The Kiss that Sparked it All

Imogen muttered under her breath, clearly annoyed, “Why is it too soon when it comes to my daughter? If Regina’s not the right fit, why not consider Madeline? After all, she’s a Tanner now, and if she and Nolan hit it off, it would only bolster the Tanner legacy. Francis, don’t forget, our company’s been downsizing for three years straight, and our profits are on the decline. You’ve got to take this seriously-the Tanner shine can’t fade on our watch.”

Imogen’s words hit Francis like a hammer to the heart.

Indeed, the worry that the Tanner prestige might end with his generation was always lurking in his mind. Since his grandfather’s time, the Tanner family had been on an upswing. How could it possibly stall during his era?

“You’re right, Madeline is my daughter too, no different. And you know what? If I really wanted Nolan to marry a Tanner girl, it’s not like I don’t have a trick or two up my sleeve.” Original content from NôvelDrama.Org.

Imogen’s heart pounded almost audibly. She knew the family secret all too well, yet she feigned ignorance. “Oh, is there a way to ensure Nolan marries a Tanner girl? That would be splendid! With Nolan at the helm, our family business is bound to scale new heights.”

Hearing Imogen talk like that didn’t upset Francis. His eyes were solely on the future of the Tanner family.

Strength begets strength, and although the Tanners were in decline, they had amassed a fortune that marrying a Tanner girl wouldn’t be a bad deal for Nolan.

At this, Regina quietly excused herself; she had no desire to listen to any more of their conversation.

Once back in her room, Regina let out a sigh. To think that even a successful man like Nolan could be caught up in this tide of arranged marriages.

In the end, none of them were truly free.

Meanwhile, at Nolan’s house, facing an onslaught from two elders and a pair of middle-aged folks, Nolan didn’t dare lift his head during dinner.

“Nolan, I don’t mean to nag, but I’m pushing 80 you know? All I want is to see my grandson take the plunge. Am I wrong to wish for that?” said Nolan’s grandmother.

Nolan cleared his throat, “Not at all.”

His grandfather Preston Harris kept a stern face. “Then why haven’t seen a granddaughter-in-law yet? Look at the others; they bring home any Tom, Dick, or Harry. And you? I haven’t seen as much as a shadow. If you hadn’t had a little sweetheart when you were younger, I’d be questioning your leanings.”

At that, Nolan choked, coughing continuously.

His grandmother, looking concerned, handed him a glass of water. “Eat slowly, honey. No one’s racing you.”

“It’s not my fault, how could I know Grandpa was so ahead of his time with his shocking statements?”

But to Nolan’s jest, Preston just harrumphed loudly.

His father Palmer Harris turned the page of his newspaper and said, “Love is all about fate, timing, and chemistry. It doesn’t just happen on demand. Dad, stop pressuring Nolan, and one day he might actually bring home a grandson-in-law for you.”

Preston rolled his eyes dramatically. “Even a grandson-in-law is better than nothing. I’m over 80, for heaven’s sake. How many years do you think I have left?”