Invisible to My First Love (Harper and Maddox) novel Chapter 144

**Blueprint 144**
**Chapter 144**

**Harper**

The atmosphere in the lobby was thick with tension, a palpable energy that crackled in the air. Maddox, despite his typically easy-going demeanor, stood rigid beside me, his grip on my wrist a firm reminder of his protective nature. His voice, though calm, carried a weight that made it clear he was serious.

“Never think about raising your hand to these two again,” he warned, his jaw set with determination as he pushed her wrist down, forcing her to release her hold. “My girlfriend is merely defending her aunt, and your behavior is simply unacceptable. I’m relieved I walked in when I did.”

The moment the woman realized I was Maddox’s girlfriend, her complexion paled, and she instinctively withdrew her other hand from my grasp. The realization struck her like a cold wave, and I could see the gears turning in her mind as she struggled to regain her composure.

“I-I had no idea you were connected to them,” she stammered, attempting to mask her discomfort with a nervous laugh. “It’s all just a misunderstanding. How about we head to the boardroom to sort this out?”

Maddox, however, was having none of it. He shook his head dismissively, his expression unyielding. “Forget it,” he said with finality. “I’ve seen enough. Come on, babe, let’s go.”

He extended his hand toward me, and I took it without hesitation, a smile breaking across my face as warmth spread through my chest at his boldness in the lobby.

Turning back to my aunt, I grasped her hand, gently tugging her along as she stood there, momentarily awestruck. I could see tears shimmering in her eyes, but I couldn’t decipher what they truly meant—were they tears of gratitude, relief, or something else entirely?

Just as we were about to step outside, the woman rushed forward, blocking our path, her smile now strained as she continued to address Maddox.

“Please, you can’t just cancel like this. My father is counting on me to ensure this business partnership succeeds. If I fail him, I’ll never hear the end of it!”

Maddox’s response was cool and collected. “And I hope it stays that way,” he replied, his tone casual as he waved her off like one would a bothersome insect. “Step aside.”

She didn’t dare protest further, her hands trembling slightly as her eyes widened in disbelief. The way she stared at the ground suggested she was grappling with her next move, her breath quickening as the reality of the situation settled in. In that moment, I felt a surge of satisfaction; justice was being served.

Once we reached his car, his chauffeur stepped forward to open the back door, but Maddox raised a hand to pause him.

“Are you alright?” he asked, turning his warm smile toward my aunt, who seemed to be recovering from the earlier confrontation.

She cleared her throat, a hint of embarrassment coloring her cheeks. “I definitely wanted to meet you, but I never imagined it would be under these circumstances,” she confessed, a nervous chuckle escaping her lips. “I’ve heard so much about you, and let’s just say, it hasn’t always been the most flattering.”

“Aunt!” I whispered, mortified by her bluntness.

“Oh, hush,” she said gently, before refocusing on Maddox. “Despite everything I’ve heard, I must admit, the way you stood up for us back there has shifted my perspective. Honestly, I felt like I wanted the ground to swallow me whole.”

Maddox placed a hand over his heart, an exaggerated smile lighting up his face. “I couldn’t just stand by and let that happen. I’m grateful I arrived when I did.”

I bit my lip to suppress a laugh; it was amusing how he tried to present himself as the quintessential gentleman, yet I knew the darker side he kept hidden from others.

“To be completely honest, I don’t think I’ll be returning to work after lunch,” my aunt said, her expression turning somber. “My colleagues just stood there and did nothing. I deserve better than that.”

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