âIâve slaved away for this family, and you know it as well as I do. Now, just because Regina decided to act the fool, everything gets dumped on me. I wasnât born a Tanner, but havenât I done enough to be considered part of the family?â
Francis wrapped his arms around Imogen, patting her back gently, âAlright, I misspoke. I didnât mean it that way. I was just a bit frantic, thatâs all. And with others here, could you spare me a little dignity?â
After much soothing, Imogenâs tears finally ceased, though her lips were pale, and she looked frail.
âWe are taking Regina to the hospital later, and you should get yourself checked out too. Youâre looking a bit pale.â After giving this advice, he turned to Madeline, âMadeline, come help your mother.â
But what he failed to realize was that Madelineâs mind was full of Nolan at this moment. She watched him, trying not to miss any expression that crossed his face.
Nolan felt her gaze but had no intention to interact with her. Her gaze made him uncomfortable.
Seeing her like this, Francis knew exactly what she was angling for. No wonder she had spoken for Nolanâs good earlier. But she failed to see that Nolan hadnât spared her a glance, much less held her in his heart.
To Francis, she wasnât even comparable to his own daughter.
As he stewed over this, Francis suddenly grew anxious. âEnough dawdling, letâs get Regin to the hospital. If anything happens to my daughter, Iâll never forgive whoever started this mess.â
Only after making this threat did he hastily arrange for Regina to be taken to the hospital, with Nolan stepping in to prevent any other men from intruding.
Loose tongues could do untold damage to Reginaâs reputation.
It was only then that Francis seemed to remember Nolan was still there, âMr. Harris, you may leave now. This is, after all, a family matter. You might be friends with Regina, but itâs just friendship. If others saw you together, it could lead to idle talk.â
With such insistence from Francis, Nolan ultimately had no choice but to leave. He couldnât fathom why Francis was so fickle, at first acting all protective of Regina, but then losing his steam as soon as those two women shed some tears.
It was as clear as day that it all had to do with them. How could he have fallen for their lies, thinking Regina was really being a hussy?
But at the end of the day, it was their family drama, and he had no place nor right to get too involved for Reginaâs sake.
Watching Nolanâs retreating figure, Imogen finally exhaled. She had sensed his hostility toward her and her daughter.
That little vixen must have used some trick to get Nolan on her side.
Madeline fell for him first, and Imogen had thought him to be a fine match. If Madeline could get this man, Imogen could bask in the glory of becoming the mother-in-law to the heir of the Harris Group.
But alas, now this man was bewitched by Regina.
Once Regina was at the hospital and thoroughly checked, the doctors confirmed sheâd been given a small dose of sleeping pills, with no serious side effects. Only then did Francis truly relax.
He sat by Reginaâs bedside, his face etched with concern. Seeing this, Imogen put on a show of consideration and put a hand on his shoulder. âFrancis, youâve been here for a while. Why donât we switch places? Please go grab a bite to eat. It wonât do any good to sit here on an empty stomach.â
Her voice was soft as a gentle stream, but for once, Francis didnât respond as he usually would.