Chapter 2696: Chapter 2701

Nolan glanced back at her, a coy smile tugging at the corner of his mouth. “Ever been told, Ms. Tanner, that sometimes playing the damsel in distress can work miracles?”

“Is that so? Are you saying I come off a bit too strong?” Regina let out a wry chuckle, her expression a mix of amusement and resignation.

That fleeting smile, though, struck Nolan right in the chest. He blinked away a strange sensation that had settled upon him.

She was stunning when she smiled.

For a moment, Nolan felt as if he’d lay the world’s treasures at her feet without a second thought, just to see that smile again. No wonder the real Regina was such a well-kept secret.

Once you saw that face, you’d never forget her.

“Actually, a friend told me the same thing before this dinner party. I thought I had a pretty agreeable personality. Don’t you think so, Mr. Harris?”

Regina’s curious gaze fell on Nolan, pulling him back from his reverie. How embarrassing. “Uh, where was I? Sorry, just remembered something urgent at the office. Totally zoned out there for a moment.”

It was his first time being so indiscreet in front of a woman, and he felt uncharacteristically sheepish.

“It’s fine,” Regina said, shaking her head with a smile. “I’m just surprised how each of you has hit on my personality exactly better than I do. I always thought I was pretty easy-going.”

Nolan chuckled at her bemused expression. “Perhaps what we see as your strength isn’t flaw. To deal with Imogen and her daughter, it might work in your favor to show a little vulnerability, especially around your father. You know, play into that male ego. I’m not above it myself.”

“Really? I wouldn’t have pegged you for the type to fall for that, Mr. Harris. But if you all insist, I’ll try to adjust my approach.”

Their conversation was interrupted by Francis, who approached with a less-than-cheerful expression.

With Madeline sulking in a corner, Regina didn’t need to guess that she had gone crying to her father. It was time for a change in tactics; she couldn’t let Imogen and Madeline keep getting the upper hand.

“What’s wrong, Daddy?” Regina asked.

Francis, blustering a moment ago, deflated in Nolan’s presence.

“What seems to be the matter, Mr. Tanner?”

Both Nolan and Regina looked at him innocently, forcing Francis to muster a smile. “Nothing serious, just my little girl feeling upset. So I came to check in with Regina.”

“Oh, well, asking Ms. Tanner won’t do you much good. She’s been with me the whole time, and we’ve been having a delightful chat.”

Francis glanced at Regina, surprised she’d managed to charm the most influential guest. If she could keep his interest, Francis would be more than satisfied with such a son-in-law.

“Is that so? That’s rather generous of you, Mr. Harris. Youngsters like yourselves should have a lot in common. Why don’t you two go out for a date instead of sticking around here? This dinner party is more for us old-timers anyway. You youngsters must be bored stiff.”

Francis’s intentions were as clear as day, and Regina felt a twinge of embarrassment.

“Dad-there’s no need to worry about us. Go mingle with the other guests. I’ll take good care of Mr.

Harris.”