Year Five: The Perfect Goodbye Plan novel Chapter 43

Hardy deliberately leaned in close, his breath reeking of alcohol—thick and poisonous, curling around Silvia like a venomous snake.

Silvia barely had a moment to react. A flash of fear crossed her eyes as, with trembling fingers, she pressed the call button on her phone.

The very next instant, Hardy snatched it away.

“Calling the police?” His smile twisted into something grotesque.

He ended the call, then hurled the phone with a sudden force. It landed square in a wineglass, sending the dark liquid splashing across the table.

“You’re not leaving. Not tonight.”

His hand slid across Silvia’s cheek, the touch oily and suggestive.

Silvia’s face drained of color. She tried to pull away, but Hardy grabbed her arm, pinning her in place.

“Don’t act so loyal to your precious Shipley,” he sneered. “He knows exactly what kind of ‘negotiations’ happen when you work with me.”

Hardy’s words made Silvia freeze, her body going rigid.

A coldness settled in her eyes. She clenched her jaw.

She knew Shipley had sent her here expecting this very scenario. But that didn’t mean she’d just accept it.

Silvia’s gaze hardened. She forced a brittle smile, then drove her knee up, slamming it straight into Hardy’s groin.

He howled, the sound animalistic, echoing through the private room.

Silvia’s elegant brows knit together as she fought to keep her composure. “Mr. Upton, I don’t think you’re fit to discuss business tonight. Let’s reschedule.”

“Goddamn it.” Hardy cursed, clutching himself. Fighting through the pain, he staggered to his feet.

Suddenly, he yanked Silvia by the hair, jerking her head back.

Then—two sharp slaps, ringing and merciless.

The taste of blood exploded in Silvia’s mouth. The blaring music faded beneath the roar in her ears. Her cheek throbbed, swelling rapidly.

Hardy looked down at her, relishing her pain, his voice low and menacing. “You get my patience because you’re easy on the eyes—not because I’ll let you walk all over me.”

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