Invisible to My First Love (Harper and Maddox) novel Chapter 143

**Blueprint 143**
**Chapter 143**

Harper

I had finally decided to heed my aunt’s persistent invitations to visit her again, a long-overdue trip that had been on my mind for some time. If only she understood the true motivation behind my eagerness to go.

Seated at the dining table, I found myself facing Maddox, who had insisted on this arrangement. I had expected him to sit beside me, but he preferred to have a clear view of my face, as was often the case.

Dressed sharply in a suit that accentuated his polished demeanor, he was clearly ready for a day at the office. With only forty-five minutes before he needed to leave, I could sense the undercurrent of urgency in the air.

As I poked at my meal, my thoughts raced with a whirlwind of possibilities, leaving Maddox to finally break the silence that had settled between us.

“You seem anxious,” he observed, his gaze fixed on me with a hint of concern.

I looked up, managing a small smile as I met his eyes. “Yeah. The truth will come out soon. I never imagined Dean had something so significant to share. I walked away because it felt overwhelming, but I really hope he’s okay after what went down outside. He was just trying to explain himself, but I couldn’t handle any more of it.”

Maddox chuckled softly, disbelief etched on his features as he set his fork down. “Are you trying to make me feel guilty? I owe him nothing.”

I rolled my eyes, a playful scoff escaping my lips. “Oh, come on. You know you owe him at least a little something.”

“As far as I’m concerned, I did nothing wrong. I was simply defending you.”

“I get that, but you completely misread the situation. Just… please?”

“No.”

“Please?” I softened my tone, my expression turning earnest as I held his gaze, refusing to blink until I got the response I desired.

With a resigned sigh, he relented. “How can I say no when you look at me like that? If I bump into him, I’ll apologize.”

My face lit up with relief and gratitude. “Thank you!”

He shook his head lightly, a grin breaking through his earlier seriousness. “So, what time do you want to meet your aunt?”

“I’m planning to go to her workplace and want to arrive just before her lunch break.”

“Well, that complicates things a bit,” he replied, his smirk returning as if he had already devised a plan. “I have my second meeting over there. I’ll drop you off around that time since my first meeting should wrap up just in time. Until then, you can hang out here until I come back to pick you up.”

10:41 Sat, Dec 13

**Chapter 143**

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“I’d love to stay here, but I have a few things to handle back home. Plus, I’m meeting up with some friends, and we might part ways when they drop me off at my aunt’s workplace.”

She scoffed, her disdain palpable. “I don’t need to be the manager to demand that action be taken. How could someone so incompetent be hired to work here?” She shot a venomous glare at my aunt. “It’s over for you, old lady!”

“No! Please!” My aunt pleaded, stepping in front of me, desperation etched on her face as she looked up at the woman. “You must have me confused with someone else. I wasn’t there at the time.”

10:41 Sat, Dec 13

**Chapter 143**

84

55 vouchers

“Are you implying that I’m blind? How dare you?”

The woman raised her hand, ready to strike my aunt, but before I could react, I swiftly grabbed her wrist, my glare fierce as I met her eyes, despite her imposing stature.

“Don’t you dare lay a hand on her,” I warned, my voice low and steady.

Her anger flared, and she lifted her other hand to slap me. I braced myself to block it, but before I could move, a strong hand shot out from behind her, seizing her wrist. My heart skipped a beat as Maddox stepped into view, his presence commanding and protective.

She didn’t see him at first, but as she turned her head, her voice dripped with fury. “Who the hell dared to hold my—Mr. Aldridge?” Her tone shifted, softening abruptly. “You’re already here? I-I didn’t notice you come in. I’m so glad you could make it for our meeting. You’re quite early.”