Chapter 72
Chapter 72:
Breakfast felt far lighter than the tense silence of the day before.
Brinley’s stunt of falling asleep in the garden had caught everyone off guard. Those who had planned to give her trouble now watched her with a mix of curiosity and speculation, their open hostility softened.
Westley, clearly in high spirits, kept piling food onto Brinley’s plate while recounting one embarrassing childhood tale after another about Austin.
Brinley laughed, sneaking a glance at Austin. He sat composedly with his milk, sipping as if the stories had nothing to do with him.
Once the meal ended, Miguel hurried in and bent close to whisper something into Austin’s ear.
Word had spread to Austin’s siblings. The news that he’d brought his bride home had sent them clamoring to return and meet her.
A faint crease formed between Austin’s brows before he turned to Westley. “Dad, something came up at the company. Brinley and I are leaving now p>
He understood exactly what his siblings were after: not a warm welcome, but a chance to test Brinley. And he had no intention of letting her face another round of scrutiny.
Westley nodded with a knowing smile. “Go on. Just promise me you’ll remember to eat on time, even if work piles up p>
Then, turning to Brinley, he added warmly, “Visit often whenever you can p>
“Of course,” Brinley replied with an easy smile.
𝖨𝗇𝘵𝗲ոse 𝗋𝗈𝘮a𝗇𝖼𝗲 𝗼𝗻 ѕ.c𝘰𝘮
As they were about to leave, Austin paused to give Caiden a few instructions, while Brinley lingered by the doorway.
He returned quickly, his movements sure as he slipped his hand naturally into hers. “What’s on your mind p>
“Nothing important.” She shook her head and followed him out of the estate.
“Are we heading back to Hillcrest Villa now p>
“That’s right. I’ll take you back first.” With practiced ease, Austin opened the passenger door.
Brinley slid into the seat, then hesitated before speaking. “Could you stop at the intersection ahead? I’d like to swing by the company first p>
Her small firm was tucked into an office building in the heart of downtown. Since the project had ground to a halt, most of the staff were on extended leave, leaving only a skeleton crew still working.
She decided to stop by with food as a small gesture of thanks.
“I’ll go with you,” Austin said without hesitation.
Brinley immediately waved him off. “No, really, I can handle it. Don’t you have work piling up? Go take care of that. I’ll be fine on my own p>
The thought of having him shadow her at her own office made her squirm.
Austin’s brows drew together as he studied her. “Do I come across as frightening p>
She shook her head quickly. “No, that’s not it p>
“Then why keep dodging me?” His tone carried an edge of irritation, each word deliberate. “I’ll have the driver take you. I’ll wait in the car p>
Brinley faltered, tongue-tied beneath the weight of his gaze.
Only then did it strike her that she might, in truth, be pulling away from him on purpose.
Was it unease? Or something deeper she didn’t dare name?