Chapter 2706
“I’m only going to say this once. I didn’t do it. No matter how much you and your mother try to frame me, I didn’t do it. I don’t know what tricks you used to tamper with the security footage, but Dad, I’m telling you, I’m innocent. And if you’re really willing to doubt your own daughter, then I guess there’s nothing more I can do.”
Regina’s face was a mask of calm as she gave her father, Francis, one last chance to believe her.
After Regina’s declaration, Francis had to quickly brush the incident aside, especially with a roomful of onlookers eager to gossip about their family’s misfortunes.
“Alright, alright, maybe you just misplaced the bracelet, honey? Could’ve slipped under a table or something, right? Let’s have the staff look for it and everybody else, no need to stick around for this. It was just a little joke between my wife and daughter, let’s call it a night.”
He was desperate to send the other guests away before any more damage could be done to their reputation, but Imogen was relentless. Francis, I didn’t mean to make a big deal out of this. I just want an apology from Regina is that so hard? I know I’m her stepmother, and no matter what I do, people will always label me as such. But haven’t I been good enough to her? Why does she treat me this way? Ever since I married into the Tanner family, I’ve been swallowing my pride. Now even my mother’s heirloom is gone, am I supposed to just let that go too?”
Imogen played the part of the tearful victim perfectly, her sobs tugging at any man’s heartstrings – not to mention an aging Francis who craved this kind of dependency more than ever.
“Since Imogen feels so strongly about this, Regina, come here and apologize. We’ll discuss the rest as a family later.”
Agnes was stunned.
Was this really how Francis handled family matters? She could hardly imagine how much Regina had suffered over the years.
“Francis, you can’t be serious. Just because your new wife bats her eyelashes at you, you’re forcing Regina to apologize? There’s no conclusive evidence that she did anything wrong, and yet you’re pressuring your own daughter. Don’t you think that’s a bit harsh?”
Agnes came from an influential family herself and knew the Tanners from way back. She didn’t mince her words, but Francis could hardly stand being called out in front of everyone.
“Enough, Agnes. This is our family business. Stay out of it.”
Imogen, buried in Francis’ embrace, flashed a smug smile.
Agnes tried to interject, but Regina gently pulled her back, giving her a reassuring smile and said, “It’s okay, Agnes. I know you care about me.”
Yet, when Regina turned to face the “loving” couple, her expression hardened.
“Imogen, I may not be as skilled in drama as you, able to summon tears on command in front of an audience. But one thing’s for sure I won’t admit to something I didn’t do, no matter how much I’m pressed.”
With that, she turned to address the guests, her smile returning, “I’m truly sorry for this spectacle. We’ll handle the rest internally. It’s getting late. You should head home..”
