Chapter 7

Austin stood tall, his presence so striking that all eyes were irresistibly drawn to him.

Brinley thought to herself that it was no wonder he was hailed as the most handsome man in Bleron.

His appearance, his commanding aura, and his physique-all of it-were far superior to Colin's in every possible way.

Ending up with such a wealthy and dazzling husband was nothing short of fortune smiling upon her.

Brinley and Austin glanced at each other for a moment.

Before either could speak,the doors swung open and a sudden commotion filled the room.

Several business partners entered in a rush.

"Mr. Moore, we've been waiting anxiously for your arrival."

"You're always occupied with work; it's rare to catch a glimpse of you." The men immediately surrounded Austin, each eager to curry favor, unintentionally pushing Brinley aside in their eagerness.

Austin was noticeably displeased at the interruption,but the group remained oblivious, chattering away with unrestrained enthusiasm.

Thalia stepped forward to ease the awkwardness. "Mr.Moore will be spending plenty of time with you today,so there's no need to hurry. Please, take a seat and have some drinks first."

With that, she walked to Brinley and guided her back from the sidelines, smiling as she introduced her."This is Ms. Brinley Shaw. She's here today to share some of her business insights with you."

Thalia's intention was to smooth the atmosphere,but instead, the mention of Brinley's name triggered a ripple of muffled laughter.

One of the men, Oliver Simpson, looked Brinley up and down before remarking with a mocking grin, "Ms.Shaw,you are indeed easy on the eyes, but your judgment... perhaps not as impressive. You cut ties with your own family for a man, becoming nothing but a subject of ridicule in Bleron."

Another added, "Yes, Ms. Shaw, if you're so devoted to men, perhaps family affairs should be your focus rather than business ventures."

"Oliver!" Thalia frowned in displeasure, ready to step in,but Austin lifted a hand to stop her.

All eyes immediately turned to him.

Austin crossed the room unhurriedly.He reached out and brushed a strand of Brinley's hair back behind her ear before slipping an arm naturally around her waist.

"So, in your opinion, Mr. Simpson, my wife doesn't measure up to your standards?"

His tone was light but had a menacing undertone.

Oliver froze with terror.

The Brinley Shaw who had severed ties with her family and tarnished her name for some man turned out to be the wife of Austin Moore?

Oliver laughed awkwardly, scrambling for words."Ah,Mrs. Moore, my apologies. Mr. Moore, people say you are not interested in women, but clearly, you have exquisite taste and prefer..."

He paused, then continued, "Prefer beautiful women."

Though he was offering a compliment, his eyes clearly conveyed subtle contempt. Thalia scowled, ready to intervene again,but Austin signaled for her to hold back.

Instead of speaking, he studied Brinley with interest,clearly curious about how she would handle the situation.

Smirking, Brinley turned to address Oliver. "Mr.Simpson, your words remind me of something. I once heard that some influential businessmen have a fondness for keeping several young women at once.They are really shameless. Surely you've heard such rumors too?"

Oliver went pale at once.

He did maintain several mistresses, some quite young.It wasn't entirely public, but neither was it a well-kept secret.

Brinley's remark was a clear jab at him. But with Austin standing beside her, Oliver dared not lash out.

Brinley had a small smile on her face,glancing around the room. "Instead of speculating about others,wouldn't it be wiser to tend to your own affairs?"

Her words, polite in tone but sharp in substance,deflected the mockery and issued a subtle warning.

Standing beside her, Austin looked utterly pleased. He had assumed that Brinley was gentle and reserved,yet here she was, fearless and assertive.

Sensing the tension, Thalia intervened,laughing lightly."Well, Brinley certainly has a sharp tongue. Alright,everyone, let's not take it too seriously. Come, let's sit down. No need to crowd around."

Oliver looked stiff and displeased. But he sat down,not daring to retort.

Leaning toward Brinley, Austin whispered, "Quite the impression you've made, my dear wife."

Brinley tilted her head toward him, her smile playful."Like what you saw?"

Austin only smirked, deciding not to reply. Instead,he gripped Brinley's waist even tighter.