The Kiss that Sparked it All (Ellinor and Theo) novel Chapter 2827

Francis looked like he'd swallowed a lemon. His face twisted in displeasure. "Enough of this," he said sharply, "This has nothing to do with Nolan. If anything happened today leaks out, whoever is responsible will be banished from the Tanner household. I mean it."

Imogen, bewildered, shot back, "What on earth are you insinuating, Francis? Aren't we all family here? Who would dare spread it out? We're all still in the dark about what's really gone down!"

Despite the cold sweat trickling down her neck, Imogen held her ground defiantly. She knew that showing any sign of weakness would only turn Francis' suspicions onto her.

Even Madeline joined in, her eyes welling up as she addressed her father. "Dad, that's really harsh. Are you ready to throw away all the years of kinship we've shared? Your words are cutting deep."

Both women were on the brink of tears, and with Regina still unconscious in the other room, Francis' headache only worsened.

"Stop it, both of you." he barked. "Do you want to make a bigger spectacle of ourselves? We'll talk at home."

Nolan, watching Francis' indecision, worried for Regina. He feared the words he had spoken earlier would come to nothing. Although Francis cared about Regina, he had no choice but to yield if the two women were involved.

While the mother and daughter duo put on their act, Nolan couldn't help but wonder if they took him for a fool.

Imogen kept dabbing at her eyes with a tissue, and Francis, with no other choice, tried to console her. "I’m sorry. I spoke out of turn earlier. I was flustered. Please don’t hold it against me. After all these years together, don't you know me by now?"

Imogen sniffled, her voice laced with hurt, "It's because I know you, Francis, that I feel so cold. After all these years, can't I warm your heart?"