Year Five The Perfect Goodbye Plan novel Chapter 110

“Hey, Finn.” Silvia smiled, a touch of resignation in her voice. “There’s no need to be so tense with Shipley. Honestly… he’s got quite a talent for business.”

Shipley was quick-witted and articulate, and those gentle, inviting eyes of his made it easy to trust him—even like him.

Talent?

Finn scoffed, pride flashing in his eyes. “I don’t care if he’s the president of the country. If he ever messes with you, he’s nothing to me.”

Silvia couldn’t help but laugh at her brother’s bravado.

Still, Kent and Shipley were fundamentally different. Silvia was sure of that.

Meanwhile, in Luminova City—

Shipley was in his office, reviewing documents for a new bidding project, when his phone buzzed with a call from Sanderson.

He glanced at the caller ID, cleared his throat, and his eyes took on a look of calm focus—with just a hint of lightness.

He answered, “Mr. Sanderson, what can I do for you? Our meeting isn’t for a few more days, but I was just thinking about what kind of food you might enjoy—trying to pick the right restaurant for us…”

His words came smoothly, emphasizing just how much he valued Sanderson.

But on the other end, Sanderson’s tone didn’t waver. If anything, he sounded even more composed. “Mr. Barlow, I’m afraid I have to apologize. We’d talked about meeting up, but… at this point, I don’t think it’s necessary anymore.”

Not necessary?

A deal, all but set, suddenly called off.

He ventured, “So, Mr. Sanderson, are you saying The Ashford Group has your vote of confidence?”

“Yes.” Sanderson didn’t hesitate. He gave a thin, polite smile Shipley could hear through the phone. “Looks like this partnership isn’t in the cards for us, Mr. Barlow. Maybe next time.”

With that, Sanderson hung up.

Shipley listened to the dial tone, unable to keep a crooked grin off his face. The amusement in his eyes was almost overflowing.

He turned over a picture frame lying face-down on his desk. Inside was a photo of Silvia—her smile radiant, features delicate and striking, her whole presence bright and captivating.

Shipley traced a finger along her cheek in the photo, gazing at it with a kind of rapt fascination. His voice was soft, almost a whisper, edged with a low chuckle.

“Sweet Silvia,” he murmured, “such a little troublemaker. Did you really go to all that trouble, just to get your brother’s attention?”