You Looked Down on Me Once Now You Look Up (Patricia and Oliver) novel Chapter 462

Nina? I’ve only met her twice and honestly, she doesn’t seem all that bright.

“Why is everyone so quiet all of a sudden? She’s just pretending to be clueless, and you all actually believe she’s the real deal?”

Their gossip lasted until midnight.

The three of them had planned to party all night, but after a feast of rumors, they stumbled out of the club more stunned than satisfied.

Sara climbed into the backseat, leaning over the front to hug the driver’s seat. “Seriously, when did Nina get smart all of a sudden?”

Roger started the car, glancing in the rearview mirror. “She’s got someone pulling strings for her.”

“Who?” Sara pressed.

Roger and Sara locked eyes for a second, but then looked away at the same time, like they’d silently agreed not to say it out loud.

Sara couldn’t figure it out, so after a moment she shook Colton’s arm. “Come on, just tell me!”

“Aunt Patricia! Seriously, Sara, connect the dots.”

Sara stared at him. “Wait, but Aunt Patricia and Nina are barely on speaking terms. Why would Patricia help her?”

“Who said she’s helping Nina? Aunt Patricia just wants Joseph to pay.”

“You know what, forget it. No point explaining it to you. Figure it out yourself.”

That night, the three of them ended up at a late-night spa and didn’t bother going home.

The next morning, at breakfast in Cloud Peak.

Patricia glanced at the empty seats, still not used to the quiet.

She looked at Oliver, a hint of worry in her voice. “They really didn’t come home last night?”

Oliver peeled a hard-boiled egg and set it in her bowl. “Nope, they stayed out.”

She sounded concerned, but in her mind, she was thinking, If Mr. Padilla saw this, he’d probably sulk for days. Old-fashioned guys hate it when their wives show skin.

Patricia stood at the kitchen island, casually sorting through her jewelry. “I’m meeting Ruby.”

Marian perked up. “Then you have to wear something like this! Actually, those heels aren’t high enough. Go for the ten-centimeter ones. That’ll really make a statement.”

“Let her see for herself—prosthetic or real legs, which would she pick?”

“And when you see her, make sure you rub it in. She’s just a cripple now. Don’t let her forget it—say it a few times.”

Marian was getting more and more into it. “Actually, you should take me with you! I’m great at throwing shade.”

Patricia burst out laughing. “Marian, I’m not going to start a fight.”

“Who said anything about fighting? I just want you to put her in her place. You know what, never mind—I’ll go teach Jackson how to do it instead. Some things are best left to us shameless types.”

Marian set down the tray and hurried out before Patricia could even try to stop her.