The Invisible Girl's Revenge (Harper) novel Chapter 244

Chapter 244: Out for Dinner

Harper

I walked into the study with my father, trying not to feel overwhelmed by everything that had happened that day.

The room itself was incredible, with walls that were all covered in books. Some shelves were so high up that there were ladders attached to them.

The only parts that weren’t covered in books were the large windows that overlooked the estate grounds and the door.

No matter how many times I looked around the room, I couldn’t stop shaking my head.

“You’ve actually read all of these books?” I asked.

He laughed as he walked over to one of the shelves. “I’ve read most of them. I actually keep buying more before I can finish some of them.”

As he pulled out a book, he started showing me different sections of the study and explaining which books he liked best.

I even held onto the book which he said was one of his favorites, flipping through the pages while still listening to him.

He explained it so well that I wasn’t actually bored, or maybe it was because every second that I spent with him was going to count because he hadn’t been around for years.

When he was done talking about the books, he sat back down on the other side of the table and said, “I want to take you to a few places tomorrow.”

I looked up from the book I had been examining. “What kind of places?”

“I’d rather not say. Do you play golf?”

I chuckled like I had just figured it out. “Is that what we’re doing tomorrow? Is that where you want to take me?”

He shook his head with amusement. “Definitely not. I’m just curious.”

My eyes suspiciously narrowed before I said, “No. I don’t play.”

He nodded thoughtfully. “In that case, I should teach you.”

“Actually, Maddox already wants to teach me.”

That seemed to amuse him. “That’s great. I like that guy a lot.”

My lips curved into a smile as I thought about Maddox. “Me too, more than I ever thought I would. It’s actually funny because a few months ago, I would’ve never thought I’d like him too.”

He leaned forward with curiosity. “What happened?”

“He used to be such a jerk to me and now the jerk is someone else.”

He raised his eyebrows. “Who’s that?”

I was about to start explaining when I dismissively waved my hand. “It’s not important. I don’t want to bother you with certain topics.”

He leaned back in his seat again to get comfortable. “Harper, we still have so much to know about each other. Just in case you haven’t realized it yet, I’m interested in every part of her life, even the boring parts.”

I laughed. “I’m not sure if this qualifies as a boring part.”

“Even better. Now, start talking because I’m listening.”

Something about the way he paid attention made my smile even wider. It wasn’t because he felt obligated or because he was trying to impress me. He simply just wanted to know.

With that in mind, I told him everything at

how we grew up together and I spent

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Chapter 244: Out for Dinner

years liking him. I left no details out when it came to all the ways he broke my heart.

The entire time, my father remained silent, but looked like he listened carefully because the more I talked, the less pleased he looked.

By the time I finished, his expression had hardened.

Then, he nodded once and said, “I see.”

He was so calm when he said it that it didn’t sound right.

He picked up his phone, which was on the table and said, “I’ll tell the others.”

My eyes widened with curiosity. “You’ll tell them what? And who are you talking about?”

He just continued typing on his screen without looking up at me.

When he finally raised his head, there was a small smile on his face, one that made me even more curious. “Don’t worry about that,” he casually said to me and that only left me in suspense.

For dinner, we were all eating out as a family at Uncle Hank’s largest and most luxurious hotel in Australia. The towering building was just up ahead and it was Lily who pointed it out to me while we were still in the limousine. The lighting was so different from the surrounding buildings that the hotel stood out the most. Maddox had taken me to some breathtaking places and that hotel had just been added to my list. With a total of three limousines, I was with Maddox, Anna, Dean and Lily.

Uncle Hank and Aunt Susan were with Trina and Aunt Rachel’s children.

And then there was the limousine that was right before the SUV with security. It was the only white one and that made it stand out. It belonged to my father and he was accompanied by my Aunt Rachel and Veronica. I was talking to Dean when a camera flash from a few feet away caught my attention so I looked over and saw a photographer standing there. He was in the company of other photographers and they all started running towards the three limousines while still taking photos. No one had even stepped out yet.

I actually wondered if they knew the Beauregards would be dining at the hotel or they were just waiting around for something to happen.

Before the limousines were even parked, most of the bodyguards from the SUV that was behind our limousine stepped out, trying to make sure the photographers stayed at a certain distance.

“Just so you know,” Lily said to me after placing her hand on my shoulder. “It’s not always like this. We all know why they’re here.”

When the doors opened, Dean, Anna and Lily stepped out first and then it was just Maddox and me. That was when the camera flashed the most.

He held out his hand for me and said, “I’m your personal bodyguard this evening.”

I rolled my eyes but chuckled.

After holding his hand, he stepped out first, then guided me out. I noticed that apart from the photographers, there were now a few other people out with their phones. The rest of the family was already on their way inside, yet they were still capturing Maddox and me.

On our way inside, I heard one of them whisper, “That’s Harper from the photo Landon Beauregard posted. That’s definitely his daughter.”

“She’s gorgeous!”

“And OMG! It’s Maddox Aldridge, right in the flesh!”

While there were so many conversations going on around us, we were just focused on getting inside.

The bodyguards were on both sides to shield us from everyone who was around, but Maddox was still holding me close and he didn’t plan to let go. That was my favorite part of it all.

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Chapter 244: Out for Dinner

When we were finally inside, we joined the rest of the family at one of the largest tables in the classy restaurant. They had actually been waiting for us before making their order.

I didn’t know half of the meals on that menu but with Maddox by my side, he made it easier for me. It seemed that no matter how many fancy sounding meals I came across on different menus at different restaurants, there was always something I had never heard of.

While we waited for our order, my father started talking about how and when that hotel was built by my uncle. Most of them participated in the conversation, but Veronica just looked like she’d rather sit at another table.

I couldn’t stop glancing at her because she sat across from me and it was only when I realized I had been constantly doing it that I looked away.

I had to remind myself that there was so much more going on at that table for me to just be fixed on Veronica. Apart from her, I also didn’t bother paying much attention to Trina and how she kept stealing glances at Maddox. I didn’t care anymore because whatever the case, Trina now knew that she’d never succeed in coming between us.

I came out of the bathroom stall and approached the large mirror to touch up my makeup and caught myself smiling constantly. There was quite a difference between the afternoon and that evening when it came to my family, except for Veronica.

Just as I was thinking about how even Anna blended in so well because they were so welcoming, another bathroom stall opened. I didn’t have to look back because I could see through the mirror that it was Veronica. We made eye contact through the mirror as she approached and my smile instantly faded.

She stood right beside me to wash her hands but the entire time, she was staring at my reflection.

While I was aware that she didn’t like me, the silence was too much. I was just about to say something to her

when she did it first.

“I see that you’re having such a good time.” She sighed, keeping her expression blank..

I smiled a little. “I am. I’ll never forget this evening.”

She pursed her lips. “At least someone is enjoying themselves.”

Judging by her tone, I knew that was directed at me. Still, my eyes thoughtfully narrowed as I said, “What’s wrong? Was the food not up to your standard?”

She scoffed as she straightened up more, now turning to look right at me with a cold expression. “The food here is always up to my standard. It’s you I’m talking about.”

I didn’t expect her to suddenly be so direct, but I wasn’t hurt by it. With a smile, I turned to fully face her as well. “Look, I know that this isn’t easy for you, it’s not easy for me either. My father is-”

“Oh, please.” She rolled her eyes. “I didn’t come here to listen to you explain yourself. You’re wrong to think that I care that much. I know it’s not possible tonight, so how about tomorrow morning, as early as 6 AM, you go back home to San Francisco?”

“Hmm…” I thoughtfully tilted my head. “That’s not happening. I can’t leave just yet. Dad said he wants to take me places. We-”

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