The Kiss that Sparked it All

Was Francis still considering Regina his flesh and blood, or were his latter years now pinned on the unborn child in Imogen’s womb, whose gender was yet to be revealed?

Nolan didn’t 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. “What’s this about? Shouldn’t you be putting more energy into finding your wife? What business do you have barging into my house?”

He was still holding a grudge against Nolan for hanging up on him twice before.

Meanwhile, Madeline couldn’t help but avert her gaze upon locking eyes with Nolan.

Imogen instinctively held her belly tighter.

Nolan’s suspicions were confirmed upon seeing Madeline’s 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 didn’t even spare Regina’s biological father from his list of suspects. He didn’t trust the man one bit.

“Why am I here? I’m 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 she’s safe?”

Imogen, under pressure, responded, “Don’t blame your father-in-law. It’s just my preg cravings. I can’t be starving, so they thought to sit down with me for a bit of food. Besides, haven’t you been doing everything to find Regina? We can’t be of much help, s we’re taking care of ourselves first. Regina

wouldn’t want to come back to us all sick wit worry over her, would she? She’s always been kind- hearted, I know that.”

“Huh,” Nolan scoffed, “All the nice words are yours to say. Now that Regina is missing, you’re colder than strangers. Don’t worry, when she’s back, I’ll 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?”

Nolan stared into her eyes, but Madeline only glanced back, forcing a small smile, unwilling to meet his gaze.

“Why are you staring at me like that?” she asked, tucking her hair behind her ear again. “Regina is strong; she has a guardian angel, so nothing will happen to her.”

“Even the strongest guardian angel can’t protect her if someone’s out to harm her. I just need a straight answer from you- Regina will come back safe and sound.”

Francis, not a fool, realized something was amiss from Nolan’s pressing questions.

He slammed his hand on the table, standing up. “Madeline, don’t tell me you’re involved in this!” Contentt bel0ngs to N0ve/lDrâ/ma.O(r)g!

Madeline, with a face full of horror, looked up and began to defend herself, “Dad, what are you saying? How could you doubt me like this, even if you don’t trust me? How could I possibly be involved in this?”