Invisible to My First Love (Harper and Maddox) novel Chapter 130

**TITLE: BLUEPRINT 130**

**CONTENT: 03.40**

**vvea, NOV 20**

**Chapter 130**

**Chapter 130**

**Maddox**

It was a rare occasion for me to visit that sprawling estate in Los Angeles, but I considered it the ideal refuge for Grayson and me. I wanted to create a bubble, a sanctuary far removed from the prying eyes and judgment of our acquaintances back in San Francisco. The air was thick with anticipation, and I could feel the tension between us simmering just beneath the surface.

I hadn’t arranged a meeting with Elias Kovar for Grayson; he had already deduced that much while still on the ground, his gaze piercing through me like a dagger. He looked at me with an expression of betrayal, as if I were the worst kind of villain for robbing him of that opportunity.

Desperate to regain some control, he stuttered, “What the f—”

I didn’t let him finish. With a swift motion, I landed a punch squarely on his jaw. “Shut the fuck up,” I snapped, my voice low and menacing.

As he attempted to retaliate, I seized him by the collar, lifting him off the ground with a surge of adrenaline. With one swift motion, I hurled him into the nearby fountain, the icy water soaking him instantly. I pulled him out, dragging him across the table that stood a few feet away, and he tumbled onto the other side, chair and all, crashing into the damp soil that stained his pristine white suit.

He struggled to rise, but I clamped my hand onto the back of his neck, pinning him down, forcing the side of his face into the wet earth. The humiliation was palpable, and I relished it.

Clenching my fist tightly, I flipped him over, my knuckles connecting with the skin just above his left cheekbone. Each punch was deliberate, fueled by years of pent-up frustration. “That’s for toying with Harper’s emotions all these years—knowing exactly the damage you were causing! How dare you declare your feelings to her after ruining everything? Did you really think she’d welcome you back with open arms?”

His eyes widened in disbelief, a flicker of panic crossing his face as he realized Harper had confided in me.

He opened his mouth to speak, but I silenced him with a couple more jabs to his jaw. “And that’s for lying about Anna being in Los Angeles. In the brief time I’ve spent with Harper, I’ve seen how much her sister means to her. You’ve known her for years—how could you betray her trust like that? You remember how devastated she was the last time Tiffany and Kate pulled their tricks in London. How could you give her false hope just to satisfy your own ego?”

He let out a pained scoff. “And here I thought I was about to meet Elias.”

I sneered, the corners of my mouth twisting into a mocking grin. “Did you honestly believe I’d introduce you to him? Why would I do something like that for you? Now you understand how Harper felt when she came all the way to Los Angeles with you for nothing. You’ll never hurt her again—not while I’m here. And just so you know, this is merely the beginning. I haven’t even made you pay fully yet. You’re going to regret this.”

With renewed fury, I landed a few more punches, this time targeting his nose, ignoring his desperate attempts to block my blows. I was consumed by rage, unable to rein myself in.

It wasn’t until I noticed the crimson droplets trickling from his nose that I realized I might have crossed a line. I halted my next punch mid-air, stepping back with a grunt, my heart still racing.

Grayson staggered to his feet, groaning in agony, clearly feeling the impact of my fury. Despite the fact that I might have gone too far, I felt no remorse.

He touched his nose, eyes narrowing as he examined the blood on his fingertips. “All this just because of what happened between Harper and me? Imagine when she finds out what you did to me. She obviously doesn’t want to see me or talk to me, but do you think she’ll forgive you?”

I took a step toward him, and he flinched, instinctively retreating. It was almost comical.

“If you’re planning to tell my girl about what I did to you, you better spill the beans to Tiffany, too.”

He closed his eyes, letting out a heavy sigh, the weight of the situation beginning to dawn on him.

“Thought so,” I scoffed, crossing my arms. “Now, get the hell out of my estate. That’s probably going to turn into a black eye. Not my concern. You’ll have to explain this mess when you get home.”

With his head hanging low, he fished out a handkerchief, trying to wipe away the evidence of our encounter as he turned to leave.

“That’s it?” I taunted, a rush of adrenaline coursing through me. I loathed him for the way he had manipulated Harper’s feelings.

He halted, not bothering to look back at me. “What? Am I supposed to apologize?”

“Nope, but you’d better listen closely. Last time I checked, you didn’t arrive here in your own car. My vehicles aren’t leaving this estate to chauffeur your sorry ass out of here.”

He spun around, frustration etched across his face. “And how the hell am I supposed to get out of here when we’re so far from—”

“Not my problem. Now, fuck off.”

His fists clenched tightly, the anger radiating off him like heat waves. “Fuck you.”

As I continued to drag my feet along that desolate road, two conflicting thoughts battled in my mind. One part of me yearned to find a restroom, clean myself up, fix my hair, and change into fresh clothes so I wouldn’t arrive in San Francisco looking like a wreck.

But another part of me craved for Harper to see the physical manifestation of what Maddox had done to me. I wanted her to witness my disheveled appearance, the exhaustion etched on my face, and the pain that lingered in my body. Perhaps then, she would soften, remember the affection we once shared, and realize I was still someone she cared for. I needed every advantage I could muster. That was why I chose to remain as I was.

After what felt like an eternity of walking, I finally reached the main road. By some stroke of luck, a car approached, its headlights slicing through the night. I stepped directly into its path, forcing it to slow down.

The driver rolled down his window, his eyes widening at the sight of me—a disheveled figure in a bloodied and muddy white suit.

“Everything okay?” he asked, concern etched on his face as he scrutinized me from head to toe.

“Do I look okay to you?” I snapped, my irritation bubbling beneath the surface. I could have been harsher, but I needed his help.

“Now that I think about it, that was—”

“Listen up,” I interrupted, leaning closer, urgency lacing my voice. “I can’t go around looking like this for hours. I need you to buy me a large coat and some shades. Do this for me, and I’ll pay you $25,000.”

His jaw dropped in disbelief. “Bullshit.”

I felt a surge of irritation rising within me, and I clenched my jaw, only to be reminded of the pain that shot through my face. It was a constant reminder of the beating I had just endured.

I pulled out my wallet, revealing my golden card, and his eyes widened. “Whoa! That card is—”

“Just do as I say, and that money is yours,” I urged, desperation creeping into my tone.

He chuckled, a glint of excitement in his eyes. “Let’s go.”

The drive to the city took thirty minutes, and when we arrived, he stopped at the nearest store, hopping out to fetch exactly what I had requested.

As I waited in the backseat, I envisioned Harper’s reaction upon seeing me in such a disheveled state. Maddox thought he had triumphed by leaving me bloodied and bruised, but I was determined to turn that against him.