The Kiss that Sparked it All (Ellinor and Theo) novel Chapter 2853

Regina slammed the door to Francis' study open with such force that it echoed through the room. Francis, seated at his desk, merely lifted his gaze to meet hers. His eyebrow raised in cool reproach.

"At your age, you'd think you'd have learned a bit of decorum, Regina. Don't people knock before entering a room anymore?"

Regina stormed up to her father, her palms flat against the polished wood of his desk as she leaned forward. "Dad, what in the world are you trying to pull off? I've told you, Nolan saved me! He's explained everything to you. Why would you use that video to blackmail him when he's done nothing wrong?"

"If he truly did nothing wrong, then how could I possibly have anything to blackmail him with? You're too naive, sweetheart. You eat up whatever he tells you. But no matter how nice he seems, he's still a man. And I know men better than you ever will."

His patronizing words made Regina's skin crawl.

"I might not understand men, but I understand my friends. Nolan isn't like that. And I don't want my father to be someone who stoops to such low tactics to threaten another person. Just stop it, Dad, please. It's embarrassing enough as it is, and I don't want this to spiral out of control."

Regina pleaded, but Francis had already made up his mind. He had already brought the thing to Palmer and Aline; how could he possibly back down just because Regina objected?

"I will never marry under these conditions." Regina stood erect, her stance firm and defiant. "If getting married means relying on my father's despicable schemes to be with the man I love, then I'd rather stay single."

"Despicable? Do you have any idea what people are saying about you? About me? They're gossiping that I'm so stingy I'd sell my own daughter out, that I have no dignity left. The only way to squash these rumors is for you to marry Nolan as soon as possible. Otherwise, give it some time, and you'll find yourself with no suitors at all."

Regina was beyond words, her frustration boiling over into a cold sneer. "Am I doomed to marry? Can't a woman live a full life on her own terms?"