You Looked Down on Me Once Now You Look Up (Patricia and Oliver) novel Chapter 120

As soon as the car hit the intersection, the streetlights flickered on. He eased off the brake, pressed the gas, and slipped into the flow of traffic. Suddenly, a truck behind him lurched forward, as if its brakes had failed, slamming into his bumper and shoving his car forward—just as another speeding semi came barreling in from the right.

The impact flipped his car onto its side. Thick smoke billowed from the twisted hood.

It took a lot of effort—and the help of a couple of bystanders—before he finally crawled out of the wreck.

Brushing dust off his jacket, he glanced at the truck driver, a sarcastic smile tugging at his lips.

They shared a look—one of those silent, mutual understandings. Aiden strolled over, casual as ever, and handed each of them a cigarette. “Relax, guys. It’s just a car. Only cost around one-point-six mil.”

The drivers hesitated, not sure if they should take the cigarette or not.

One finally blurted, “Is this car even yours?”

“Nope. Belongs to my boss.” Aiden made it clear: whatever happened next wasn’t up to him. “So don’t bother trying to win me over. Not my call if you have to pay up.”

Both drivers’ faces fell. Their plan had failed, they wouldn’t see a dime—and honestly, they might end up owing a fortune.

Aiden couldn’t resist twisting the knife. “Man, you look rough. Didn’t buy insurance, did you?”

“That’s not it,” one muttered.

Just then, the police arrived, sirens blaring, cutting off any more of Aiden’s pointed small talk. The officer hustled all three of them off to the station to sort things out.

———

Smack!

Tina slammed her palm on the dining table, making Emerson—who was pouring water—nearly spill the whole pitcher.

He stared at her, confused. “What’s going on?”

“It’s Patricia, obviously,” Tina snapped, quickly explaining what happened. “That girl is always scheming, and she’s just as guarded. None of my tricks worked on her.”

“Don’t stress,” Emerson said, rubbing her lower back. “She wants to join the company? Let her. Once she’s inside, there are plenty of ways to make her take the fall for something—or even send her to jail. But for now, let’s keep things looking smooth on the surface.”

“If she catches us slipping up and brings it to the board, it’ll be bad for us,” Tina muttered.

There were still a few board members loyal to Jason. Over the years, they’d never openly opposed Emerson, and barely got involved in company affairs. But who knew what would happen if Patricia came back and started stirring things up?

Patricia chuckled. “Maybe after this busy stretch. I’ll take you when things settle down.”

“Promise? You have to take us out when you’re free!” Sara whined, her sweet, dramatic tone making Patricia’s skin crawl a little. Patricia grabbed her clothes and slipped into the bathroom, glancing at herself in the mirror and shaking out her arm, trying to shake off Sara’s over-the-top enthusiasm.

———

In the conference room, Oliver sat at the head of the table, ankle resting on his knee, one hand on his leg and the other tapping absently on the tabletop. His cold, unreadable face kept everyone else on edge as they reported in.

Buzz, buzz.

Buzz, buzz.

Two new texts popped up on his phone. He glanced down.

Sara: [screenshot attached]

Sara: Uncle Oliver, Aunt Patricia says this bag is gorgeous!