âDarling, you've been exhausting yourself too long, and thatâs why youâre unwell. Why donât you just stay home and take some time to rest and recuperate?â
Regina nodded, her gaze lowered as she nibbled on her breakfast, looking obedient.
Francis watched her, feeling a pang of fatherly pride. His little girl had grown up, and perhaps she understood the sacrifices heâd made.
Little did he know, she was already plotting to sneak into his study for evidence once he left for work.
In this household, Francis was the only one with a nine-to-five. Once he departed, the atmosphere at the breakfast table shifted entirely.
Regina kept quiet but discreetly moved her chair two spots away from Imogen.
âOh, weren't you playing the doting daughter just a moment ago? Why arenât you sitting next to me now?â
Regina replied with a smile, âOh, | wouldn't dare. Iâm just worried my illness may affect the little one in your womb.â
When Regina was a little girl and had first tried to get close to her, she had retreated. She claimed Regina's been a bad luck, which was why her mother died so young. That comment had stuck with Regina for a long time.
But this time, Imogen nodded earnestly. âIndeed, we donât want any bad luck around here. This baby is a stroke of good fortune, and itâs best you keep your distance. After all, your father is counting on me to deliver the son your mother never could.â
Reginaâs sip of soy milk paused, and then she continued as if nothing was amiss.
Regina could keep her cool, but Emma certainly couldn't.
Yes, Francis had gone to work, but the family members who had always stood by R hadn't left. Emma was about to serve up some pudding when she overheard Imogel berating Regina.
She couldn't contain her anger, so she slammed the pudding down on the table. âMad isnât that a bit harsh? Is that really something you should be saying to Regina?â
âDonât get ahead of yourself. Who are you to raise your voice to me? A mere servant, y dare to speak up against me and forget your place?â
Emma chuckled, âWho rules the roost isnât for me to say, but itâs certainly not yo you. This house bears the Tanner name, and Mr. Tanner is the head. | wonder if he knows how spiteful you are about his former wife?â