Chapter 15

Brinley tilted her head, curiosity flickering in her eyes."What are you doing?"

Austin's hand slid into hers, their fingers locking with practiced ease, as if they had rehearsed the gesture countless times.

"In front of your family," he murmured, his gaze dropping to her with a teasing spark, "we've got to look convincing. You wouldn't want your father getting the idea we can't stand each other,right?"

Her attention dropped to their linked hands. His palm was firm and warm, the rough edges of his calluses grazing her skin in a way that sent a quiet steadiness through her chest.

She considered tugging free, but his low voice followed, calm and deliberate. "Don't you want your father to feel at ease?"

Brinley exhaled hard and rolled her eyes, but she didn't pull away.

In the end, she decided there was no harm in letting him hold on. After all, it was hardly worth making a fuss over. Almost against her will, her fingertips brushed over the calluses in his palm.

The warmth of his skin surprised her-steady,grounding, almost pleasant. Her gaze lingered a moment longer; he looked effortlessly handsome,and even his hands carried a quiet strength she found hard to dismiss.

Austin caught the subtle motion, a flicker of amusement tugging at the corner of his lips, though he offered no comment.

Just as they stepped into the entryway, a thunderous voice rolled from the courtyard, shaking the quiet.

"Felix,you hear me? Run that race abroad and give it your best! Come back with a trophy-and drive safely!"

Her father's scolding made Brinley's lips curve into a smile.

Following the sound, she spotted Brandon standing beneath the leafy grape trellis, phone clutched to his ear,his heavy brows drawn together. "Brinley's affairs aren't your problem," he barked into the receiver."Austin's the one taking care of her now, and he's a million times more reliable than you."

Felix's muffled protests carried faintly through the receiver,but Brandon only snorted and snapped into the phone, "And how exactly is Austin less reliable than you? Enough already! Keep running your mouth,and I'll cut your allowance right off!"

He jabbed the button to end the call, then turned and spotted Brinley and Austin. His face instantly hardened into a mask of stern authority. "Oh. You're here."

The act didn't even last three seconds. His expression softened, and he beckoned Brinley over with a gentle wave. "Sweetheart,come here."

Austin lingered nearby, quietly entertained by how quickly Brandon's demeanor shifted.

Brinley slipped forward and hooked her arm through Brandon's, flashing him a playful smile. "Dad, were you yelling at Felix?”

"Serves him right," Brandon huffed, puffing up his chest. "That reckless brat knows nothing but charging headfirst without thinking."

Then he bent closer, lowering his voice to a hushed whisper. "By the way,Felix wired you a hundred million.It's all yours to use however you want."

Brinley was caught off guard. The next moment, her phone buzzed in her hand.

A quick glance confirmed her hunch-it was a transfer notification from Felix. His note read, "Spend it however you want. If it's not enough, just tell me. And if Colin dares to bother you again, I'll fly back and wreck his company myself!"

Shaking her head, she typed back with helpless amusement, "Got it. Focus on winning your race."

Not far away, Austin lingered quietly, taking in the warmth between Brinley and Brandon.

For all of Brandon's bluster and harsh words, the fondness in his eyes betrayed him every time he looked at Brinley.

Catching Brinley's unguarded smile, Austin felt his own lips curve before he could stop them.

Only when Brandon finally turned to him did Austin step forward.With both hands, he offered the velvet gift box he'd been holding. "Mr. Shaw,this is my first visit. I brought a small token-please accept it."

Brandon accepted the gift without openingit,his gaze sweeping over Austin with deliberate authority."That's very kind of you. My daughter got a stubborn streak. If she gives you trouble, I hope you'll let it slide."

The words carried a veneer of courtesy, but beneath them lay the quiet concern of a father wondering how his son-in-law would treat his daughter.

Though the Shaw family commanded respect,they still trailed behind the Moore family, whose influence stretched across both politics and business.

With most people, Brandon might have been more affable,but when it came to the man who married his daughter,he preferred to probe.

Austin dipped his head slightly, his voice steady with sincerity. "Brinley's incredibly thoughtful. Having her as my wife makes me the lucky one."

After a brief pause, he went on with quiet conviction,"I know how deeply the Shaw family cherishes her.I'll make sure she's cared for, and I won't allow her to endure any grievances."

His calm assurance struck the balance between deference and resolve, revealing respect for Brandon while making clear his own unwavering stance.

Brandon studied him for a long moment, and when he found only sincerity in Austin's eyes, his stern expression softened into a rare smile. "Good! Come inside-the food's already on the table."

Clapping Austin warmly on the shoulder, he guided him toward the main hall.

Trailing after them, Brinley noticed how deferential Austin looked beside her father, and an odd flutter stirred in her chest. A man who could dominate boardrooms and lead an empire was here showing such patience and courtesy,like any ordinary son-in-law intent on earning his father-in-law's approval.

During the meal, Brandon struck up a conversation with Austin about business affairs.

Austin listened attentively, offering a handful of sharp,measured insights at just the right moments.

He carried himself with calm restraint, neither flaunting his knowledge nor bending too low.

From her seat at the side, Brinley lowered her gaze,watching his composed demeanor with a heart that grew increasingly complicated.