Chapter 55

The last streaks of sunset stained the horizon in shades of gold and rose as Brinley slipped away from the building.

Pulling out her phone, she typed a crisp order to Corbin. "Have the tech team prepare the patent certificate for the new material and get it posted on the company site."

His answer came in seconds, punctuated with a playful cheer emoji."On it!"

Though she already suspected who had stirred up trouble, Brinley chose not to stew over it.

Milly's petty maneuvers weren't worth a battle now, not when the stakes were higher.

In Brinley's mind, schemes and shortcuts could never outlast real ability.

With the matter settled, she headed back to Hillcrest Villa, arriving just as the clock struck six, the twilight air still warm against he skin.

Austin lounged in the living room, waiting for her return, the aroma of dinner already drifting from the neatly arranged table.

"Rough day?" he asked in an even voice as he rose to take her bag from her shoulder.

Brinley shook her head, easing into her chair and tasting the soup. The delicate sweetness washed over her tongue,comforting enough to melt away the day's weariness. "Nothing serious-it's all handled now."

He didn't press. Instead, he reached for the tablet she had set aside, his gaze scanning the clarification statement posted on the website.

When the design sketches caught his eye, a flicker of admiration softened his expression. "This concept is brilliant."

Her face brightened instantly.""You think so? I worried it might be too bold for the judges.""True design never shies from boldness." He set the tablet down and met her gaze with quiet certainty."You've had a long day. Get some rest after you finish your soup."

"Alright." Brinley drained the last of her soup, set the spoon aside, and quietly made her way upstairs.

Austin lingered át the table, his gaze following her until she vanished down the hall. A faint smile softened his features, warmth flickeing in his eyes.

"Goodnight," he murmured after her.

She faltered on the steps, hesitated for a heartbeat, yet chose silence instead of answering.

On the eve of the big presenation, rain drifted lightly over Bleron, misting the streets in a silver haze.

Brinley's study glowed softly under the solitary lamp, shadows stretching across shelves lined with books.Rain pattered steadily against the vast panes of glass, a quiet counterpoint to her hushed rehearsal for tomorrow's presentation.

The third cup of coffee sat abandoned on the desk.

As her fingers reached absentmindedly for it, they brushed against unexpected warmth-a bowl that hadn't been there before. She flinched slightly, startled.

"Too much iced coffee will ruin your stomach." Austin's low murmur came from above.

Lifting her gaze, she found him standing there in cream-colored loungewear, an empty tray balanced in his hand,the porridge still steaming faintly beside her.

"Why are you still awake?" she asked softly, her eyes lingering on the shadows beneath his lashes,a faint ache tugging at her chest.

Lately, Austin had made a point of returning home earlier, yet his nights stretched long in the study, pages and screens keeping him company until dawn.

"I was waiting for you," he murmured, dragging a chair closer before settling beside her. His gaze swept over her pale face. "You must be worn out." "I'm fine." Brinley gave a weak shake of her head, unable to hold it upright for long. "I keep thinking, what if..."

"There's no 'what if'" Austin cut in, his voice steady, his eyes unwavering. "The plan you've drawn up is already more than enough."

"You didn't even make it to the last page."

"I don't need to," he replied in a low, steady tone. "The way you spent night after night fine-tuning every parameter told me enough-you were destined to win."

Brinley's head snapped up and her heart warmed at his words.

By then, the rain outside had slipped away unnoticed, leaving the moon to break through a ragged veil of clouds. Its pale glow spilled across the design sheet in Austin's hands.

"This concept is daring," he murmured, brushing a fingertip over the sketched lines. "But it has something magnetic about it."

"Magnetic?" Brinley arched a brow, a trace of challenge in her voice. "What if they say it isn't professional?"

"Professionalism isn't about clinging to rigid rules," Austin said, lifting his eyes to hers, his voice steady but warm. His gaze carried a depth that softened the edges of his words. "Real mastery lies in blending contradictions until they feel like harmony."

Brinley's chest tightened as she met the sincerity in his eyes, and something long knotted inside her seemed to loosen at last.

She dropped her gaze to her lap, fingers twisting together, and whispered,"Austin... what if I don't win this project?"

The moment the words slipped out, regret stabbed through her.

She never exposed her fears, never cracked her armor-but tonight, with Austin watching her so intently,the anxieties she had buried for days refused to stay hidden.

This project wasn't just another stepping stone; it was the culmination of endless hours and relentless determination. She had poured herself into every detail. The thought of falling short-of all her sacrifices ending in disappointment-was unbearable.

Austin sat in silence, letting the air stretch before he spoke.

He reached for the glass on the table and held it out to her with steady hands."Here.Drink this first."

Brinley accepted it, her fingertips brushing against the warm surface, and a faint calm seeped through her restless chest.

"You don't need to force it." His voice was low yet firm, threaded with quiet authority. "If this project slips by,wait for the next one. Your ability will eventually shine."

His gaze lingered on her tired face, exhaustion from too many sleepless nights evident in her features. With a gentler edge, he continued, "But Brinley... to me, your health matters more than any deal. Losing one project isn't the end of the world. I'llstand behind you."

Those words flowed from his lips with such effortless ease, as if they were the most natural truth in the world.

Yet, they made Brinley's heart stumble in her chest.

The warm water slid down her throat, coating it with a faint comfort.

She tilted her head toward the moon outside the window, her voice rough as she muttered, "I never asked you to support me."

Austin gave a low laugh, eyes glinting. "I know you didn't. I just want to."

Brinley pressed her cheek against the cool surface of the table, retreating into silence.

Only after a long pause did she lift her head again, eyes rimmed red yet curved with a small smile."Thank you."