The Invisible Girl's Revenge (Harper) novel Chapter 188

Chapter 188

Harper

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Juliet and Claire positioned themselves on each side behind Maddox’s chair and they looked too comfortable doing it.

While Juliet’s manicured fingers only rested on the back of his seat, Claire leaned in just slightly, like she wanted him to take a whiff of her perfume.

It took everything in me not to lash out at that moment, because I believed that if I did, I was going to influence the situation. I wanted to see how he was going to handle it without me saying a word.

“Maddox,” Juliet said smoothly, her voice sweet and seductive. “You must be so overwhelmed tonight, looking at everyone who’s trying to get your attention.”

Claire tilted her head, bending just enough to lower her voice near his ear. “Are we celebrating afterwards? I’m hoping you’re coming to the after party.”

She might’ve made it look like she intended to whisper, but I heard her loud and clear.

My fingers tightened around the edge of the tablecloth. Still, I told myself not to react.

I then began to stare at the stage, the golden backdrop, anything but them.

They waited for his response, then he slowly rose to his feet.

Juliet’s hand immediately slipped off the chair and Claire straightened up. Both of them were wondering what he was about

to say.

Without a smile, he turned around to face them fully.

“Ladies,” he said in a neutral tone, “if you’re looking for your table, I’m sure someone can help you find it. You’re in the wrong section.”

Juliet let out a short laugh. “Oh come on. We were just congratulating you.”

“You just did. Thank you.”

There was no flirtation or softness in his voice.

Then, he walked past the two of them without a single glance.

He came to me and placed his hand on the back of my chair. He leaned down slightly, close enough to display affection, then spoke while looking right at them.

“Juliet, you met my girlfriend last time. Claire, this is Harper.”

That statement might have been for Claire, but both of them had a change in their expressions. Their flirtatious smiles faded, instantly replaced with fake ones. Claire didn’t even bother to acknowledge me, but that didn’t matter to me.

At that moment, they both looked misplaced, but Claire made one last attempt before retreating. She gave a polished smile, now finally looking at me like I was finally visible.

“It’s nice to meet you. You look beautiful tonight”

It sounded like a compliment, but I didn’t believe it was. I smiled anyway.

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Chapter 188

“Thank you.”

I expected them to leave right away, but Claire’s gaze lingered on me a bit too long without saying anything.

It was only when Juliet touched Claire’s arm that she finally looked away.

“Come on,” Juliet said to her.

As they walked away, I watched them until they disappeared into the crowd.

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Before Maddox took his seat, he was still standing behind me and said, “That shouldn’t have happened at all. I’m sorry.”

He didn’t wait for me to respond as he now got back in his seat, his knee immediately brushing against mine under the table.

I didn’t feel like talking just yet as I was processing what had just happened, but the fact that he made sure they both knew who his girl was, brought me some comfort.

Even as I kept my gaze forward, my hand drifted towards his on the table. I just didn’t place it on top. I was still mad and waiting for answers, but at that moment, I didn’t really feel threatened. It was only because he made sure I didn’t have to.

Maddox

The lights dimmed slightly as the program officially began.

The orchestra faded immediately and was replaced by applause from the audience as the host stood center stage, the spotlight making her stand out.

The first few categories moved quickly, each of the winners, giving a short speech.

Then came my category. My name appeared on the massive gold–framed display, followed by four other nominees and finally, Grayson.

The camera even cut briefly to our table and I straightened up a bit more to look more composed.

Grayson adjusted his jacket across from me, Tiffany’s hand tightening around his arm like she was trying to channel confidence into him.

The host smiled dramatically as she said, “And the winner is…”

There was a deliberate pause from her, making everyone anticipate the result even more.

“Maddox Aldridge!”

The place erupted in applause, Harper’s hand squeezing mine before she let go so I could get up from my seat.

Across the table, Grayson and Tiffany clapped, but it was forced. I could tell from their tight smiles. I almost laughed about it, but I told myself just to go.

I was nominated five times, while he was nominated six times. That meant he still stood a chance.

As I made my way to the stage, the lights followed me.

The award was heavier than it looked when they placed it in my hands.

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Chapter 188

While holding it firmly, I turned towards the audience, the cameras flashing before my speech.

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“Thank you,” I began, scanning the sea of faces. “I want to thank the organizers for this incredible event. Recognition like this isn’t something I take lightly.”

I let my gaze drift towards my father’s table. He was watching me with so much pride. “I’d also like to thank my father for believing in me so much that he let me handle multiple businesses.”

Finally, I glanced at Harper, who was watching me with her hands together and a bright smile.

“And to my beautiful girlfriend, Harper,” I said, my lips curving into a smile. “She didn’t want to come tonight.”

The audience laughed lightly.

“But she changed her mind because she wanted to see me win.”

The audience laughed once again and Harper shook her head while still smiling.

After thanking everyone once again, I stepped away from the microphone, making my way back down while the audience gave another round of applause.

I spotted Juliet and Claire in the audience on the other side and even from that distance, I could see their faces. Their smiles were a bit seductive. They were still trying and it was almost embarrassing at that point.

I looked away and kept moving, not even wanting to acknowledge them.

When I sat back down, Harper leaned slightly towards me. “That was a great speech,” she whispered.

I smirked. “You’re only saying it was great because I included you.”

She gasped, nudging me lightly under the table.

The host didn’t waste time and continued to the next category. It was one that I wasn’t nominated in, but Grayson was

“And the winner is…” There was another dramatic pause before she said, “Grayson Ford!”

Tiffany clapped loudly and it was almost aggressive as Grayson got up from his seat. He even adjusted his jacket like it needed any of that.

As he walked to the stage, he held his head high, probably because we were now even. In all the other categories left, we were both nominees, so that wasn’t going to last long.

After receiving the award, he came to the microphone. “Thank you to the organizers and my lovely parents‘ He gestured towards them in the audience. “And finally, I’d like to thank my beautiful wife for always believing in me.”

I just wanted to roll my eyes. Of course he had to play the family man.

As he returned to the table, Tiffany clapped with so much pride while the cameras were on her

But when he sat down and the cameras focused on somebody else, she didn’t lean closer or whisper anything to him. She didn’t even touch him again.

Right after that, it was time for the next category.

“And the winner is… Maddox Aldridge!”

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