Chapter 2696


    Nn didn’t crack a smile. Instead, he dropped a bombshell with a simple statement, “Everyone’s been


    saying Mr. Tanner is the epitome of fairness and impartiality. Turns out that’s actually true, treating both


    his daughters without bias, whether they’re his by blood or not.”


    Imogen’s face turned sour.


    What was this young man getting at?


    Just moments ago, she had heard that he was Mr. Harris of the Harris Group, a young CEO whose


    reputation for excellence preceded him. So why were his words loaded with such insinuation?


    Francis, too, caught the subtext in Nn’s remarks.


    Confused, he nced at Regina before looking back at Nn. As far as he knew, the two had never


    met before, yet here was Nn, seemingly taking up the cudgels on behalf of his daughter.


    Regina also looked at him, then quickly averted her gaze. Her eyes were a mystery, a tangle of


    unreadable emotions.


    What was Nn up to? Was he trying to apologize for taking her spot earlier?


    But to her, the exposure of family drama was far more embarrassing than any plea made on her behalf.


    “Dad, if you’ll excuse me, I’ll head downstairs,” Regina said stiffly, her voice as rigid as her posture.


    Nn found Regina amusing. Even in the face of such indignity, she stood tall, pretending as if nothing


    had happened. The great Regina Tanner, outmaneuvered by a non-blood rtive-Nn was curious


    whether she felt even a twinge of resentment.


    Hearing her words, Francis immediately red at her. “That’s quite rude, Regina. Mr. Harris hasn’t


    even said he’s leaving. How can you excuse yourself first? You’re the hostess, and I’ve reminded you


    time and again how grand tonight’s event is. You must be polite.”


    Then, Francis turned to Nn and apologized, “I’m so sorry, Mr. Harris, my daughter is spoiled, hence


    her brashness. Still, the party is about to begin. Shall we head down?”


    Francis had gone overboard, chastising her in front of a guest. No matter the real feelings toward his


    flesh and blood, it was uncouth to strip her of dignity in public.


    Nn’s frown deepened.


    This is property ? N?velDrama.Org.


    Regina’s straight shoulders seemed so fragile, as if they might shatter at the slightest


    “Let’s go,” he said.


    Staying with the Tanners for too long wasn’t a good idea.


    Ufortable gatherings like this deserved minimal attendance, and as for the prospective


    coboration with the Tanner family, that now required further thought.


    Francis was oblivious to the fact that he had unwittingly offended Nn. Having the hotshot of the


    social circles at his dinner was a matter of pride for Francis. Nn wasn’t known to give his time to just


    anyone.


    Around the corner of the staircase, Francis grabbed Regina’s arm. “Stick close to me tonight. I’ll


    introduce you to some key guests. You’ve already made a misstep today; don’t upset me further,


    understood?”


    Regina stiffened her neck but didn’t reply. She didn’t believe she was in the wrong.


    Those two women were masters of maniption-so quick to y the victims at the slightest hint of their


    father’s approach. It wasughable.


    Sooner orter, she was certain their true colors would show. If her father genuinely wanted to uncover


    the truth, a simple review of the security footage wouldy everything bare-it all depended on whether


    he really cared.


    “Just listen to me, will you? Stop being so stubborn. Everyone your age is wrapped up in romance,


    while you’re out there breaking your back with menial jobs. Do you really think I don’t care about you?”