Chapter 2724
âRegina, you must've misheard me; I was talking about something else with Madeline. There's no
lunatic here.â
Imogen turned her head, a forced smile playing on her lips as she dealt with Regina, while gesturing
frantically for Madeline to make herself scarce.
But Madeline, eyeing Reginaâs flustered demeanor, couldn't pass up the chance to needle.
her.
âLook at you all wild-eyed, what did Mom say that was so wrong? It's not enough you come home
looking like a ragamuffin from playing reporter all day, but you have to bring. your woes to our
doorstep too. Even if Mom were the wicked stepmother, sheâs done. more than her duty by you! But
instead of showing any gratitude, you just ramp it up. If I were you, I'd have packed my bags and
left ages ago!â
"What? Gratitude? How exactly do you expect me to show that? For years, you and your mother
have scared me half
death, isn't that enough? This is my house. My family name is Tanner, and neither of you bear it, so
quit bossing me around!â
Regina realized she had been too soft before, which only emboldened them to walk all over her,
and now they had misplaced the familyâs most treasured memories, her heart was bleeding.
âLet's not get into everything else right now, Imogen. I'll ask you one more time, where my
painting? If you can't find it, donât blame me for getting upset.â
Imogen, arms crossed, was fuming. Was this the way Regina should talk to her? C her by her first
name like she was nobody, as if Francis should hear how his precio daughter had no manners. It was
like taking a step back in time!
"What's the big deal about a stupid painting anyway? If it's lost, it's lost, it wasn't wor much. What
are you gonna do about it, huh?â
The maid nearby was beside herself with worry, afraid they might come to blows. With head of the
household, Francis, not around, whom were these servants supposed to support?
âWhat am I gonna do?â
Regina echoed her words, and the next second her hand flew across Imogenâs cheek with a stinging
slap.
"Where. Is. My. Painting? If you don't tell me, I will keep this up until you do!â
Madeline let out a shrill scream and grabbed Regina's hair. âYou dare to hit my mom! I'll show you!"
Her hand was mid-swing when Regina caught it, and they were locked in a standoff.
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Chapter 2724
The cook was stamping her foot in a panic. âSomeone bring Mr. Tanner back home!â
"Oh Regina, don't stoop to their level, and don't hurt yourselfâ
âMadeline, let go! If you injure Regina, Mr. Tanner will have your head when he returns.â
"Whose side are you on, you old bat? I won't let go. She started it!"
Regina bit her lip in silence, determined. The moment she decided to fight back, she had thrown all
caution to the wind, ready to unleash her fury.
She didn't care that Madeline was still pulling her hair, with both hands, she swung hard, striking
Madeline on the head.
âAh
That forced Madeline to release Regina's hair, and she stumbled, nearly falling over her
mother.
âRegina, you conniving wretch! Just wait and see how I deal with you-"
Regina had let out all her pent-up rage and was now catching her breath, tears streaming down her
face. The old servants who had watched her grow up were heartbroken, and they rallied in front of
her protectively.
âMiss Madeline, you can't treat Miss Regina like this.â
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