The Kiss that Sparked it All

Chapter 2681
The young one, growing more independent by the day, seemed to dodge every
attempt to reel her back in.
“I was hoping to get her to come home for tomorrow's dinner party, but she had
every excuse in the book. Thankfully, she finally agreed,” said Francis.
“Oh, you,” Imogen said with a chuckle, her voice tinged with affection. “You
should count your blessings that she said yes at all. Kids will be kids, after all.
They're meant to spread their wings.”
“And let's not forget Regina's internship at the newspaper,” she continued, her
smile widening. “The girl's probably up to her neck in work. And she’s so modest
about her connections to the Tanner family. She's a discreet one, that girl.”
Francis took her hand, his touch warm and reassuring. “They've all grown up,
haven't they? Flown the coop. But I've got you, my rock. You've been here
through it all, my dear. Don't think Regina's ungrateful. She's just... tied to her
biological mother’s memory.”
Imogen patted his hand softly. “Francis, we've been through thick and thin. Why
would
fret over such trivialities? I watched Regina grow up. I know her heart. And
there's nothing to apologize for. But I do wish she'd show up for the dinner. I see
other folks’ kids settling down, and there she is, running around the paper,
chasing after scoops like some kind of journalist. I may not be her birth mother,
but my love for her lacks nothing. I don’t want others to think she’s falling
behind.”
Imogen’s maternal concern made Francis feel a deep sense of gratitude. “She’s
lucky to have you. Don't worry. I've already spoken to her. She'll be at the Tanner
Mansion on time for the dinner party tomorrow night.”
“That's a relief,” Imogen replied, her voice light.
Once she was alone in her room, however, her expression fell. “That little ingrate,
just like her dead mother. I bend over backward for her, and she can’t even crack
a smile. Moves out as soon as she’s of age, and poor old Francis is left pining. If
she gets her way, she'll have the whole estate wrapped around her finger!”
The maid chimed in with a hint of gossip in her tone, “Absolutely, ma'am. The
young Miss is getting too big for her britches, barely home three days out of the
year, not like our Miss Madeline, steady as a rock and sweet-tempered.
Everyone says you've done a fine job raising her.
Don’t worry, ma'am. Given how much the old man trusts you, you'll have half the
estate secured, and Miss Madeline won't have a care in the world.”
Imogen sighed heavily, a mix of frustration and resolve in her breath. “Men
always want what they can't have...”
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09:04
Chapter 2681
The maid knew better than to engage in such personal matters, so she remained
silent.
“By the
way,
where’s Madeline now?” Imogen inquired, her tone shifting.
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The maid quickly plastered a
: : up ge
sycophantic smile on her face. “Miss
Madeline went out with some friends
from the social circle. She mentioned
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she won't be home tonight but will be
back in time for the dinner party
” :
tomorrow.” The content is on
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chapter there!
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) 5 .
Imogen'’s brows knit together in
: wp . o
displeasure. “I've reminded her time
and again how important tomorrow
night is. Why is she off gallivanting
with those people? What could she
possibly find so amusing with them?
) : . )
She's not just anyone; she's the
second daughter of the Tanner
goo 5
family.” The content is on
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chapter there!
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« , . .
Ma'am, Miss Madeline had planned
this outing a week ago, long before
5 )
we scheduled the dinner party. She's
Shi
young; it's normal for her to want a
: » 5
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chapter there!
Imogen’s frown deepened, but the maid, always perceptive, stepped forward to
ease her tension with a comforting shoulder rub.
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