Was Francis still considering Regina his flesh and blood, or were his latter years now pinned on the unborn child in Imogenâs womb, whose gender was yet to be revealed?
Nolan didnât bother with small talk. He pulled up a chair and sat down, decisively ensuring the Tanner household was now tightly sealed. Not even a fly could escape.
Francis, visibly annoyed, dropped his fork. âWhatâs this about? Shouldnât you be putting more energy into finding your wife? What business do you have barging into my house?â
He was still holding a grudge against Nolan for hanging up on him twice before.
Meanwhile, Madeline couldnât help but avert her gaze upon locking eyes with Nolan.
Imogen instinctively held her belly tighter.
Nolanâs suspicions were confirmed upon seeing Madelineâs guilty eyes. Every time he had visited the Tanner Mansion for a meal before, Madeline was always glued to him, not wanting to miss a second.
She was scared now, and he wanted to know how many people were involved in this.
He didnât even spare Reginaâs biological father from his list of suspects. He didnât trust the man one bit.
âWhy am I here? Iâm here to ask how can you all be so heartless? Regina is missing, and you all can sit here and eat? Or is it that one of you knows sheâs safe?â
Imogen, under pressure, responded, âDonât blame your father-in-law. Itâs just my preg cravings. I canât be starving, so they thought to sit down with me for a bit of food. Besides, havenât you been doing everything to find Regina? We canât be of much help, s weâre taking care of ourselves first. Regina wouldnât want to come back to us all sick wit worry over her, would she? Sheâs always been kind-
hearted, I know that.â
âHuh,â Nolan scoffed, âAll the nice words are yours to say. Now that Regina is missing, youâre colder than strangers. Donât worry, when sheâs back, Iâll make sure she knows none of the Tanners need her worry for the rest of her life. Madeline, you believe your sister will come back safe and sound, right?â
Nolan stared into her eyes, but Madeline only glanced back, forcing a small smile, unwilling to meet his gaze.
âWhy are you staring at me like that?â she asked, tucking her hair behind her ear again. âRegina is strong; she has a guardian angel, so nothing will happen to her.â
âEven the strongest guardian angel canât protect her if someoneâs out to harm her. I just need a straight answer from you- Regina will come back safe and sound.â
Francis, not a fool, realized something was amiss from Nolanâs pressing questions.
He slammed his hand on the table, standing up. âMadeline, donât tell me youâre involved in this!â
Madeline, with a face full of horror, looked up and began to defend herself, âDad, what are you saying?
How could you doubt me like this, even if you donât trust me? How could I possibly be involved in this?â