The Kiss that Sparked it All

Chapter 2781

Madeline immediately slipped into the role of the dutiful daughter; her voice warmed with concern. “Mom, are you feeling alright? I noticed you looked a little pale during dinner. Do you think we should call the doctor? Dad, isn’t Mom a little pale?”

Francis nodded in agreement. “If you’re not feeling well, we should definitely get a doctor to check on you.”

Imogen forced a smile, downplaying her discomfort. “Oh, it’s nothing serious. I just dropped my spoon, that’s all. But with the weather turning chilly, you all should make sure to bundle up. Don’t catch a cold, okay? As long as our family is healthy and happy, I couldn’t ask for anything more.”

Regina kept her head down, silently nibbling on a chicken wing-the part of the bird nobody else cared for. But every time Regina came home, Emma would make it, especially for her. It was clear that the mention of Domingo struck a nerve with Imogen.

“Imogen, oh Imogen, your true colors are showing through,” Regina thought to herself.

“Mom, I know you worry about us, but you’ve got to take care of yourself too,” Madeline chimed in, biting her lip in exaggerated concern, though Imogen secretly wished she would just zip it.

“Enough already. I’m a grown woman. Don’t you think I know my own body?” Imogen retorted, exasperated.

Madeline was taken aback, not understanding why her attempt to show concern was met with such impatience.

“Oh, Mom, just remember to tell us if you’re feeling unwell,” Madeline persisted.

Imogen, fighting her irritation, had to just bear with it. Since Madeline had spoken up, Francis turned his attention to Regina, “Who were you asking me about just now? The name sounds familiar.”

“Oh, that’s Domingo. I’m working on a case that’s linked to him, so I thought I’d ask if anyone in the family knew him. But it’s probably for the best that you don’t. He’s caused a lot of families to lose their homes. He’ll get what’s coming to him soon enough,” Regina said with a hint of determination.

Francis expressed his distaste with a nod. “Such a scoundrel; how could we possibly know him? It’s good that you’re investigating. People like him deserve to be punished severely through the legal system!”

Imogen’s face turned ashen. Unable to bear the weight of the conversation, she excused herself from the table early.

Regina called after her with feigned concern, “Are you sure you’re okay? If you’re not feeling well, we should get a doctor.”

Madeline watched her with a skeptical eye, wondering what Regina was really up to.

“Don’t worry, sis. If Mom needs anything, I’ll take care of her as her daughter should. Dad, I’ve had enough to eat too. I’m going to check on Mom.”

Francis nodded. “Take good care of your mother and call the doctor if it’s necessary.”

“I will.”

When Madeline knocked and entered Imogen’s room, she found her mother sitting in the corner of the bed, arms wrapped around herself, lost in thought.

“Mom, what happened at the dinner table? You looked like you saw a ghost as soon as Regina started talking. Are you afraid of her or something?” Owned by NôvelDrama.Org.

Imogen frowned deeply, her disappointment in her daughter evident. “When will you learn to read the room? I gave you a signal to stop bringing up my health, and you just had to keep going, making Francis ask about it, too. I’m fine, really. What could possibly be wrong?”