Regina took a deep breath, steeling herself for whatever drama awaited her upstairs with Madeline. It seemed Imogen had come prepared today, and there was no telling what kind of mood Madeline would be in.
But whatâs done is done, she thought to herself. Thereâs no use fretting over it.now.
Knock, knock, knock.
âMadeline, Dadâs calling you down for lunch. Momâs getting hungry.â
The moment Madeline heard Reginaâs voice, she became irritable. âAlright, I heard you! Just go downstairs.â
Regina didnât wait to see if Madeline actually followed; after hearing her acknowledgment, she rushed back down the stairs.
Imogen looked surprised to see Regina return alone and took a seat at the dining table. âRegina, I sent you to fetch Madeline. Why hasnât she come down?â
âI called her, and she said she heard me-thatâs why I came back down.â
âIs that so?â Imogen kept glancing upstairs, but there was no sign of Madeline. Regina also shot a quick look upward.
âDid you slack off and not actually call for Madeline? If she heard you, she wouldâve shown up by now,â
Francis suddenly interjected, his voice laced with suspicion.
Regina was exasperated. âDad, what are you talking about? If I were slacking off, I wouldnât have climbed the stairs in the first place. I told you, I called her. If she isnât here, thatâs on her. Why are you blaming me?â
Francis slammed his plate down on the table. âYour temper is getting worse by the day.
Do you think marrying into the Harris family makes you some kind of big shot? I ask you one thing, and you talk back three. Is that any way to respect your elders?â
Regina gripped her bowl tightly, staying silent.
âNow go back up there and call her again!â
Stubbornly, Regina held her ground for a moment before reluctantly heading back upstairs. As she climbed, she faintly heard Imogen chastising Francis.
âDonât be so hard on the kid. Constantly berating her will only drive her away, and then youâll be upset.â
âIâm not berating her; Iâm teaching her not to lie If she canât be honest in her own home, what will she do out in the world? Right now, sheâs riding on our coattails, but letâs see how she fares in the futureâ¦â
Regina smirked sarcastically. Ever since Imogen got pregnant, whatever she said was met with Francisâs unwavering support.
It was no surprise Imogen was playing the understanding card now, even though theyâd had their fair share of clashes. She could always put on a facade of harmony, something Regina admittedly found impressive. Clearly, it was them stirring the pot, but they managed to act as if nothing had happened-a feat Regina couldnât pull off herself.
This time, Regina didnât hold back. She pounded forcefully on Madelineâs bedroom door, making sure the commotion was heard downstairs.
âWhat now? Didnât I tell you I heard you?â Madelineâs annoyed voice came through the door.
Regina retorted with equal irritation, âI donât care if you heard or not. Get down to lunch. quickly, or your mom might just starve.â
At Reginaâs bold tone, the door flung open. Madeline eyed her up and down, noting that marriage hadnât changed her much. She was still wearing her old clothes. It seemed Nolan wasnât overly fond of her, which put Madeline at ease.
âSo, marrying into the Harris family hasnât taught you any manners, huh?â