Year Five The Perfect Goodbye Plan novel Chapter 143

When Garth arrived home around dinnertime, Silvia glanced quickly over his shoulder as soon as she saw her father walk in. Not spotting Finn, she frowned, her brow creasing with disappointment.

“Dad, where’s Finn?”

If Finn were here, he’d surely come up with a way to send Shipley packing.

Garth set down his suit jacket, his tone casual. “He said he’s looking after a friend and won’t be home for dinner tonight.”

With Finn’s pampered, aloof personality, Silvia could guess there was only one person he’d go out of his way to help—Yvette.

Silvia cast her eyes down, a flicker of impatience in her gaze.

So tonight, she’d just have to endure it, at least until Shipley finished dinner and left.

Shipley, meanwhile, didn’t seem to care whether Finn was home or not. Polite as ever, he stood and made his way over to Garth, greeting him warmly. “Mr. Ashford, it’s been ages! Tonight we have to drink until we drop!”

His tolerance was decent, but after years of business dinners and mounting stress, Shipley had developed a weak stomach. Silvia knew all about it.

She used to love nagging him, urging him to put down the glass.

Every time she saw Shipley on the verge of getting tipsy, those affectionate eyes of his would make her heart flutter in ways she couldn’t quite explain.

But now, hearing him talk about “drinking until we drop”...

A bad feeling twisted in Silvia’s gut. Pressing her lips together, she couldn’t help but interject, “Dad, he’s driving. Please, don’t drink tonight.”

Shipley let out a low chuckle, something sharp flashing in his eyes. “Sweet Silvia, are you worried about me?” He went on, “If I do end up drunk, Mr. Ashford, would you let me crash here for the night?”

Garth had always liked Shipley, and seeing the old friend return after so many years, he was more than happy to oblige. He clapped Shipley on the shoulder, laughing heartily. “Of course! I always appreciate a man who knows how to enjoy a drink. Don’t worry, if you overdo it, there’s a spare room for you here.”

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