You Looked Down on Me Once Now You Look Up (Patricia and Oliver) novel Chapter 626

As soon as everyone took their seats, Colby brought a few of his people over and cracked a couple of jokes, breaking the ice and loosening everyone up. Patricia was in her element, raising her glass to anyone who approached, never turning down a toast.

Whatever tension there’d been at the start melted away in no time. The conversation picked up, laughter followed, and soon the whole room was buzzing with energy. No one seemed in a hurry to leave; the dinner stretched on until well past ten.

Eventually, Patricia stood up with her glass, raising her voice just enough to command the room. “Most of you know me. A lot of you have seen my journey, heard the gossip about who I am and what I’ve supposedly done. I don’t have the time or energy to chase down every rumor. But tonight, sitting here with all of you, I want to be clear—I’m here for one reason, and that’s to find out the truth about my parents’ accident. I am who I am. I own everything I’ve done. What matters are actions, not intentions. As long as Martin Group is in my hands, we’ll surpass Emerson, not fall behind. My parents poured their hearts into this company, and I won’t let that go to waste, no matter what.”

She paused, letting her words settle before adding, “And for the people who stick by me, your benefits are only going up from here.”

Her toast landed with a quiet strength. Moss was the first to clap, and then the whole room joined in, the applause echoing off the walls.

But under the applause, the department heads exchanged tense glances. Her words about loyalty hit a nerve. What did it really mean to be loyal to her? No one said it, but the question hung in the air as the evening wound down.

By ten thirty, Patricia wrapped up a quick chat with Moss and Colby at the door. On her way out, she glanced over her shoulder. “Need a ride?”

Colby looked past her at the waiting car, grinned, and shook his head. “No, we’re good.”

Patricia turned to leave and almost bumped into Oliver, who was quietly waiting nearby.

“What are you doing here?” she asked, a little surprised.

“Here to pick you up. Did the dinner finish?”

“Just now.”

They got into the car together. In the enclosed space, the sharp scent of alcohol clung to Patricia, filling the air between them. She’d clearly had more than a few drinks.

“Did you drink a lot?” Oliver asked.

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