Invisible to My First Love (Harper and Maddox) novel Chapter 109

Chapter 109

Maddox

After my father gave the opening speech, I went up on stage, my gaze mostly lingering on our table since it was just in front.

Apart from him, Harper was the only one who kept her eyes on me at all times to listen to everything that I had to say. It was also because he was at the same table with her that she still felt comfortable enough.

It didn’t matter to her that Tiffany and Margot shot glares at her. That was all they could do because with me around, they wouldn’t dare say shit to her.

Grayson may not have shot glares at her, but he barely paid attention to what I was saying as his gaze constantly flicked towards her whenever Tiffany and Margot weren’t looking.

Because of him, there were a few times when I wanted to cut my speech short so I could return to my seat, but I knew it wouldn’t feel right to rush.

Finally, I was getting closer to the end of my speech, which was the most important part and my grin wasn’t just because I was being polite, it was also because I no longer had to stand there and watch what was going on at my table.

“Apart from making personal donations, you’ll all have the opportunity to bid on various valuable items which were donated by those who wish not to be named. I’d also like to mention that regardless of the amount, it will all go toward the children’s hospitals and orphanages.”

My speech had finally come to an end and all I needed to do was invite Margot to the stage. I wondered if for appearance’s sake, I should address her as my mother, but I soon told myself …fuck that.

“And now, I’d like to welcome to the stage, the one person to guide you all through the auction. Please give it up for Mrs Aldridge. Thank you.”

Had that been anyone else, I would’ve done so much better, which was why I had no regrets. I knew that there would be some people in the crowd who would have a problem with how I had addressed her, but that made no difference to me.

She gracefully got up during a round of applause and I knew she was on her way to the stage, but I didn’t even wait for her.

Instead, we met halfway while I was on my way back to my seat. She wanted that picture perfect moment so much that she opened her arms wide for an embrace. I might’ve not addressed her as my mother on that stage, but she knew of other ways to show off to everyone that we were close.

As she embraced me, she lightly kissed my cheek with those venomous lips, making me pull away from her arms a bit too quickly as I forced myself to smile for the cameras.

I took my seat at the same time she approached the mic and as she made a joke that wasn’t funny at all, my father leaned towards me and whispered.

“You did great up there.”

“Thanks.” I gave a small smile, then glanced at Grayson. He now had his eyes on the stage.

“It was a wonderful speech,” Harper chimed in, leaning towards me.

While my father’s praise mattered to me, it was her compliment that made my lips curve into a wide smile. It was then that I realized it wouldn’t matter who else would have something good to say about my speech. They wouldn’t make me feel the way she did.

The first item to be auctioned was a pair of golden earrings and the bidding started at $50,000 all the way to $200,000.

The highest bidder made his way to the stage with his wife and received the earrings with a round of applause.

The next few items included a wristwatch, some gold and silver rings and my father ended up taking the watch.

Then, it was time for the most valuable item, a diamond necklace.

Not only did Tiffany want it so badly, Grayson wanted to be a show off and get it for her. I leaned back in my seat with satisfaction because that was exactly what I’d been hoping for.

Harper noticed the subtle change in my demeanor and I just winked at her, making her cover her lips with a chuckle since I had caught her off guard.

“$100,000,” Grayson began.

$200,000,” his father said.

“$500,000,” Grayson said again with cockiness and the crowd gasped in amazement.

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