You Looked Down on Me Once Now You Look Up (Patricia and Oliver) novel Chapter 67

The black SUV rolled smoothly up the Newton family’s long, tree-lined driveway.

Howard had barely settled into his seat when Patricia handed him a pack of wet wipes. He took one, nodding his thanks as he cleaned his hands.

He cleared his throat. “I’m sorry things with you and Theo ended up like this. You’ve done so much for our family, and all we’ve done is hurt you. Patricia, I know nothing I say can really make up for what the Newtons have put you through—”

“You never hurt me,” Patricia interrupted, her voice cool and direct. “The ones who hurt me are your wife and your son.” She had no patience for his polite, empty apologies.

Her message was clear: if he wanted to talk about apologies, he needed to bring the real culprits.

Howard hesitated, caught off guard, but quickly regained his composure. “Theo and his mother will apologize to you in person. But before that, I hope you’ll consider the Newton family’s offer of compensation.”

Taking the Newtons’ money meant making peace. It meant calling off the silent war she’d been fighting against them for so long.

Patricia let out a dry laugh, her expression icy. “So, what’s the going rate for my silence?”

“Name your price,” Howard said quietly. “If I can make it happen, I will.”

Patricia didn’t miss a beat. “One billion. In cash.”

Howard went quiet.

Cash. She didn’t want shares or a stake in anything Newton. She just wanted enough to leave it all behind.

“Is there any room for negotiation?” he asked carefully.

Patricia met his gaze. “You’re telling me my legs, my reputation, and Theo’s life aren’t worth a billion?”

Howard nodded, resigned. “I’ll need time to think about it.”

Just then, the car rolled to a stop at the front of the mansion. Patricia smoothed the blanket over her knees. “Take all the time you need.”

Inside, Howard was barely through the door before Kelly rushed over, clearly anxious.

Nothing could move forward until Patricia’s demands were dealt with. As long as things dragged on, Theo couldn’t return to work, and the longer he was away, the more vulnerable his position became.

Howard didn’t bother answering her questions.

Kelly lowered her voice. “If she won’t play ball, maybe we should just make her disappear.”

Marian peeked inside, curiosity getting the better of her. She caught a glimpse of a photo. “Bedroom shots?”

“Planning to let Ruby and Nina fight it out?” she asked, grinning.

Patricia simply nodded.

———

After two years overseas, Ruby had barely landed before she was swept up in lunches, parties, and endless catch-ups with her friends.

Tonight, they’d booked a private suite at an exclusive club with such tight security, not even the boldest paparazzi could sneak in.

Inside the cozy, dimly lit room, a woman flicked her slim cigarette, giving Ruby a playful look. “Ten years and you’re still the queen bee. We can’t even have a simple get-together without worrying about the press.”

Ruby grinned. “You just like giving me a hard time.”

“Please, I wouldn’t dare. Especially if you end up as Mrs. Newton. My family’s counting on you to throw us some perks when you’re the lady of the house!”