You Looked Down on Me Once, Now You Look Up. novel Chapter 156

Oliver’s elbow, bent at his side, slowly uncurled. His eyes were rimmed red with longing he could barely hold back. His voice was low and rough. “You go ahead and sleep. I’ll just take a quick shower.”

He started to get up, but Patricia reached out and grabbed the hem of his pajama shirt, her hand trembling, caught between wanting him to stay and not knowing how to ask. In the dark, she couldn’t see his face, but she felt his eyes on her—so intense, so hungry, like he’d been starving for years and she was the only thing that could satisfy him.

“Just… be gentle, okay? It’s my first time.”

He let out a short, surprised laugh, then pulled her into his arms, happiness lighting up his whole face. “Pattie, my sweet Pattie.”

***

“What’s got you so distracted tonight? You’ve been zoning out for ages.” The bar was buzzing, low music in the air. Joe spun his glass around, lost in thought, images of Patricia leaving with someone else replaying in his mind.

“Nothing,” he said, shooting Joseph a quick look and trying to sound casual. “What brings you here?”

“Just finished a meeting. Figured I’d drop by since you’re here.” Joseph sat down next to him and ordered an orange juice.

Joe looked away, searching for the right words. “How’s your sister and Theo doing?”

Joseph sighed, shaking his head. “What do you think? My sister’s stubborn as hell. Once she picks someone, there’s no changing her mind. Nobody can talk her out of it. At this point, all I can do is hope Theo’s got a shred of decency left.”

Decency? With a guy who nearly destroyed his ex-wife? Joe wondered if Joseph was clueless or just pretending.

He smirked into his drink, eyes lowering. “Not likely.”

“There’s still Ruby in the way. Nina doesn’t stand a chance.” Joe didn’t bother to sugarcoat it. Everyone knew it was true.

Ruby was killing it these days, her name everywhere, finally getting the recognition she deserved. Theo was back in Riverdale, and he needed someone solid by his side. Next to Ruby, Nina was just a fling. Anyone could see who he’d pick.

Joe’s words hit a nerve, and Joseph looked away. “Who knows?”

Life was unpredictable. Who said Ruby would always be on top? He didn’t believe Patricia would let things slide that easily.

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