Year Five The Perfect Goodbye Plan novel Chapter 236

Silvia set the breakfast aside, visibly relieved when she saw her coworker looking much better. “Just came to check on you,” she said softly.

Her coworker cradled the cup of sweet porridge Silvia had brought, sipping as she spoke. “Silvia, you really don’t need to feel guilty. I know none of this was your fault. I guess I was just unlucky—and, well, too greedy for a treat, so I ended up being the first one to get hit.”

She tried to lighten the mood for Silvia’s sake, making a joke at her own expense, though the wry smile on her face betrayed a hint of resignation.

Hearing this, Silvia attempted a small smile but failed to hide her unease.

Silvia shook her head and let out a sigh. “Don’t worry. I’ll get to the bottom of this.”

Once again, she made a promise. After sitting with her coworker for a while, Silvia called in a nurse to take over and quietly slipped out.

She didn’t head back to the office. Instead, she ducked into a small café she found along the street, ordered a coffee, and dialed Laurinda’s number.

The call nearly rang out before Laurinda finally picked up. Her voice drifted through the phone, warm and amused. “Calling me so early, Silvia? To what do I owe the pleasure?”

Her tone was languid, as if she’d already guessed why Silvia would be reaching out.

“Aunt Laurinda, I found this charming little coffee shop while walking around. Thought you might enjoy it, so I wanted to invite you to try it with me.”

Silvia’s voice was calm and gave nothing away.

Laurinda laughed—a light, genuine sound, as if Silvia had just told her a joke. After a pause, she replied, “Silvia, I told you before, my patience with you is running thin. So, are you finally ready to talk things through with me, or is there something else on your mind? Because if not, I don’t have much interest in chit-chat.”

“I haven’t figured everything out yet. That’s why I need your help.”

“Oh my goodness,” Laurinda gasped, covering her mouth in exaggerated shock. “Was it a suicide attempt? Silvia, you really ought to talk to her. Young people these days seem so fragile—one little setback and they think life’s not worth living.”

She dismissed the incident lightly, pinning the blame squarely on Silvia’s coworker, as if the poisoning could only be the result of a weak spirit and a reckless decision.

Silvia narrowed her eyes, studying Laurinda’s face for any sign of guilt or concern, but found nothing out of place.

She stayed silent for a moment, and Laurinda jumped in, her expression bright and curious. “So, Silvia, tell me—what exactly do you need my help figuring out?”

“It wasn’t a suicide attempt.”

Silvia met Laurinda’s gaze, her eyes sharp and clear. “Aunt Laurinda, who do you think would want to hurt her?”