You Looked Down on Me Once Now You Look Up (Patricia and Oliver) novel Chapter 425

After all the hard work and success, if the person by your side is still the one you started with—well, that’s the real jackpot in life.

“What’s on your mind?”

“Seriously, where did you even find someone like that?”

Patricia took a slow sip of her tea, looking totally unbothered. “Money can solve just about anything.”

She’d already imagined every scenario, mapped out every possible move Emerson and Tina could make. No matter which path they chose, she was ready—and for them, every road led to a dead end. Patricia had all the time and money in the world. She could afford to wait and wear them down.

She shifted lazily in the porch’s wicker chair, stretching out as Marian came outside with a throw pillow and tucked it behind her back.

The air at Cloud Peak was crisp and clean, with greenery everywhere. Even though the city wasn’t far away, the sky above still offered a scattering of stars.

The tea kettle bubbled beside her.

Jackson leaned back, hands behind his head, staring up at the same sky Patricia was lost in.

For some reason, she felt herself pause. For three years, her mind had been racing nonstop, always planning her next move. But tonight, for once, she let herself breathe.

“What do you think I should do when Emerson and the others are finally out of the picture?”

“Just live your life. What else? If you want a cat or a dog, get one. If you want kids, have them. Life keeps moving, step by step.”

Jackson was always so chill about things. He never dreamed big, but he never resisted anything either. He just went with the flow.

“When this is all over, I’m going to find you a girlfriend.”

Jackson shot up in his chair, looking at Patricia like she’d just threatened him. “If I’ve done something wrong, let the law deal with me. Don’t punish me by setting me up with some woman.”

Patricia glared at him, ready for a comeback, but just then, a pair of car headlights swept across the yard, way too bright.

She lifted a hand to shield her eyes.

The driver must have noticed, because the lights flicked off. Oliver got out of the car, striding straight toward her.

Patricia glanced at the photo, then looked up at Oliver, her eyes sparkling with quiet laughter.

“What made you suddenly agree to an interview?”

Oliver smiled. “Just wanted those old guys at Golden Bay to know I’m here in Riverdale now. If anyone’s thinking about causing trouble, they’d better think again.”

Sara scrunched up her nose, sounding fierce.

Patricia laughed, nodding. “Got it.”

“Have you eaten yet?” she asked.

Oliver answered softly, “Not yet.”

“Go wash up, then. Marian, can you start getting dinner ready?”

As Oliver headed upstairs, Sara slipped her arm through Patricia’s and started swaying like a spoiled kitten. “Aunt Patricia, can we have a barbecue tonight?”