You Looked Down on Me Once Now You Look Up (Patricia and Oliver) novel Chapter 532

Patricia knew Mr. Higgins.

He wasn’t some stranger. Years ago, back when her whole situation with Theo was still a mess, Mr. Higgins hadn’t yet worked his way up to being the second-in-command. Even back then, though, he’d had the guts to stand in front of her and act like he was there to teach her a lesson. And it was never really about her—it was always about Emerson and Tina. He’d gone on and on about being grateful to her aunt and uncle, as if that would sway her.

She hadn’t held back, firing right back at him until he turned this ugly shade of yellow, practically fuming. She’d almost forgotten about him, honestly. But now, years later, here they were, running into each other at Pacific Capital. She couldn’t help but think, of course, this is how things turn out.

It didn’t take Patricia long to figure out who was really calling the shots above Emerson’s head.

Oliver called her in. The way he said “Mrs.” was enough to make Mr. Higgins lose whatever composure he thought he had. She watched him scramble to his feet, one hand gripping his coffee cup, the other pushing against the table for support, looking like he wasn’t sure whether to sit or stand.

His eyes flickered nervously from Patricia to Oliver. “Mr. Padilla… this is…”

“Why so surprised, Mr. Higgins? You know my wife?”

Mr. Higgins looked like he’d just swallowed a lemon. Did he admit he knew her? Their history was anything but pleasant, and who knew what Patricia would bring up if she felt like it. But pretending not to know her? That was even more ridiculous. He and Emerson were close—there was no way he could claim ignorance.

That’s when it clicked for him. This wasn’t a friendly invitation. This was a setup.

Oliver hadn’t called him here just to chat over tea. Odds were, Oliver knew all about him helping Emerson put pressure on the police, and this whole meeting was just Oliver’s way of sending a message.

People outside said Emerson was getting squeezed by Martin Group’s former CFO’s wife—Patricia’s handiwork. Seeing it now, that gossip was spot on. Patricia was coming after Emerson, and Mr. Higgins had tried to help Emerson out of trouble. He’d messed with Patricia’s interests, and now Oliver was stepping in to support his wife.

It was all connected, one move leading to the next. Sheep eat grass. Wolves eat sheep.

The tea room went quiet, leaving just Oliver and Mr. Higgins.

With Patricia gone, Oliver didn’t bother keeping up the act. The tea in the pot was already cold. Oliver poured it out, brewed a fresh pot, and then fixed his gaze on Mr. Higgins.

No threats were needed. Instead, Oliver started talking business—about the development zone, about resources, about how to bring in new companies. Which plots were best, what kinds of firms to target.

By the second half of the conversation, anyone listening in would have thought Oliver had invited Mr. Higgins over just to talk shop, and maybe Patricia walking in had just been a coincidence.

It wasn’t until Oliver looked at his watch and said he had another meeting that he wrapped things up and let Mr. Higgins go.