You Looked Down on Me Once, Now You Look Up. novel Chapter 124

Gossip buzzed in the elevator, people tossing rumors back and forth, but Patricia just stared straight ahead, her face perfectly calm as the numbers over the door ticked upward.

The elevator stopped at the twelfth floor. One by one, the others got off, leaving Patricia alone as she headed up to sixteen.

In the big conference room, Emerson and Tina sat at the head of the table. The nine other board members filled the rest of the seats, each with their own expression—some curious, some wary. Everyone knew what today was about: a new member joining the board.

Emerson had spent years building his own circle of influence, and now, about half the people in the room were on his side.

“I thought this meeting started at nine. Isn’t it almost time? She’s still not here?” someone complained.

“These young people, honestly. If she can’t walk properly, why doesn’t she just stay home? Couldn’t she join on video?” another chimed in.

Someone shot the complainer a look. “There’s still three minutes left.”

“Everyone else got here five minutes early. Is it really okay to keep all these senior board members waiting on her?” Holden’s voice wasn’t loud, but it carried just enough for the whole room to hear.

A couple of people started grumbling. Emerson glanced at the person who’d tried to speak up for Patricia and made a show of checking his watch.

“It’s eight fifty-six,” he said. “We’ll start right at nine.”

“No need to waste anyone’s time.”

He sounded completely impartial, as if he was the picture of fairness.

The room went silent.

At eight fifty-eight, someone picked up their glass, clearly getting impatient, and took a sip of water.

Just as they set it down, the conference room doors swung open.

Patricia stood in the doorway, dressed in a sharp black suit, her gaze cool as she swept her eyes over everyone before landing on Emerson.

Her voice was steady and light. “Uncle Emerson, I’m not late, am I?”

“No, you’re right on time,” Emerson replied, not the least bit surprised—he’d always known his niece had a presence.

Patricia walked confidently to the only empty seat at the table.

Someone glanced at her legs. “Pattie, your leg—is it healed?”

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