You Looked Down on Me Once Now You Look Up (Patricia and Oliver) novel Chapter 699

He watched Marian, noticing the way she blinked up at him with those bright eyes. He gave a small smile. “So, have you figured it out?”

“Jackson, after Miss finds a husband, our responsibilities to her should really start to ease off. It’s funny—you’re great at talking sense into other people, but not so great when it comes to your own life.”

“Even if Mr. Padilla and Miss don’t always get along, that’s their business as a married couple. You said it yourself: everyone gets on each other’s nerves sometimes. I mean, I’m his mom—carried him for nine months, almost died having him, and even my own son gets annoyed with me now and then. So of course, you or I, as outsiders, would too. Miss might be kind and generous, but there are boundaries we shouldn’t cross. We can’t act like we’re more important than the actual family.”

“Honestly, how many people who outshine the boss ever end up with a happy ending?”

“Jackson, you’re standing in Mr. Padilla’s place.”

Someone like Mr. Padilla, who’s all about status and boundaries, wouldn’t have let you stick around if he didn’t have a reason. He’s been putting up with a lot.

And if you look at it from Patricia’s side:

First, Jackson came with Atticus—he was handpicked and placed by Patricia’s side for a reason.

Second, Jackson really does mean a lot to her. He’s saved her from trouble more times than anyone can count.

Someone like Mr. Padilla, who’s always weighing the pros and cons, has definitely thought about whether it’s riskier to keep Jackson or send him away.

If Jackson leaves, it’ll affect their marriage.

If he stays, he gets too involved and sometimes even says things that stir up trouble between them.

Neither choice is easy.

But even if the choice is tough, there’s always a way out.

“Do your job and don’t meddle in the family’s private matters. Even if you’re friends, there are things you shouldn’t comment on. Miss treats us like family, but we’re still employees at the end of the day.”

“Jackson, you’re a good kid. You know this. You just need to remember it.”

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