The Kiss that Sparked it All (Ellinor and Theo) novel Chapter 2751

She was already in a foul mood when her phone buzzed with a message from her friend Daphne that nearly made her jaw drop: [What the—? What happened, were you harassed last night?]

The news article Daphne sent featured a photo of her in the clutches of a drunken man. How on earth did it make the front page?

And the headline was explosive: [Boozehound Brawl with Female Reporter in Fracas. Exclusive and Freshest Report Inside.]

Regina shivered, a chill running through her as if she'd been dunked into an ice-cold cellar.

She had indeed given that drunk a piece of her mind last night without giving him an inch, but the photo looked quite intimate. And with the suggestive language used in the report... she couldn't bear to think of her father's reaction upon seeing the news.

Seeing that Regina hadn't responded, Daphne didn't hesitate to call, "What in the world happened? That's really you in the article? You were harassed and you didn't tell me?"

Daphne was frantic with worry, fearing her best friend had been mistreated yet was suffering in silence.

Regina's voice quivered as she swallowed hard before replying, "Are there any other photos? Did they mention I thrashed the drunk?"

Daphne was silent for a moment, then finally said, "No, nothing like that. The article just goes on about you and that man... fooling around in public."

She bit her lip, clearly uncomfortable to say that out.

Daphne was genuinely concerned, "Your dad’s probably more worried about you than angry, not wanting you in such a risky job. But if Imogen and her daughter see it..." She sighed, "I'm afraid they'll make a fuss about this. Better brace yourself."

Regina was only concerned her father might use this as an excuse to make her quit her job, but she didn't care what Imogen might say. After all, she was still standing strong; what could they possibly do to her?

But Regina had underestimated the power of gossip.

That very afternoon, Imogen, clutching the newspaper and teetering on her high heels, rushed into Francis's office in a flurry of distress.