Chapter 2697
“Seriously, why else would I go through the trouble of putting this shindig together if not to introduce you to the circle? I want everyone to know that you, Regina, are the true belle of the Tanner family!”
Madeline and Imogen exchanged a look, puzzled by his words.
Imogen flashed a practiced smile and took a few steps forward, linking her arm through Francis’.
“Regina, darling, just go with the flow. Your father has gone to great lengths to bring this crowd together, even inviting Mr. Harris! We all know these social events aren’t your cup of tea, but you’re twenty now. As the Tanner family’s leading lady, you ought to set an example for your little sister, right? You wouldn’t want to be the one to let the family down.”
Regina couldn’t help but laugh inwardly.
Since when did she get a say in the Tanner family’s affairs?
“I’m already here, aren’t I? And since when do I deserve to set an example for your daughter? It should be the other way around. Perhaps she can enlighten me on how to scrape by at Glorious International School with failing grades.”
Madeline glared at Regina. Her academic struggles were a closely guarded secret, kept from Francis who had zero tolerance for underachievement.
Sure enough, Francis’ face turned stern as he asked about Madeline’s grades.
“Didn’t I ask you to find her a tutor last time? Have you not arranged that yet? She got into Glorious International School only because I pulled some strings with the principal. You need to buck up, young lady, or you’ll let all my hard work go to waste.”
“Oh, don’t mind Regina’s wild talk. That failing grade was a one-off. After your reminder, I got Madeline a tutor straight away. She’s doing splendidly now, though not quite as brilliant as Regina,” said Imogen.
“Ha,” Regina scoffed.
“I’ve never had to worry about Regina’s grades. She’s always been top of her class, earning scholarships. We may not need the money, but we certainly can’t afford to lose face.”
Francis cast a disapproving look at Madeline who was pretending to be the picture of innocence.
Her mind wasn’t on studies; it was filled with images of Nolan, the handsome stranger she’d glimpsed earlier. Madeline hadn’t expected to find such a catch among the rich kids.
Francis was decent-looking, which was probably why Imogen had snagged him in the first place. But next to Nolan, Francis seemed utterly mundane.
Initially, Madeline had scoffed at her mother’s insistence on making a good impression. That was until she’d laid eyes on Nolan. Now, she was determined to outshine Regina and prove that pedigree wasn’t everything.
After grabbing a glass of champagne, Nolan had retreated to the balcony. He had little interest in schmoozing or being the center of attention.
People claimed they wanted to chat, but more often than not, they were itching to shove their company proposals into his hands, pressuring him to sign.
He hadn’t been alone for ten minutes before someone came out, disturbing his peace. Annoyed, he turned around, only to find a familiar face.
Regina was equally surprised to stumble upon Nolan. Both wore expressions of surprise, but Nolan’s eyes twinkled with amusement.
