When this subject was brought up, Regina couldnât hold back her frustration any longer. She pushed back her chair, stood up, and looked down at her father.
âDad, Iâve never asked you for anything. But Iâm begging you, stop asking Nolan for money. Whatever you lack, I can provide. Besides, the Tanners donât need money anymore after the last investment. Why are you still begging him? Canât you leave me with a shred of dignity?â
Francis stood up quickly and slapped her across the face to silence her. âYou ungrateful child! You think I donât see the way you look at Nolan? Youâre nothing but a trinket to him, so stop your play-acting.
The money I ask from him is between us. Just keep your mouth shut. While heâs still got eyes for you, make the most of it. Once heâs had his fill and the divorce papers are signed, youâll come crawling back to us, and then youâll thank me for my foresight.â
âForesight? You mean your plan to leech off the Harrises again? Youâre the CEO of Tanner Group, for heavenâs sake. Why do you keep doing these shameless things?â Reginaâs words were blunt, and Francis couldnât stand being humiliated.
Imogen and Madeline kept silent on the side,. afraid to get dragged into the quarrel.
Francis raised his hand again, ready to strike her, and Regina braced herself for the blow, closing her eyes tightly.
Just then, someone yanked her back forcefully. Francisâ hand swung through the air, missing its target and causing him to stumble. When he looked up and saw Nolan, his irritation vanished, replaced by a sycophantic smile.
âWell, look who it is! Nolan, my son-in-law. You shouldâve let us know you were coming. I would have had the kitchen whip up your favorite dish!â
Regina was surprised. âNolan, what are you doing here?â
He was supposed to be at the office all day, and they hadnât spoken in nearly two days. She couldnât fathom how he knew where she was or how he managed to appear just in time to save her from her fatherâs wrath.
âIf I hadnât come, would you have just stood here and taken a beating? Are you out of your mind?â
Nolan looked disapprovingly at Regina, whose cheek was already swelling, yet she looked at him with nothing but relief, not showing any sign of pain.
Francis rubbed his hands together awkwardly. âSorry you had to see this, Nolan. Just some family business. Regina made a mistake, and I was just⦠giving her a fatherly talk. I wasnât really being rough, you know.â
But Nolan didnât give Francis the time of day. He carefully examined Reginaâs chin, his frown deep and his presence intimidating, making Francis shiver.
Madeline couldnât wait to get Nolanâs attention. âYes, my sister should be setting an example. But she erred, and Dad had to step in He loves her, really. If she hadnât been so rash to throw her fork at lunch, Dad wouldnât have lost his temper. Nolan, we know you care for her, but you have to consider the whole pictureâ¦â