The Kiss that Sparked it All (Ellinor and Theo) novel Chapter 2900

If it weren't for the grand dining table creating a vast space between them, Imogen might have snapped her daughter out of her nonsense with a swift tap on the shoulder.

"Why put yourself through this embarrassment?" she thought. "The man doesn't even notice you, and yet here you are, fawning over him like some lovestruck puppy."

Madeline, not rushing to sip her soup, flashed a wry smile. "Sis, don't be mad at my bluntness; I'm just speaking the truth. Take today, for example. The sudden visit from my brother-in-law, and Mom and Dad were clueless. It's not exactly ideal.

The roast was barely out of the oven. If word gets out, people will gossip that the Tanners don't know the first thing about hospitality. Besides, Nolan is family. You, of all people, should understand and look out for his interests, right?"

Regina calmly swallowed her mouthful of food before lifting her gaze to meet Madeline's. The sharpness in her eyes said it all; she knew exactly what little scheme was playing out in Madeline's mind.

What good did Nolan's frequent visits do for the Tanner family? It was all just a ploy for Madeline to catch more glimpses of him. It seemed Madeline still harbored inappropriate feelings for Nolan.

After all these years, despite the Tanner family's improved financial situation, Madeline hadn't picked up a shred of decency or social grace from her time at school. A single woman openly inviting her brother-in-law over? It was scandalous and shameful, yet here she was, trying to leverage this to manipulate Regina.