Madelineâs impatience was as chilling as an autumn breeze blowing through the branches of an old oak tree.
âYou think the folks around here are clueless about whatâs going on between me and him? What kind of dad is he anyway? Heck, I donât even know who my real dad is.â
Her voice dripped with sarcasm, and Imogen was feeling so uncomfortable.
âYouâre getting too big for your britches, young lady. How dare you talk to your mother like. that? Do you think you can just waltz into the Harris family like itâs a country club? Falling head over heels for Nolan and thinking you have to marry him. Have you forgotten where you came from? Before we took on the Tanner name, you were a simple Skinner. What makes you think you have the right to marry into their world?
And donât forget, I have been busting her backside trying to make things work for you. What have you done? All you do is dump your problems on me without sparing a thought for how difficult this is.
Regina only married into that family because the stars aligned just rightâ¦â
âWhat a pretty way to put it. It was nothing but that man threatening Nolan! Utterly despicable!â
Madeline growled.
Imogen could feel her blood boiling; her daughterâs disregard was enough to make her faint.
Her daughter would do anything for a man, and she never realized that the luxurious life she now led was all thanks to her motherâs sacrifices.
If they were still the Skinners, sheâd be trapped in that decrepit alley, a place so dark the sun never shone, with flies buzzing incessantly Imogen shuddered at the thought of ever going back there.
âIt seems youâve grown too accustomed to the good life and forgotten all our struggles Can you please wake up and remember we have bigger fish to fry than some boy?â
Madeline retorted fiercely, âItâs not me whoâs forgotten, itâs you! You only remember that you, the unborn baby, and Francis are a family. But youâve forgotten that I was the one who stood by you through thick and thin! If you canât do it, Iâll make my own way without your meddling.â
Fuming, Madeline slammed the door. She was ready to storm out, but Imogenâs hand shot out, gripping her wrist, âWhat do you think youâre doing? Iâm warning you, Nolanâs. engagement to Regina is set in stone. Donât you dare rock the boat now. We canât afford. the fallout.â
Madeline simply rolled her eyes, âYouâre too afraid to take a stand, always tiptoeing. What can you possibly achieve with that attitude? How did I end up with such a useless mother? You canât give me a wealthy home or a noble status. Since you canât provide those, Iâll just have to get them on my own.
You better back off and not get in my way. Once I snag Nolan, youâll get to be his mother-in-law and bask in the glory.â
Imogen was at a loss for words. Her daughterâs audacity knew no bounds. Letting go of her grip, she stepped back, her voice trembling with a mix of anger and resignation, âFine, if youâre so capable, go ahead and do it. Just donât come crying to me when it all falls apart.â