You Looked Down on Me Once Now You Look Up (Patricia and Oliver) novel Chapter 557

Patricia always thought Oliver was the sensitive type, the kind of guy who felt things a little too deeply. Maybe it came from his childhood, maybe it was his job, or maybe it was just the way he was wired.

She’d gone out hoping to see Brandon, but not finding him didn’t really bother her. What actually messed with her mood was Cecilia. And mentioning Cecilia would always circle back to Jackson.

Jackson was the kind of person who grew up surrounded by luxury and had very clear lines in the sand. People like him never let their family get too close to the help—nannies, drivers, bodyguards—it just wasn’t done. That sense of class was built into him from day one. Patricia knew she couldn’t change that, and honestly, she didn’t want Oliver judging her friends and the people she kept close.

Every tree has its own kind of fruit, after all. And Jackson? He was the fruit from her tree, whether Oliver liked it or not.

“I’m not in a bad mood because I missed someone,” she snapped. “I’m upset because things didn’t go the way I planned. Mr. Padilla, maybe you should try separating your own problems from mine for once.”

Oliver’s tone shifted, almost too calm. “So what—you’re bringing your work drama home now?”

Patricia rolled her eyes. Oh, great. So she couldn’t be upset about missing someone, and she couldn’t bring work stress home either. Apparently, all her problems needed to stay outside, like muddy shoes.

“What if I am?” she shot back. “Should I get out of the car, sort myself out, and only get back in once I’m all smiles?”

“Mr. Padilla, I’m not some zen master like you. I have every emotion there is, and I’m not ashamed of it.”

Oliver sighed. “Every time I say something, you’ve got a comeback. And can you please stop with the ‘Mr. Padilla’ thing? It’s getting old.”

“If you know I’m going to argue, maybe just stop talking,” Patricia fired back. “I don’t need your little lectures. I’m your wife, not your employee or your niece. Just because you’re used to being the boss at work doesn’t mean you get to boss me around at home. What’s next, do you want me kneeling for you in the bedroom, too?”

“Patricia—” Oliver’s voice boomed through the car, sharp and angry, cutting her off.

All her frustration came pouring out with that last line.

Up front, Aiden’s hands shook as he gripped the wheel. He could practically feel the Grim Reaper breathing down his neck—he’d just heard something he absolutely shouldn’t have. In a panic, he slammed the privacy divider up.

Patricia realized after a few heated words that Oliver was just being petty, trying to get her to comfort him even though he knew she was upset herself. He wanted her attention, even if it meant picking a fight.

“Stop the car,” she demanded.

“Yep.”

“Why?”

“He tried to lecture me,” Patricia said.

Sara opened her mouth like she was about to say something, then immediately thought better of it and shut up. That was definitely not a conversation she wanted to get involved in.

Roger tried to lean forward, maybe to lighten the mood or offer some advice, but Sara shot him a look and shoved him back down in his seat. Her glare said everything: Don’t even think about it.

When they finally arrived at Cloud Peak, Patricia didn’t go upstairs right away. She went to look for Marian instead.

Oliver showed up at the dining room door just in time to see Patricia and the others crowded around a bowl of crawfish, a pitcher of iced plum juice sweating on the table. You’d never guess she’d just had a huge blowout with him. He’d spent the whole drive over wondering if he’d gone too far, blaming himself, but looking at her now, it was obvious—she’d already moved on, and he was the last thing on her mind.