âHey, you sound much better now?â
In the office, all of Nolanâs exhaustion seemed to vanish at the sound of her voice. He leaned back in his chair, the tension that had gripped him all day finally easing.
Despite the fact that it was Reginaâs biological father who took her away from him, Nolan had been wound tight as a drum until he heard her voice.
It was only now that the heaviness weighing on his heart had truly subsided.
âYeah, Iâm feeling a lot better now, though still a bit weak. The doctor wants me to stick around the hospital for a few more days before heading home,â Regina reported, as casual as if she were catching up with an old friend.
Nolanâs eyes snapped open at her words. âHome? Which home are you talking about? Youâre not planning on shacking up with Imogen and others, are you?â he asked, a hint of concern lacing his voice.
Regina could tell by his reaction that her recent troubles probably had something to do with that mother-daughter duo.
âSo, my little accident has something to do with Imogen, doesnât it?â Regina probed, but Nolan seemed puzzled, âDidnât your dad fill you in? I told him everything that went down and reminded him to pass it on to you.â
âHa,â Regina wasnât surprised, âHeâs probably worried that it would stir up a family storm if I knew the truth.â
Although she felt touched by her fatherâs constant presence and care over the days, the thought that he would hide the identity of the person who truly hurt h sake of so-called family harmony chilled her to the bone.
Hearing Reginaâs scoff, Nolan understood the convoluted things all too well. Fra decisive man in business, seemed to lose all clarity when it came to family matte A few pillow talks often swayed his decisions even when it came to his own daugh âIf you suspect it has something to do with Imogen, why go back there? What if she something again?
You might not be so lucky next time.â
Nolanâs brow was tightly furrowed with worry. He genuinely thought Regina shouldnât return to that quagmire..
But Regina responded with a stern resolve, âI have to go back. I need to woman for who she really is. I want my father to see her true colors. She pretends to about me, but whatâs the reality? Sheâs hurt me time and again. This time it was me, a only by sheer luck did I escape. I donât know how much more luckiness I have to spen on situations like theseâ¦.
Nolan, I owe you a big thank you, too. If it werenât for you, I really donât knowâ¦â
She sighed, and Nolan was at a loss for words. He understood that Reginaâs choice might be the right one for her. She needed to rely on her own strength and wit to bring Imogenâs true face to light.
Yet, he instinctively hated the idea of her putting herself in danger. He wanted to help her, but what right did he have?
âTake care of yourself. Nothing is more important than that,â Nolan finally sighed, knowing all too well how stubborn Regina could be.
It wouldnât help no matter how he persuaded; he could only remind her to watch her back. Regina chuckled softly in response, âHow about I treat you to dinner when I get out, as a thank you?â
âWell. Do you have any idea how fast I had to move to get to that hotel and rescue you? And why do you think you can get away with just a dinner?â Nolan quipped.