Francis looked like heâd swallowed a lemon. His face twisted in displeasure. âEnough of this,â he said sharply, âThis has nothing to do with Nolan. If anything happened today leaks out, whoever is responsible will be banished from the Tanner household. I mean it.â
Imogen, bewildered, shot back, âWhat on earth are you insinuating, Francis? Arenât we all family here?
Who would dare spread it out? Weâre all still in the dark about whatâs really gone down!â
Despite the cold sweat trickling down her neck, Imogen held her ground defiantly. She knew that showing any sign of weakness would only turn Francisâ suspicions onto her.
Even Madeline joined in, her eyes welling up as she addressed her father. âDad, thatâs really harsh. Are you ready to throw away all the years of kinship weâve shared? Your words are cutting deep.â
Both women were on the brink of tears, and with Regina still unconscious in the other room, Francisâ
headache only worsened.
âStop it, both of you.â he barked. âDo you want to make a bigger spectacle of ourselves? Weâll talk at home.â
Nolan, watching Francisâ indecision, worried for Regina. He feared the words he had spoken earlier would come to nothing. Although Francis cared about Regina, he had no choice but to yield if the two women were involved.
With a reluctant sigh, Nolan finally spoke up.
âSir, if itâs inconvenient for you, Iâll take Regina to the hospital. Sheâs still unconscious, an we canât afford to waste any more time.â
Francisâ face darkened further. âItâs a family matter, Mr. Harris, and Iâd thank you to stay out of it.â
Madeline chimed in, trying to soothe the situation, âYeah, Nolan, I know you and Regina are close friends. The thing is, with her in this state, being seen with you at the hospital might tarnish your reputation. Besides, Mom and I are here. We can handle it, and itâs probably better if we do.â
If Nolan hadnât known Regina before they did, he might have believed they were genuinely concerned for her. But it seemed more likely that Imogen was dreading the scandal getting out. From start to finish, it had been a trap set by Imogen.
While the mother and daughter duo put on their act, Nolan couldnât help but wonder if they took him for a fool.
Imogen kept dabbing at her eyes with a tissue, and Francis, with no other choice, tried to console her.
âIâm sorry. I spoke out of turn earlier. I was flustered. Please donât hold it against me. After all these years together, donât you know me by now?â
Imogen sniffled, her voice laced with hurt, âItâs because I know you, Francis, that I feel so cold. After all these years, canât I warm your heart?â