There were some burning questions that needed to be asked, and she preferred to confront Imogen face-to-face.
She had no intention of bringing her father into the loop just yet. With the whirlwind of events that had transpired recently and Imogen now having a child with her father, she figured spilling the beans might not change a thing. That leverage had to be kept close to her chest, ready to be played at the most opportune moment.
Life, with its myriad complexities, had to go on and Regina focused on her current job. Once this case was wrapped up, she promised herself to reevaluate her future.
It wasnât like she hadnât been courted by the entertainment industry before. The glitz and glamour never appealed to her, and with her family background, she never needed to jostle in the limelight for a paycheck.
But times had changed. Now, she had her own path to carve, independent of the allowance her father doled out. Acting could be a viable option-it would certainly help settle Nolanâs debts quicker.
Lost in her thoughts, Regina drove home.
Her father, Francis, greeted her with a rare hint of joy.
âBack so soon? Whereâs Nolan? Didnât he come with you?â
Handing the keys to the butler with a stoic expression, Regina bristled at his inquiry, âWhy did you call him yesterday?â
âIâm his father-in-law, ainât I? Just catching up, thatâs all.â
Biting her lip, she tried to contain her frustration. Her father was crossing lines more than ever.
âDad, Nolanâs given you the money. The Tanner family isnât in the dire straits you claim. Can you please stop this charade? Regardless of everything, Nolan and I are still married. Canât you leave me some dignity?â
Francisâ face soured at her words. âWhatâs that supposed to mean? Embarrassed by your old man, are you? Seems like youâve forgotten whoâs been footing the bill for your lavish lifestyle-all thanks to this âthick-skinnedâ father of yours. And now you have the gall to complain?â
Regina looked down, offering no comeback, but Francisâ tirade escalated.
âNow you remember youâre married to the guy? When I had to push him to marry you, you acted like it was the last thing you wanted. Itâs laughable, really. Donât get all high and mighty just because youâre Mrs. Harris now. Donât forget where you come from!â
Still, she tried to reason with him weakly. âI havenât forgotten where I come from, Dad. Thatâs why Iâm advising you. You know what kind of man Nolan is.
Do you really want to provoke him like this? Sure, he can spare a dime for the Tanners now and then, but you canât keep milking him dry. Heâs not an ATM, Dad. Every penny is accounted for, and I have to pay him back.â
Suddenly, Francisâ grip tightened on her arm. âWhat did you just say? Pay him back? That money was a gift, a donation to the Tanners. Why on earth would you pay it back?â
Regina was cornered, her father demanding an explanation. She couldnât very well admit that after he extorted money from Nolan, she was secretly planning to reimburse him-especially since he knew she barely had two nickels to rub together.