The Kiss that Sparked it All

Madeline was as subtle as a bull in a china shop, wasn’t she? Didn’t it embarrass her to wear her heart on her sleeve like that?

Imogen, seeing the potential for another argument brewing, quickly stepped in to smooth things over. “Honestly, once she moves to South Hill Community, she’ll have whatever she wants at her fingertips. Emma’s cooking is legendary; whatever Regina craves, Emma will whip up in no time. You really don’t need to fuss over her, you know.

And you, dear, you could stand to put on a few pounds. Just look at how skinny you’ve gotten with all that studying-you’re practically all elbows and knees! Emma won’t be around to mother you for much longer, so you might as well appreciate it while you can.”

Imogen ladled out a bowl of soup for Madeline, but she showed no appreciation. Anything Regina approved of was automatically on her blacklist. She pushed the bowl aside so hastily that the soup almost sloshed over the rim.

Francis gave her a sharp look, which made Madeline stiffen up, though she still held her head high in defiance. Content rights by NôvelDr//ama.Org.

“Mom, I’ve told you a hundred times, this abalone is overcooked. Why do you insist on serving it to me? You should have it yourself., I can take care of my own meals,” Madeline retorted, her voice dripping with irritation.

“Oh dear, my memory isn’t what it used to be! You just mentioned you didn’t like it, and here I’ve gone and dished you up a whole bowl. If you won’t have it, I’ll take it,” Imogen sighed, feigning forgetfulness.

Francis’ face darkened. Such ungrateful behavior was intolerable, especially at the lunch table. Nolan had arrived, and here Madeline was, prattling on about whether the abalone was overcooked or not. Did she think such petty complaints made her look more discerning? She seemed to forget that every bite and sip she enjoyed was courtesy of the Tanner family. Had it not been for his decision to take them in, she likely wouldn’t even know the taste of abalone.

And yet, she dared to create discord and belittle his daughter right in front of him? She was seriously overestimating her importance.

Thankfully, Nolan paid her no mind, spooning up the soup and savoring every drop until the bowl was empty.

“The flavor is exquisite, just as expected from your taste,” Nolan complimented, much to Regina’s delight.

Regina’s eyes twinkled with pleasure, and Emma, ever efficient, quickly brought out several steaming dishes to replenish the table.

Without ceremony, Regina served Nolan the choicest morsels, urging him to try everything. She was the only one naive enough to think Nolan was there just for the meal. But Francis had other plans. He was all ears, waiting for an opportunity to broach the subject of Nolan providing another round of funding for the Tanner family.

After all, the Harris family was flush with cash, and the Harris Group was a business empire. Sharing a fraction of their wealth with the Tanners, especially now that their families were united through marriage-with his daughter as Mrs. Harris-seemed trivial. He was merely suggesting an advance on the inevitable sharing of their fortune.

Regina, who saw through her father’s motives, kept Nolan engaged in conversation and encouraged him to enjoy the meal, effectively cutting off any chance her father had to speak.

“This dish is also delicious; the ingredients come straight from our own garden. Emma picked them just before lunch; they’re as fresh as can be,” Regina said, intercepting another forkful of food and blocking her father’s impending pitch.

“Dad, stop talking and start eating. There’s plenty of food on the table. Nolan and I still have to swing by the office after this,” Regina said, feigning urgency.

Francis snorted dismissively, “Since when are you too busy to sit down and have a proper meal with your old man?”

She continued to shovel food into her mouth; acting the part of someone with no time to spare. “Dad, I am having lunch with you, aren’t I? You may not have much on your plate these days, but Nolan and I have our hands full! Now, come on, eat up. After lunch, why don’t you join Imogen for a stroll in the garden? It’ll do you good to digest and get some exercise. It’s good for the baby too.”