The Kiss that Sparked it All

Chapter 2843
“Master Nolan has returned!”
The staff buzzed with surprise, their relief palpable after the suffocating tension that had gripped the mansion just moments
before. Yet to their astonishment, the matriarch insisted everyone leave the parlor upon Nolan’s arrival.
The servants, well-trained in the art of discretion, didn’t question the family’s decision and quietly withdrew.
“What’s got into you, Granny? You’re all furrowed brows. Have I been away too much recently? I thought I’ve been pretty diligent
about visiting.”
Nolan flopped casually onto the couch beside the old lady, his demeanor as carefree as ever.
His mother Aline’s frown deepened at his nonchalant attitude.
“What’s with this approach of yours?” she chided.
Nolan tugged at his tie, weary from a day trapped in his business suit. It was only at home that he could finally unwind, “What
attitude should I have? You all seem so wound up. What’s the big deal?”
“Shouldn’t we be worried? There’s a video circulating accusing you of indiscretions, and a certain gentleman is demanding you
take responsibility for his daughter! Explain yourself,” his father Palmer demanded, his face sour with anger.
“Don’t be so harsh. We can’t just assume it’s Nolan’s fault, and that footage could very well be doctored,” Aline defended. She
had raised Nolan single-handedly; no one kne etter than she the kind of man her son was. He would never be involved in such a
s
“I know exactly what kind of person he is, and that’s exactly why I’m shocked a disappointed. Whatever the reason, he’s been
caught in a compromising situati being used against him. Moreover, the accuser isn’t just anybody; the Tanner fa a renowned
company,” Palmer said as a headache brewed at the thought of his latest debacle.
“I say, they’re just trying to hit a jackpot with us. If there was any real affection betw them, it might be a different story, but there’s
none! How can we let Nolan marry the That would be irresponsible to her as well,” Nolan’s grandfather Preston interjected, a the
grandmother nodded in agreement.

“Exactly. No matter what’s happened, we’ll compensate as needed, but we can’t treat marriage as a joke. Two people with no
love between them can’t be pushed together. Maybe we should ask what the Tanner family wants, meet their demands within
reason, Aline suggested, looking up at Nolan, who seemed utterly unconcerned.
“You’re all getting worked up over nothing. I haven’t done anything untoward. So, let’s not get ahead of ourselves. I’ll handle this
situation, and I assure you our family won’t be dragged into this mess,” Nolan reassured.
Aline fretted, “Still, we can’t ignore that the girl is a victim in all this. How else would her own father use such a video to blackmail
us? Perhaps I should meet with her.”