The Kiss that Sparked it All

Chapter 2896

“Did I ask for your opinion?” Nolan turned his head, giving Madeline a fleeting glance that seemed to splash her excitement with icy water.

Madeline’s words got stuck in her throat as if the chill from his gaze had frozen them

solid.

Imogen, feeling a mixture of frustration and sympathy, nudged her daughter, who stood frozen in place. The girl had a penchant for the spotlight, but she had to learn when to step back. Nolan wasn’t someone she could just approach on a whim. Hadn’t she seen the fire in his eyes when he caught sight of Regina’s bruised face?

Madeline was too quick to defend Francis, not using her head. Imogen’s heart softened, though; after all, Nolan was her daughter’s first crush, and it pained her to see Madeline so heartbroken, especially since Francis had so hastily matched Regina with him.

Imogen simmered with resentment. Why should that woman’s daughter be so lucky to land Nolan? He was supposed to be the perfect catch for her own girl!

had she? No matter what, Nolan wouldn’t fall for a girl of her status, even if he wasn’t with

was snobbish, but Madeline, despite years under his roof, couldn’t hold a candle to his eldest. She was all about looks, neglecting her studies entirely.

would try to pull the wool over his eyes on her daughter’s behalf. But what did it matter to

seemed, she wasn’t his to count on in his old age.

hopes were pinned on Imogen, giving him a

name.

gaze. The half of her face that had been struck was

it is,” she

you telling me

it, her father hastily interjected, “Not at all. I never lay a hand on Regina, I just lost my temper today, that’s all. You know I wouldn’t take my anger out on my

savvy servant had already set out fresh fork and plates

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