Year Five The Perfect Goodbye Plan novel Chapter 40

“I’m not asking for Mr. Barlow’s opinion. I’m telling you—my only role in this project is to negotiate.”

An uneasy silence spread through the office.

Everyone turned to stare at Silvia in disbelief.

Silvia, who’d always followed Mr. Barlow’s word without question, was now openly challenging Shipley?

Hell must have frozen over.

Silvia ignored the looks of schadenfreude, gathered the project files, and turned to leave. She didn’t want to spend another minute in this place.

Shipley watched her walk out, cold and detached, anger simmering beneath his composed exterior.

A tight smile flickered across his handsome face, his eyes narrowing with a glint of icy amusement before he let out a short, humorless laugh.

Sweet Silvia, haven’t you made enough of a scene by now?

He’d kept his cool when she laughed and chatted with his rival at that event. He’d bit his tongue when she openly gave him the cold shoulder in front of everyone.

Vianne caught the shift in his mood. Suddenly, she let out a sob and clung to his sleeve.

“Mr. Barlow, this is my fault. I asked Silvia to handle the issue, so it’s only fair if she’s upset with me. Please don’t blame her.”

Shipley lowered his gaze, forcing the corners of his mouth into a gentle smile as he subtly pulled his hand free. His tone was light, reassuring. “You didn’t do anything wrong. Don’t blame yourself.”

The moment Silvia got home, her phone rang with an unknown number.

She hesitated, then answered.

“Silvia, long time no see.”

The voice on the other end was greasy and arrogant, enough to make her skin crawl.

It was Hardy. He’d actually tracked her down.

Clutching her phone tighter, Silvia forced herself to sound calm. “Mr. Upton. It’s been a while.”

“I’m touched you even remember me, Silvia. Truly, I am.”

Hardy burst out laughing.

“Mr. Upton, you seem to be in the middle of something. Let’s discuss business another time.”

She started to hang up.

But Hardy just laughed—a high, sharp sound, as cold and venomous as a snake. “Silvia, I’m a busy man. The only time I get to call you is when I’m in bed with a woman.”

He chuckled. “Still, I’m touched you remember me. Let’s make it Sunday, five o’clock, at the Vespera Lounge. Don’t be late.”

The line went dead.

He hadn’t given Silvia a choice.

She slumped back on her sofa, feeling weak, her brows drawn in frustration.

Kent had already scheduled lunch with her on Sunday.

Now Hardy wanted to meet that afternoon.

This Sunday was shaping up to be one hell of a day.