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?