Year Five: The Perfect Goodbye Plan novel Chapter 36

Silvia dropped her gaze, saying nothing.

Vianne’s expression tightened as she tugged at Shipley’s sleeve, turning to Silvia with a pleading look. “Silvia, I saw this painting first. You wouldn’t take it from me, would you? But... if you really like it, I suppose I could let you have it.”

Her eyes shimmered with unshed tears, her whole demeanor fragile and pitiful as she looked at Silvia.

Shipley chimed in, his tone gentle. “Sweet Silvia, I’ll buy you another one. Let Vianne have this painting, alright?”

Silvia gave him a cool glance, the hint of a self-deprecating smile playing at her lips. “Forget it, I’ll just—”

A sudden, dismissive laugh cut her off.

Kent spoke up, his words sharp and unexpected. “Miss, buying a painting you don’t even understand just to show off at home? That’s the kind of thing a social climber does. If it’s just for decoration, why not pick something prettier?”

Vianne’s eyes filled with tears at once.

“Silvia, if you want it, it’s yours. But did you really need to have your friend embarrass me like this?”

Playing the pitiable damsel was Vianne’s specialty—she knew how to make every man want to comfort her.

But Kent barely lifted an eyebrow, casting her a lazy glance. “Let you have it? I bought this painting a while ago.”

An attendant immediately stepped forward, bowing respectfully. “Yes, sir, this gentleman reserved the piece earlier.”

Without missing a beat, he signaled to have the painting wrapped and handed it to Silvia.

Then, as if escaping calamity, the attendant slipped away, wiping sweat from his brow. Maybe, with that display of initiative, he’d finally earn himself a raise.

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