The Kiss that Sparked it All (Ellinor and Theo) novel Chapter 2755

"Who's spreading rumors? It's all out in the open, isn't it? Everybody's talking, so why can't I? Besides, you brought this on yourself. If your mom was still around, I wouldn't have anything to say. But who told her to check out so early?

Now the task of finding someone willing to take you off our hands falls on my mom. You might not get it 'cause you don't have one, but it breaks my heart."

Madeline was smug, knowing she always had one up on Regina in this department.

But then, out of nowhere, Regina's expression changed, and teardrops started rolling down from the corners of her eyes. She was usually so composed, but now, with her eyes rimmed red from crying, she looked even more pitiable.

While Madeline was frowning, wondering what Regina was up to, a voice called out from upstairs.

"Madeline, is this how we talk to Regina?"

Madeline flinched. She turned around and the moment she saw Francis, she knew what Regina was playing at.

"Dad, when did you get back?" Madeline's smile couldn't have been more forced, and Imogen, who had been at Francis's side, wasn't looking too happy either. She reached out to link arms with Francis but he dodged her with an uplifted arm.

Francis didn't spell it out, but each question hit Imogen like a ton of bricks. She stepped forward and yanked Madeline's arm harshly. "What are you still standing there for? Go apologize to your sister! And Francis, believe me, Madeline just blurted it out without thinking. She’s not ill-natured. She's been raised by your side all these years. You should know her true nature, right?"

"Well, I can't be sure of that. After all, you can't see into people's hearts. I can't even claim to fully understand my own daughter, let alone someone else's." Francis's words plunged Imogen's heart into despair.

She pleaded, "Francis, what are you trying to say? I've been nothing but diligent in the Tanner household for so many years. I've treated your daughter well and done my duty as a mother. Now you're saying I don't get any credit for that?

Sure, she's grown up and doesn't need me, but how have I wronged the Tanners? You say you didn't care about the looks you got when you brought us into the Tanner family, but do you think it was easy for me? Do you know how they called the wicked stepmother every time I step out of here?"