Year Five The Perfect Goodbye Plan novel Chapter 161

“This is a family matter. I don’t see how it concerns you.”

Carlisle’s tone was cool, almost frosty. He looked at Laurinda, brow drawn tight, his voice tinged with clear disapproval.

He was a king in the world of business, and when he set his face like stone, he radiated an almost overwhelming sense of authority.

Silvia lowered her gaze, confusion flickering in her eyes.

Why did it seem like this brother and sister didn’t get along?

Or maybe Carlisle was just this harsh with everyone, which made his words sound so cold?

She remembered the last time, at the engagement party—Carlisle hadn’t even stayed until the end. As soon as the event was over, he’d left.

Maybe that was just his personality.

Silvia’s mind spun with guesses.

Laurinda, on the other hand, simply arched an eyebrow. She forced a smile, shrugged, and stood up. “Why draw such a hard line, big brother? We’re family, aren’t we?”

Carlisle didn’t bother answering her. Instead, he led Silvia and Kent toward the dining room.

It wasn’t until Silvia saw the dining room for herself that she truly understood the meaning of excess.

The Parsons family was so large that even their dining room seemed absurdly huge—the kind of space that made you question your sense of scale. The dining table itself stretched nearly thirty feet, easily accommodating more than thirty people.

Silvia thought back to the Ashford family’s round table and felt a wave of relief. Thank goodness Kent hadn’t suggested they move into Parsons Manor. She could only imagine how awkward that would be.

“Go ahead and take a seat,” Carlisle reminded her when he noticed Silvia standing uncertainly. He took his place at the head of the long table.

Silvia kept her head down, quietly eating her meal.

When the meal finally ended, Carlisle reached for a napkin and wiped his mouth with casual elegance. Then his gaze landed on Silvia, eyes cool and distant. “It’s getting late, Silvia. I won’t keep you. Head home and get some rest.”

“Of course,” Silvia replied quietly, nodding without protest.

If anything, this dinner had made her even more cautious.

There was something strange—almost unsettling—about the atmosphere in the Parsons household.

“Silvia,” Laurinda called just as Silvia was about to leave, her tone warm and her smile soft, though something unreadable flickered in her eyes. “We didn’t get much chance to talk today. Next time, let’s make some time for a proper chat, okay?”

“Alright,” Silvia agreed.