Chapter 2699
Regina suddenly turned to him, flashing a smile tinged with unmistakable sorrow.
âIt's a good thing you're my audience, Nolan. Anyone else might think I'm just whining about
nothing. Being born into a family like this and still feeling so down, sounds. ridiculous, doesn't it?"
Nolan remained silent, his face free of any mocking expression.
After a long pause, he finally spoke, âWe canât choose our birth or family, but what we do have
control over is our own destiny. If you only see the chains that the surname âTannerâ has placed on
you, then you'll be trapped by them for life. But if you can see the leverage it gives you, then your
life could be quite different. Of course, Ms. Tanner, you're already working hard towards your goals.
Maybe you're just momentarily disheartened, and you don't need anyone else to dictate what your
life should be.â
Regina was taken aback, not expecting such a heartfelt conversation from their less than pleasant
introduction.
âThank you, I mean it. I didn't expect you to be so comforting. You saw it earlier; this house isn't the
same one I grew up in. Often, I feel powerless against what it's become.
Maybe that's why I've been so despondent. You're right, though, the Tanner name has brought me
many things, like wealth, perhaps?â
With a playful arch of her brow, Regina teased, prompting a laugh from Nolan. âYou can still joke,
that's a good sign, Ms. Tanner.â
"Well, Mr. Harris, you're much wittier than I imagined. If it weren't for our awkward start, we might
have been great friends. But as I said before, if I didn't do something, then I didn't do it. Maybe you
can check your end to see if Dahlia left your seat mixed up.â
Regina's candor was refreshing to Nolan, who hadn't spoken so freely with someone in long time.
Her straightforwardness spared him the task of interpreting hidden meanings which he found quite
liberating.
âSince you have suggested it, I will definitely look into it. If it's a misunderstanding, I hope we can
clear it up the next time we meet.â
Regina nodded. âI'm sure we'll see each other again soon.â
She thought about the exclusive interview she could now pursue, not to mention the simmering
tension between him and Dahlia.
âMr. Harris, you've been out here for quite some time. How about we go back in for a glass of red
wine? It's a vintage my mother saved for me when I was young-very precious indeed.â
âWell, if you insist, I must try it, Ms. Tanner.â
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Chapter 2699
Regina was reluctant to share her mother's treasured wine, but Nolan's earlier advice had genuinely
taken her by surprise. Yet, she knew that in the cutthroat world of business, a man like Nolan
wouldn't have climbed to his position by being naive.
And it was evident he kept his cards close to his chest.
Meanwhile, Madeline was searching the hall for Nolan. After mingling with Imogen and a few
familiar faces, she had been on the lookout for him, only to find him nowhere.
As Nolan stepped back through the French doors from the balcony, Madeline caught sight of him.
Her face lit up with a sweet smile, her gown rustling as she picked up the hem and grabbed a bottle
of red wine on her way to him
But what she hadn't anticipated was the gentlemanly gesture he was makingâ not for her, but for
Regina, who had emerged from the shadows behind him!
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