Chapter 78
Chapter 78:
After cutting ties with the Shaw family, Brinley threw herself into building a life without relying on anyone else. She was determined to earn money through her own hard work and build a good life with Colin.
In secret, she even set money aside, planning to surprise him later by offering to invest in the Palmer Group once things at the company had stabilized.
But before long, she discovered his involvement with Milly.
All those sleepless nights, all her hopes for the future, were reduced to nothing in an instant—like a cruel joke.
Lowering her eyes, Brinley quickly buried the flicker of pain. When she looked up again, her face was calm and unreadable.
“I assume you didn’t come here just to compliment me, Mr. Palmer. Is there something else on your mind p>
“Yes,” Colin replied, nodding as he pulled a document from his briefcase. “There’s a real estate project. If we work together, we could maximize the returns p>
“We cannot collaborate,” Brinley said coldly without even looking up, cutting him off.
Colin’s hand—still holding the file—froze midair.
Th𝗲 𝖻𝗲𝘀𝘵 r𝘦𝘢𝘥i𝗻𝗴 𝘦x𝗉𝘦𝗋𝗂𝘦𝗻c𝖾 o𝗇
“Brinley…” He looked at her stiff professionalism and forced a strained smile. “The cherries in Crystal Lake Park are in bloom. You mentioned wanting to go there. I never made the time before, but now p>
“No need.” Brinley’s eyes turned sharp and cold as she interrupted him again. “The past means nothing to me now p>
Just as she spoke, the faint sound of movement came from the office entrance.
Brinley turned her head and saw Austin standing there—tall, composed, and staring at her with an intensity that made her breath catch.
What was he doing here?
His gaze swept over the room before settling directly on her. A faint smile touched his lips as he said, “It’s lunchtime. Let me take you out to eat p>
At his words, Brinley’s eyes brightened with a trace of happiness. She immediately turned to Colin. “Mr. Palmer, you’re not welcome here. Don’t bother coming again p>
Without waiting for his response, she strode to Austin and joined him at the doorway.
Colin could only watch as she walked away beside Austin, their steps perfectly in sync. The paper bag in his hand crumpled under the pressure of his clenched fist.
Only Brinley and Austin rode the elevator.
The mirrored walls reflected them standing close together, and an awkward, charged silence settled between them.
Brinley glanced at Austin. His brows were drawn together, his expression frosty. He was clearly in a foul mood.
“What’s the matter?” she asked before she could stop herself.
“Nothing,” Austin replied flatly.
“Obviously something’s wrong.” She lifted her brows, going straight to the point. “You saw Colin, and it bothered you, didn’t it p>
Austin pressed his lips together. He didn’t admit it, but jealousy edged his voice as he said, “It looks like Colin is very taken with you p>