The Kiss that Sparked it All

When this subject was brought up, Regina couldn’t hold back her frustration any longer. She pushed back her chair, stood up, and looked down at her father.

“Dad, I’ve never asked you for anything. But I’m begging you, stop asking Nolan for money. Whatever you lack, I can provide. Besides, the Tanners don’t need money anymore after the last investment. Why are you still begging him? Can’t you leave me with a shred of dignity?”

Francis stood up quickly and slapped her across the face to silence her. “You ungrateful child! You think I don’t see the way you look at Nolan? You’re nothing but a trinket to him, so stop your play-acting.

The money I ask from him is between us. Just keep your mouth shut. While he’s still got eyes for you, make the most of it. Once he’s had his fill and the divorce papers are signed, you’ll come crawling back to us, and then you’ll thank me for my foresight.”

“Foresight? You mean your plan to leech off the Harrises again? You’re the CEO of Tanner Group, for heaven’s sake. Why do you keep doing these shameless things?” Regina’s words were blunt, and Francis couldn’t stand being humiliated. NôvelD(ram)a.ôrg owns this content.

Imogen and Madeline kept silent on the side,. afraid to get dragged into the quarrel.

Francis raised his hand again, ready to strike her, and Regina braced herself for the blow, closing her eyes tightly.

Just then, someone yanked her back forcefully. Francis’ hand swung through the air, missing its target and causing him to stumble. When he looked up and saw Nolan, his irritation vanished, replaced by a sycophantic smile.

“Well, look who it is! Nolan, my son-in-law. You should’ve let us know you were coming. I would have had the kitchen whip up your favorite dish!”

Regina was surprised. “Nolan, what are you doing here?”

He was supposed to be at the office all day, and they hadn’t spoken in nearly two days. She couldn’t fathom how he knew where she was or how he managed to appear just in time to save her from her father’s wrath.

“If I hadn’t come, would you have just stood here and taken a beating? Are you out of your mind?” Nolan looked disapprovingly at Regina, whose cheek was already swelling, yet she looked at him with nothing but relief, not showing any sign of pain.

Francis rubbed his hands together awkwardly. “Sorry you had to see this, Nolan. Just some family business. Regina made a mistake, and I was just… giving her a fatherly talk. I wasn’t really being rough, you know.”

But Nolan didn’t give Francis the time of day. He carefully examined Regina’s chin, his frown deep and his presence intimidating, making Francis shiver.

Madeline couldn’t wait to get Nolan’s attention. “Yes, my sister should be setting an example. But she erred, and Dad had to step in He loves her, really. If she hadn’t been so rash to throw her fork at lunch, Dad wouldn’t have lost his temper. Nolan, we know you care for her, but you have to consider the whole picture…”