Nolan watched the drama unfold before him, shaking his head with a wry smile. What a circus, he mused.
Reginaâs life seemed to be less than ideal, constantly dealing with two drama queens. No wonder she was eager to move out as soon as she hit 18.
He thought the truth was crystal clear, but Francis, with a stern face, strode forward and confronted his daughter. âRegina, why on earth are you bullying your sister?â
Imogen was beside herself with tears, stumbling to her knees in front of Madeline, caressing her face and searching her body for injuries. âMadeline, tell me if thereâs anywhere else that hurts.â
Madeline sniffled and shook her head, casting a timid glance at Regina, who quickly averted her gaze.
It was as if she had lied under the pressure of Reginaâs intimidating presence. Regina was at a loss for words.
âDad, did you even see what happened? Why are you blaming me? Do you have any idea what she did? Why do you come at me with accusations right off the bat?â
Francisâs face was like set stone. âNo matter what Madeline did, you must never resort to violence.
Have you forgotten all the manners Iâve taught you? The phrase âsibling harmonyâ doesnât ring a bell?â
Regina scoffed coldly. âHer? Iâm hardly obliged to play nice with her.â
Just then, Imogen amped up her crying, playing the part perfectly. âRegina, I know you donât like Madeline, but sheâs still your sister in name. Sheâs still young. What if you really hurt her? Iâm not asking for much; Iâve been good to you, hoping youâd be kind to my daughter. Why canât you show a little empathy?â
Francis, hearing the wails, turned around, crouching down with concern to examine Madeline.
âSweetie, Madeline, tell me if youâre hurting anywhere. Weâll go straight to the hospital if we need to.â
Regina watched the three in their heartwarming scene, her fists clenched.
Wasnât Francis her father too? Why was he so quick to blame her and coddle someone elseâs child?
âDaddy, Iâm really okay; please donât be mad at Regina.â
The absurdity of it all. Reginaâs biological father was playing the doting parent to another womanâs child while she, his own flesh and blood, was pushed aside. If it werenât for Nolanâs presence, she might have burst into derisive laughter.
After helping Madeline to her feet, Francis gave Regina a look of frustrated disapproval. âSince Madeline says sheâs fine, weâll leave it at that. Regina, I have to tell you, youâre not getting any younger, and your temper is getting out of hand. Sometimes, I feel like I canât even control you anymore.â
Regina crossed her arms and let out a cold laugh. âOh, why bother with me? Just look after someone elseâs daughter, and thatâll do!â
Francis, catching sight of Nolan still standing there, swallowed his retort.
âWeâll discuss our family matters later. Come, let me introduce you to Mr. Nolan Harris from the Harris Group. Mr. Harris, I apologize for this little scene. Having two girls close in age at home often leads to spats, and as their father, itâs my duty to step in.â