You Looked Down on Me Once Now You Look Up (Patricia and Oliver) novel Chapter 137

“Got any plans tonight?”

Patricia crossed the garden, heading for the car. Jackson was already there, waiting to open the door for her. But when he saw Oliver coming out too, he got the message and slid into the driver’s seat, giving them a little privacy. He knew better than to stick around.

Oliver’s eyes lingered on Jackson for a heartbeat before Patricia’s voice snapped him back.

“What’s wrong?”

He looked at her, softer now. “It’s been ages since we had dinner together. If you’re not busy, could you come home early tonight?”

Patricia nodded, her answer gentle. “Okay.”

She was always polite with Oliver—almost too polite. To him, that politeness felt like there was a wall between them. She never let herself get close, and he didn’t want to force it. So all he could do was test the waters, one little step at a time.

When the black Bentley finally disappeared down the driveway, Oliver’s posture stiffened and the air around him turned heavy, his mood sinking.

“Uncle Oliver, you can’t keep doing this,” Sara said, leaning across the breakfast bar, chin propped on her hands, looking at him all serious. “You’ll never win Aunt Patricia over like that.”

Oliver frowned, confused. “Win her over?”

“Yeah! Aunt Patricia is your dream girl, right? These days, everyone calls their younger wife ‘dream girl.’”

He gave a half-smile, looking every bit the old-school type who didn’t care for new trends.

“Aunt Patricia came back for the Martin family and the Newton family. If that’s the case, she’ll have to see her ex-husband. She’s probably done with him, but can you say for sure he’s done with her?”

“I heard Theo was really hung up when they broke up.”

“Aunt Patricia’s gorgeous, and she’s smart too. She used to have a few rough edges, but now she’s pretty much perfect, like a flawless diamond. There’s got to be a ton of guys going after her.”

Oliver froze on the stairs, his broad shoulders suddenly stiff. Sara didn’t let up. “If you want her to fall for you over time, you better watch out. The competition’s fierce.”

Seriously? That color was practically glowing. Was Ruby trying to make a joke about her past?

Patricia tossed the dress back in and let out a genuine laugh.

This was perfect. She’d been wondering how to make an entrance tonight, and now Ruby had just handed her the spotlight.

Ruby, on the other hand, was riding high on her growing fame and the money she was bringing in for the company. She was already picturing her next promotion, convinced she’d be leaving Patricia in the dust any day now.

…

Back at the Newton family’s house, Judy came over with an envelope in her hands.

“Mrs. Martin from the Martin Group sent this for you, ma’am.”