The Kiss that Sparked it All

Chapter 2846
Imogen had long known Francis for his cold-hearted nature, but she never expected him to be so brutally indifferent, making her
feel as though her very existence meant nothing. to him it was all about the baby she was carrying.
“Have you become so single-minded that nothing matters to you now but your son? How can you be so selfish? Did you ever
consider how Regina would feel before charging over to Mr. Harris’s place without a second thought? They were friends. Now
how can she ever look Nolan in the eye again after you made such a scene?”
Her words had a ring of truth, and Francis fell silent for a moment before responding, “Everything I do is for the sake of our
family. Regina’s getting on in years; I trust she’ll understand my decisions. Even if it’s not for her own sake, she must think about
her reputation and good name.
After this fiasco, even with the Tanner family’s wealth and influence, we can’t shut everyone up.
Once word gets out, who would she marry? Her options will be severely limited, and as her father, of course I need to think
ahead for her. Not to mention, the child you’re carrying will one day inherit our family estate. This is our child, Imogen. Before you
berate me, remember that Madeline isn’t your only concern.”
The look in Francis’ eyes made Imogen flinch, realizing her lapse in judgment.
Madeline had been at their house, weeping and pleading, insisting on marrying Nolan. But she seemed to forget that Nolan was
out of her league. And as for her last name ‘Tanner’, it was also forcefully changed.
With Francis’ reminder, Imogen realized that her baby would inherit all the Tanner fortune. Thus, she calmed down considerably,
though her eyes still held a trace of unresolved worry.
“You know how headstrong Madeline is. She’s so young, and it’s her first crush. Now, you’ve practically tied Mr. Harris to Regina
with a bow, and it’s bound to hurt Madeline deeply.”
Imogen settled herself next to Francis, who wrapped his arm around her comfortably.
“You’re aware that she’s just experiencing her first infatuation; crushes at her age hardly ever last. Besides, she’s still a child.
She can’t possibly be more stubborn than her own mother, can she? In the end, this house and everything in it will belong to us
and our son. We must plan for his future.”

As he spoke, he gently touched Imogen’s belly, and she playfully swatted his hand away. “What can you possibly feel now? It’s
too early for that.” She quipped.
Feigning shock, he replied, “What do you mean too early? I have a special connection with my son. I swear as soon as I touch
here, I can feel his presence.”
The couple shared a light-hearted banter, and the earlier tension seemingly dissolved. However, as Imogen returned to her
room, she was startled by the sight of a tearful Madeline.
“Madeline, what’s wrong? You scared me half to death! Don’t you know I’m still carrying your brother? What if you gave me such
a fright that something happened?”
Imogen clutched her belly in a display of maternal concern, to which Madeline replied with a bitter tone, “He’s your child and I am
too. I heard everything you said. Have you ever really listened to me? I’ve told you over and over how much I like Nolan, that I
want to marry him, but you’ve never fought for me! Francis had to say just a few words and you immediately sided with the baby
in your belly. Aren’t I your child too?”
Imogen glanced around in panic, relieved to find the door securely shut and no sound of footsteps from downstairs. She relaxed
a bit before scolding Madeline.
“How can you speak like that? You’ve always called him ‘Dad.’ Why are you suddenly using his first name as if it’s yours to use?
What’s gotten into you?”