley felt her fingers turn cold.