You Looked Down on Me Once Now You Look Up (Patricia and Oliver) novel Chapter 164

Being the executive assistant to the CEO at Newton Enterprises was pretty much the dream job for anyone climbing the corporate ladder. But in the world of big money and miracle drugs, even the top of the ladder could feel like just the first rung.

“What does Ms. Martin want me to do?” he asked, voice low. When it came to his mother’s life, he didn’t have the luxury of pride.

A small, satisfied smile played on Patricia’s lips, her eyes gleaming with amusement. She always appreciated people who knew when to cooperate.

“Just answer my questions. That’s all,” she said.

Half an hour later, after seeing their guest out, Jackson and Aiden headed upstairs. Patricia stayed on the balcony, sipping her tea and soaking in the river view. She genuinely seemed to love it there.

Jackson, never one to whisper, asked, “Why didn’t Miss just have him take Theo out for good?”

Patricia rolled her eyes. “And go to jail for murder? Do I look crazy?”

“Mr. Padilla could get you out of it. He’s a legend,” Jackson replied, totally serious.

Aiden gave him a look, clearly embarrassed. What an idiot, he thought.

“Even CEOs have to follow the law. Maybe lay off the trashy novels for a bit,” Aiden muttered.

He added, “Haven’t you noticed how low-key Ms. Padilla and Mr. Newton are? Real old money families don’t let their kids act out in public.”

Jackson suddenly remembered, “Didn’t Mr. Newton get his leg broken by Mr. Padilla for street racing in New York last year?”

“Exactly,” Aiden nodded.

Jackson paused, thinking back. He’d spent years watching Theo’s crowd of spoiled rich kids and just assumed everyone with money acted that way. The Padilla family was clearly different.

Patricia didn’t bother with their back-and-forth. She straightened up, eyes sharp. “They’re here!”

“If I said I didn’t know, would you actually believe me?” Joseph’s face was all innocence, like he genuinely had nothing to hide.

Ruby wasn’t buying it. She set her purse down, pulled out a chair, and sat. Normally, if Theo was in the room, she wouldn’t be able to take her eyes off him. But today, Joseph was her only target.

“We might not be friends, but we’re not enemies either. By helping Patricia, you’re basically giving her a chance to come after me and Theo. Why would you do that? Are you really trying to take her side?”

Anyone who helped the enemy was the enemy, as far as Ruby was concerned.

“I’ve got no reason to do that,” Joseph replied, taking a slow drag from his cigarette. “Honestly, you’re giving me way too much credit.”

“The Miller group runs seven hotel brands, from luxury to budget. Over two hundred properties. You really think I know what’s happening in every single one?” Joseph turned to Theo. “Come on, Theo, back me up here.”

Ruby turned to Theo too, waiting for him to say something.