The Kiss that Sparked it All (Ellinor and Theo) novel Chapter 2890

Regina took a deep breath, steeling herself for whatever drama awaited her upstairs with Madeline. It seemed Imogen had come prepared today, and there was no telling what kind of mood Madeline would be in.

But what's done is done, she thought to herself. There's no use fretting over it now.

Knock, knock, knock.

"Madeline, Dad's calling you down for lunch. Mom's getting hungry."

The moment Madeline heard Regina's voice, she became irritable. "Alright, I heard you! Just go downstairs."

Regina didn't wait to see if Madeline actually followed; after hearing her acknowledgment, she rushed back down the stairs.

Imogen looked surprised to see Regina return alone and took a seat at the dining table. "Regina, I sent you to fetch Madeline. Why hasn’t she come down?"

"I called her, and she said she heard me—that’s why I came back down."

"Is that so?" Imogen kept glancing upstairs, but there was no sign of Madeline. Regina also shot a quick look upward.

"Did you slack off and not actually call for Madeline? If she heard you, she would've shown up by now," Francis suddenly interjected, his voice laced with suspicion.

Regina was exasperated. "Dad, what are you talking about? If I were slacking off, I wouldn’t have climbed the stairs in the first place. I told you, I called her. If she isn’t here, that’s on her. Why are you blaming me?"

Francis slammed his plate down on the table. "Your temper is getting worse by the day. Do you think marrying into the Harris family makes you some kind of big shot? I ask you one thing, and you talk back three. Is that any way to respect your elders?"