You Looked Down on Me Once, Now You Look Up. novel Chapter 209

“Lincoln, heading out?”

Jackson was slouched on the curb, eyes glued to his phone, fingers tapping away as he played his game. He barely looked up when Lincoln walked by, just tossed out a half-hearted greeting like he always did.

Lincoln jumped, surprised. “What are you doing out here?”

Jackson didn’t even blink. “Just finishing this round. I’ll be gone in a sec.”

He’d always been laid-back. After years working with Patricia, nobody expected him to be anything else. As long as he got things done, no one cared where he parked himself.

“I’ve got somewhere to be. See you,” Lincoln said, already heading for his car. He paused, hand on the door, and glanced back. “Actually, can I ask you something?”

“Go for it.”

“How do you guys even manage to keep up with Theo? All those mind games—what’s your secret?”

That got Jackson’s attention. He looked up from his phone, eyes sharp now.

“Looking for tips? Honestly, you should just bring me along next time. I’m a pro at this stuff.”

Lincoln laughed. “Not yet, but maybe we should trade contacts, just in case?”

He pulled out his phone, opened his QR code, and held it out for Jackson to scan.

***

Inside the restaurant, Marian brought out a tray and set down a plate of spicy, tangy pickled veggies right in front of Sara.

Sara’s face lit up at the sight of that bright red dish. “Marian, you’re honestly my hero.”

“This looks so good!” she said, almost bouncing in her seat.

Marian just grinned. “Eat as much as you want if you like it.”

“Aunt Patricia, you really hit the jackpot with Marian,” Sara added, shooting Patricia a playful look.

The compliments kept coming, just like always. Oliver sat at the head of the table, totally used to their noisy antics. If someone said he was too strict, well, he didn’t really care when they got loud. But if you called him too easygoing, he’d snap and scold them anyway.

Dinner was pretty peaceful. Patricia put down her fork and reached for her soup. That’s when Oliver finally spoke up. “I’m taking the kids to Golden Bay this weekend. You good staying here alone?”

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