You Looked Down on Me Once Now You Look Up (Patricia and Oliver) novel Chapter 662

"I'll take you in."

Ruby had just stepped into the hallway when voices drifted out from the VIP lounge—she hadn't even touched the door yet.

"It's the Martin Group's gala. Did everyone's family get an invite?"

"Yeah, we did! My dad’s still on the fence about going. Patricia’s got some skills, I’ll admit. She managed to edge out Ruby’s parents and grab the CEO spot for herself, but she’s still so young and hasn’t really proved herself."

"Everyone’s just waiting to see how she does."

Someone snorted. "Seriously. But I heard Patricia’s gotten pretty close with people from Pacific Capital."

"Skipping Patricia’s event doesn’t seem like a big deal, but missing a chance to connect with Pacific Capital? That’d sting."

The conversation inside kept rolling, everyone tossing in their own opinions. Ruby paused right outside the door. The sales associate at her side looked like she was about to announce them, but Ruby shot her a quick glance—a silent warning. The woman stopped, almost mid-breath.

Inside, the voices kept going. These women had grown up surrounded by luxury, confidence in their bones and a clear sense of who belonged. They only hung out with people in their circle. Anyone else? Not worth their time.

Just like Ruby now. Emerson had already gone in. Tina might still have her job at Martin Group and run a talent agency, but in this crowd’s eyes, she was already on the outside. She’d lost her safety net. Emerson and Martin Group were what gave her standing. Without them, she was just another name.

It was like a garden of showy flowers, everyone trying to outshine each other, forgetting that even the brightest blooms can’t stand up to a real storm.

"Ever since Ruby came back after her accident, she just hasn’t fit in with us. She’s changed, wants to do things her own way. Not like us—relying on our dads, then our husbands."

"Wendy, have you seen Ruby lately?"

People always suck up to whoever’s on top and step on whoever’s not. Ruby used to be the center of this world. Now? The throne always changes hands.

"If I were her, I’d be embarrassed. Always copying Patricia, but she never really learned anything useful."

"Think about it—since Emerson took over Martin Group, have you ever heard Ruby call Patricia ‘big sister’ again?"

"Of course not! She’s got her own power now. She doesn’t have to kiss up to anybody anymore..."

The door swung open with a bang.

Ruby walked in, head held high and her purse in hand, a bright, easy smile on her lips. "What are we talking about, ladies?"