The Kiss that Sparked it All

Chapter 2830
“I swear, Imogen, if I’d known you were at the hospital, I wouldn’t have dragged you into this mess. It could have been a scandal,
and there is no need for the whole world to know about it.”
Imogen turned away, feigning anger, and silently wiped away a tear. “Would you believe me if I said it? It’s so easy to find out the
truth, yet you make me explain it over and over. In the end, you just don’t trust me.
Of course, no one can be as important as your daughter in your heart.
Yes, I get it. It’s a matter of the Tanners, and how dare I meddle, right? But I’ve been a stepmom for years now, don’t I have the
right to care about Regina? Mr. Tanner, if you can’t even grant me that much, then I’ve got nothing more to say.”
“Come on now, please. I’ve never said such a thing. Aren’t you just throwing a fit here? It’s just... when I saw Regina in disarray,
in the same room as another man, it hit me hard as a father. You’ve got to understand that...”
He let out a deep sigh. “Ever since her mother passed, I’ve been under so much pressure. I’ve been so afraid that I wouldn’t
raise her right. And now that she’s grown, she’s gotten herself into trouble.”
Hearing this softened Imogen’s heart, and she gently smoothed the lines of worry from his forehead. “I know how tough it’s been
for you, and I understand why you married me But now that we’re together, I don’t want you stressing over these things.
Regina is an adult, and her choices are her own. We can guide her, but we can’t control decisions, you see? Francis, it’s time to
let go.”
Francis nodded thoughtfully. “I know, but how can a parent easily let go, especially since Regina is different from others. She lost
her mother so young. You suggested we settle her down soon, but after giving it some thought, maybe she should stay with me a
little longer.”
Imogen panicked at his words, calming herself before responding, “Francis, you’re always looking at it from a man’s perspective.
Have you considered that Regina might not want to stay home that long? She moved out a while ago; she’s been very
independent. You can’t just keep her at home because you want to.
In my opinion, it’s better to let her find a man she loves and settle down sooner rather than later. Of course, that’s just my take. If
you really want to keep her close, I won’t object.”

Francis was easily swayed, and Imogen’s words made him wonder if he should indeed consider Regina’s wishes.
Seeing Nolan with Regina today had, in truth, been a relief. That was Nolan Harris after all. If his daughter could land a catch like
that, it would bode well for the Tanners – their own group would have a smoother path with the Harris Group on their side. But he
didn’t expect that Nolan would deny. His anger flared at the denial, which he took as a disdain for the Tanners.
“It wouldn’t be so bad if Regina could really end up with Nolan.” Francis mused, more to himself.
Imogen tensed at his words. “They have already said they’re just friends. Are you going to push them together against their will?
Young people these days value love that’s free.”
Francis gave her a sidelong glance, aware of the little schemes in her mind – she wanted to save Nolan for Madeline. But did
she really think Nolan would take a second glance at her?
He considered that Nolan and Regina might actually have a chance. Nolan’s panic earlier didn’t look feigned.
With that thought, Francis felt a vague plan forming.
No matter what, as a father, he had to give his daughter a hand – and Nolan was the best option he could think of.