Chapter 19

A tense silence settled on the room.

Everyone watched the unfolding drama, disbelief scrawvled on their faces.

Who would have imagined that the sweet and soft-spoken Brinley could have such a sharp, unrelenting side?

Standing a little distance away, Colin felt his chest tighten with tangled emotions.

The fierce, confident woman before him was nothing like the shy Brinley he had once known, the one who had always looked at him with timid admiration.

That Brinley would never have dared raise her voice,yet here she was, handling a difficult situation with such finesse.

The guests were still recovering from the drama when a stir rippled through the entrance of the banquet hall.

Austin ambled inside, flanked by bodyguards. He looked dangerous and intimidating.

Glancing across the room, he caught sight of Rogelio,who looked disheveled and trembling. Then he glanced at Brinley. Her gown was slightly out of place,yet she stood tall and dignified.

Austin's eyes had a menacing gleam in them.

"It's Mr. Moore!" someone gasped in awe.

Ignoring the whispers around himn, Austin walked straight toward Brinley

Without asking a single question, he slipped off his jacket and laid it gently across her shoulders. He then turned and flung a murderous glare at Rogelio.

"Mr... Mr. Moore..." Rogelio stammered, his voice quivering uncontrollably. He now looked pale and terrified. "It's... it's all a misunderstanding... nothing more..."

Austin didn't even bother to acknowledge him.Instead,he spoke in a low, decisive tone to his assistant,Miguel Barnes."Throw him out."

Then, glancing around, he announced coldly, "From this moment forward, Moore Group will be targeting every single project run by Scott Group."

The words hit like thunder, drawing audible gasps as faces paled all around

Rogelio's knees nearly buckled. He tried to plead,but the bodyguards had already dragged him away "Mr. Moore, please! Have mercy! I was wrong!"

His desperate cries echoed down the corridor until they vanished, leaving the hall swallowed in an eerie silence.

Every head turned back toward Austin and Brinley,stunned.

They knew well enough. Austin never made idle threats. Scott Group was finished.

Colin stood rooted in the crowd. He had watched Austin wrap his jacket around Brinley's shoulders protectively. A bitter ache stirred deep within him.

He longed to step forward, to say something,but his legs felt heavy, as though shackled to the floor

What right did he have anymore?

Beside Austin, Brinley felt the shelter of his tall frame,a sense of safety creeping over her.

Seeing Rogelio hauled away in disgrace and the once -lively hall frozen in fear,she could only smile wryly in amusement.

She glanced up at Austin's face and asked softly,still bewildered, "Why are you here?"

After all, Austin almost never appeared at such public events.

"Because you're here," Austin answered simply, as if it were the most natural thing in the world

Colin's chest throbbed as he watched them both act intimate.

Just moments earlier, he had entertained the foolish thought that he could play her savior

Yet compared to Austin, he looked pitifully powerless.

The orchestra resumed its playing, but the vibrant chatter had vanished, replaced by hushed murmurs.

Those who had been oblivious about Brinley and Austin's relationship now understood.

And with understanding came respect and caution.Brinley was no longer someone they would dare provoke.

One bold reporter seized the moment, stepping forward nervously. "Mr. Moore, may I ask... Who is this lady?"

Opportunities to question Austin in person were rare,and no journalist would let it slip by.

"She is my wife, Brinley Moore," Austin replied without hesitation. He paused,sweeping his eyes over the hall, his voice firm and resonant. "My wife and I share a profound bond, and I warn those harboring hidden intentions not to waste their time with cheap tricks. Anyone who dares to lay a hand on my wife will findthemselves standing against the full power of Moore Group."

The words slammed into Colin like a heavy blow.

The seasoned businessmen present understood the message immediately. One by one, they approached Brinley to express courtesy and goodwill.

Milly's face had taken a sickly color as she instinctively clutched Colin's arm, but he shook her hand off.

Despite his turmoil, Colin forced his way toward Brinley. With a stiff smile, he said, "Brinley, don't you remember how your throat always troubled you every summer? I had someone prepare the special drink you used to like. Would you..."

"Thank you for the thought, Mr. Palmer." Austin stepped in, his voice polite yet cold. "But I'll take care of my wife's needs. There's no need for you to trouble yourself."

His eyes then flicked toward Milly. "And Mr. Palmer,perhaps you should direct more of that concern toward your wife." He paused deliberately, smirking. "Wait, my mistake,"he corrected himself smoothly. "The lady beside you isn't your wife yet,is she?"

Milly blanched, her complexion chalk white.

Colin stiffened, as though struck by lightning, his fists clenching tight.

Brinley grabbed the opportunity, slipping her hand around Austin's arm. With a polite but cold smile,she said, "Mr. Palmer, my husband doesn't enjoy socializing. If you'll excuse us, we'll be leaving now."