Regina furrowed her brow, a hint of defiance in her voice. âIf a silly piece of gossip is enough to cast doubts on my character, then maybe | shouldnât be marrying that man at all.
Besides, itâs the 21st century; everyone has a past to some extent. Only a complete dinosaur would fret over whether someoneâs been in a relationship before. Dad, donât tell me you're that kind of dinosaur?â
âWhere on earth are you taking this? Is having an ex the same as being defiled by some vagrant? Iâm telling you, you better clean up this mess quick, or you can kiss your journalism career goodbye!â
âDad!â
With a decisive wave of his hand, Francis had made up his mind.
He had been too lenient with her, and now she seemed to take her own reputation too lightly. Regina could enjoy her freedom, but it all hinged on not jeopardizing her future prospects.
Francis looked at his daughter, now tall enough to reach his chin, and all he could think about was her future.
She was too young to understand that he was planning for her. Maybe with a few more years, sheâd understand the tough love.
Regina could barely contain her frustration. âDad, youâre meddling with my life! You promised me a year to prove myself in journalism, and if | succeeded, youâd let me be. But now, before the year is up, you're intervening? How is this fair?
âWhen | agreed, | didnât know youâd wind up creating this kind of headline! You've barely written a handful of stories, and now you're the scandal on the front page. Does that look good to you?
Aren't you even a little concerned about the Tanner familyâs reputation? Regina Tanner reduced to this-what would the shareholders think? And what about the people who've invested in Tanner Group stocks?â
âAt the end of the day, itâs not about me you care for, but your company. If it werenât for the stock prices taking a hit, would you even care about that homeless guy pinning me down? Iâve been home for a while now, and not once have you asked how | got away night or what happened afterward... Dad, you really are the best, aren't you?â Regina choked back tears.
that Regina knew she shouldn't care so much, but inside, she couldnât help but feel aggrieved.
Why did that stranger have to change her father so much?
14:34 Francis, his voice hoarse, found himself at a loss for words. âYou're here, safe and sound, which means you must have...â
â| must have what? Since | got home, not once have you asked me anything. | get it. After Mom passed, it was only a matter of time before you would need someone; youâd get lonely.
But never did | imagine that in forgetting Mom, you'd also forget your own daughter. Sometimes, | really wonder if Iâm even your daughter at all.â
âPreposterous!â Francis slammed his palm on the coffee table. âWhen have | ever forgotten your mother? | have never forgotten her.
Regina couldn't help but scoff at the sentiment. If he hadnât forgotten her mother, how could he share his bed with another woman?
Or is it that men are just naturally gifted at saying one thing while their hearts wander elsewhere?
âI've spoiled you too much.â
Turning her face away, Regina wiped her tears. âLetâs just leave it at that. I'll handle this mess, and | won't let it affect the Tanner Group stocks.â