You Looked Down on Me Once Now You Look Up (Patricia and Oliver) novel Chapter 190

“I really want to open it and see what’s inside!”

Roger shot her a look, watching her hands in case she got any ideas. “Don’t even think about it. You promised Aunt Patricia, remember?”

Sara groaned. “Yeah, yeah, I know. I’m just curious, okay?”

Before Roger could say more, Sara’s phone buzzed. She glanced at the screen, picked up, and after a few words with Patricia, said, “I’m on my way.”

On the other side of the building, Ruby ducked into the lounge to freshen up before the party started. She was barely gone five minutes, but when she came back, there was a new envelope sitting on the table.

She frowned, picking it up and looking around. The room was empty and completely quiet.

She stepped into the hallway and stopped a staff member. “Did anyone come in here just now?”

“No, miss. You need a key card to get in. No one else has been here.”

Ruby hesitated, wondering if Tina had dropped it off. After a second, she opened the envelope and slid out the contents. The moment she saw the photo inside, her heart dropped.

Her eyes went wide as she stared at it, totally shocked. She shoved the photo back in the envelope, feeling her cheeks burn and her pulse race.

7:25 p.m.

She took a deep breath, tucked the envelope safely away, and tried to get herself under control before stepping back into the hallway.

As she passed the long corridor, a door opened next to her.

Theo stepped out, clearly surprised to see her. “Ruby,” he said, giving her a gentle smile, “congratulations. You finally got to wear the dress you always wanted.”

They’d known each other forever—long enough for Theo to know exactly how complicated things were between Ruby and Patricia. He’d seen all her jealous moments, all the envy and longing.

She looked up at him, and for a second, whatever feelings she’d had for him just disappeared. Enough? If she didn’t push back, who knew what would happen between these two?

Nina let out a cold laugh. “If anyone’s out of line, it’s you, not me.”

She spun on her heel, picking up her skirt and storming off.

When she finally got back to Joseph, her face was like thunder. He took one look at her and raised his eyebrows. “Who pissed you off?”

“Who else?” Nina muttered, clearly annoyed. “You’re my date tonight, got it?”

Joseph glanced over her shoulder, catching Theo heading their way. He pretty much pieced it all together.

“Whatever you say, Nina,” he said, giving her a reassuring smile.