Year Five The Perfect Goodbye Plan novel Chapter 168

Since Laurinda already knew exactly what kind of person Silvia was, there was no point keeping up the charade any longer. Why bother pretending to play nice when there was nothing genuine behind it?

If Laurinda wanted something, she might as well just ask for it straight out.

Silvia pulled herself from her thoughts and leaned back in her chair, her voice soft but firm. "Silvia, you must understand, my patience has its limits. You’re still young, and managing such a large dowry isn’t easy. Why not let me take care of it for you? I can keep it safe."

It wasn’t until that moment that Silvia realized what Laurinda was after. All that small talk led to this—she wanted to take the dowry from her.

To put it bluntly, it was all about the money.

But Kent had given that dowry to Silvia. Why should she hand it over to anyone else?

"Aunt, you have quite the sense of humor," Silvia replied, feigning innocence. "I’m not a little kid anymore. I know how to handle money—I won’t spend it carelessly."

Let her "keep it safe"? They weren’t even close—Laurinda just wanted the money for herself.

Silvia’s lips curled into a faint, almost mocking smile, her eyes glinting with a cold spark.

In that instant, she finally understood why Kent had warned her not to get too close to the Parsons’ side of the family.

This aunt, who seemed so warm and enthusiastic on the surface, was hiding such calculating intentions. The rest of the relatives? She could only imagine.

"Silvia, I’m only—"

Now that she saw Laurinda’s true colors, Silvia knew she’d never spend time alone with her again. If Laurinda tried to invite her out in the future, she’d refuse without hesitation.

"Suit yourself." Laurinda caught the chill in Kent’s gaze, and didn’t insist on keeping Silvia there. She simply shrugged. "Looks like I’ll be enjoying all this delicious food by myself."

Kent didn’t even glance back. He led Silvia out of the restaurant.

As they reached the door, Laurinda’s voice called after them, her tone suddenly a bit urgent. "Silvia, don’t forget the gift I brought you! Take it, really—don’t be shy."

Silvia paused, then glanced over her shoulder at Laurinda, her eyes cool and distant. "Aunt, you’d better save your kindness for someone who wants it."