“A few days ago, I passed this pet store and saw some adorable cats inside. Do you want to get one?”
Patricia had just smoothed a face mask onto her skin when Oliver’s question caught her off guard. She turned around, surprised. “I thought you didn’t even like cats.”
He shrugged. “I just have a feeling you might.”
She laughed softly. “I mean, they’re cute, but I’m not obsessed. You really don’t have to pretend for
me.”
With her mask on, Patricia grabbed a book and wandered over to the big window, flipping through the pages absentmindedly. She was already halfway through the thick novel.
Oliver leaned against the headboard, quietly watching her.
When she finished her skincare and climbed into bed, Oliver finally looked up and met her eyes. “Want me to go shopping with you tomorrow?”
She gave him a look. “Tomorrow’s Monday. I have to be at the office.”
“Sara said Howard and Emerson have already met. Aren’t you worried they’ll team up against you if you show up?”
Patricia just inched closer to him. “Honestly, I’d be more worried if they didn’t try anything. Don’t worry, I’ll be careful.”
Her fair cheek rested against his shoulder.
Oliver felt something tug tight in his chest as he watched her.
He reached over and switched off the light. “Let’s get some sleep. If we stay up any longer, it’ll be morning before we even notice.”
Patricia: …sos!!! Someone save me.
That night, the police station was a madhouse.
The Newton family kept coming and going. Howard, who had strutted in full of confidence, came out looking totally defeated. The looks people gave him were almost vicious.
So much for being the picture–perfect businessman.
It was all just for show.
When their own interests were on the line, nobody could keep up a façade.
The next morning, Patricia had barely stepped into the office before she saw a crowd gathered around someone’s computer, all whispering.
As soon as she walked in, Aurora waved at her from across the room. “Boss, look at this! Your ex–mother–in–law–she’s a murderer!”
“Good thing you’re divorced. Imagine sleeping with one eye open every night!”
“That’s nothing. I was scrolling my feed on the subway this morning–her old students are coming out
1/3
20:37
Chapter 290
of the woodwork to talk about her.”
“They said she wouldn’t let the girls dress up too nicely, and even if they wore a simple skirt, she’d make a snide comment. She’d mock their cheap perfume and always found a way to put them down. There’s enough drama for a whole book.”
“Riverdale College spent all night deleting posts, trying to keep up.”
“She looked like the perfect teacher and high–society wife on the outside, but the stuff she did? Disgusting.”
“When someone powerful falls, everyone rushes to kick them,” someone said with a sigh.
She’d taught for years–if she was really a good person, wouldn’t someone have spoken up for her by
now?
Patricia watched as the forum posts kept getting deleted, one after another.
She pressed her lips together, not bothering to stick around. She picked up her bag and went into her
office.
Aurora followed right behind her. “I heard Mr. Martin and Mr. Newton have been meeting a lot lately. Do you think they’re plotting something against you?”
“Boss, aren’t you worried?”
Patricia just shrugged. “Would worrying help?”
Aurora fell quiet. She had to admit, worrying wouldn’t change anything. “Still, you’re almost too calm
about this.”
“If you don’t make the first move, aren’t you just waiting to get knocked down?” Aurora frowned. “What if they go all out and don’t even give you a chance to fight back?”
Patricia shook her head, putting her bag away. “I’m not worried. Have you noticed anything weird about Sally lately?”
Aurora shrugged, not bothered. “Sally? Honestly, I thought she was here to spy for Mr. Martin, but now it seems like she’s just all about her work.”
She never paid Patricia much attention at all.
Patricia paused, her brow furrowing.
That didn’t make sense.
Sally shouldn’t just be here for her job. Not with what Patricia knew about Emerson.
There had to be another reason.
“Keep an eye on her for me.”
Aurora’s eyes lit up and she leaned in closer. “Anything else?”
“That’s it. Just be careful when you’re around them.”
Patricia spent the morning taking care of a few things, not really paying much attention.
2/3
20:38
Chapter 290
At lunchtime, as she headed down to eat, she just happened to run into Emerson in the elevator.
He saw her and put away his phone. “Going to lunch?”
“Yeah,” Patricia replied.
“Want some company?”
Patricia shook her head. “I already have plans.”
Victor, who was standing next to Emerson, watched Patricia step out with a confused look. “She’s always by herself.”
“I figured someone like her wouldn’t have any real friends.”
Before she left, Ruby had told Emerson to bring Victor to the executive office, which is how they ended up together in the elevator.
Emerson didn’t say anything, just pulled out his phone and checked his messages. He glanced at his
chat with Howard.
Nothing. Not a single message.
The Newton family had their own mess right now.
Kelly confessed.
Newton Enterprises‘ stock was taking a nosedive.
