You Looked Down on Me Once, Now You Look Up. novel Chapter 567

In August 2000, Tina and Emerson died in a car accident. The police launched an investigation, and almost immediately, suspicion landed on Emerson. Once they'd gathered every last detail, the cops showed up at the house to question the family.

When the police asked their questions, Grandma lied. She gave false testimony, covering for Emerson and making sure he walked away without blame. Then, using her status as the closest living relative, she pressured the police to drop the case, insisting the dead deserved peace.

That was it. The whole thing was over.

But today, Grandma had written nearly a thousand words explaining what really happened. She said she saw Emerson leaving Jason’s garage the night before the accident, hands covered in engine oil. She remembered, too, that an hour before the police showed up, Emerson was on his knees in front of her, begging her to protect him. He kept saying he only wanted to teach Jason a lesson, not hurt him. He never expected it to rain or for the car to lose control.

That’s how things ended up so tragic.

Grandma’s words made it clear—Emerson and Tina planned everything. She only helped because Emerson wore her down, begging and pleading until she finally gave in. As for why the company ended up in Emerson’s hands, Grandma claimed she just didn’t want strangers breaking up the Martin family fortune.

Patricia listened to all of this, standing at the table, her fingers trembling by her side. Her delicate hands curled into fists, then loosened. Over and over, clenching and relaxing, until Jackson came over and gently held her wrist. His warm touch grounded her, and just like that, the tension melted from her shoulders.

Aiden watched everything from the side. For a split second, it all made sense—why Mr. Padilla always seemed to have it out for Jackson. Love and habit, both could be scary, and sometimes it was hard to tell the difference. When it came to time spent together, Jackson had the advantage. Shared history? Jackson again. Understanding? Probably Jackson, too.

It was just like the story—who wins, the childhood friend or the charming newcomer? Who really stands a chance?

Patricia tucked Grandma’s letter away and walked toward the door. Grandma got up in a hurry, steadying herself on the table as she called after her, “Patricia, remember what you promised.”

“Of course,” Patricia said, sounding absolutely sure.

On the drive home, Aiden couldn’t hold back his curiosity. He glanced at Patricia in the rearview mirror. “Ma’am, why did you say…”

“Say what?” Patricia jumped in, not waiting for him to finish. “That she should go dig up the grave?”

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