The Kiss that Sparked it All novel Chapter 2699

Regina suddenly turned to him, flashing a smile tinged with unmistakable sorrow.

"It's a good thing you're my audience, Nolan. Anyone else might think I'm just whining about nothing. Being born into a family like this and still feeling so down, sounds ridiculous, doesn't it?"

Nolan remained silent, his face free of any mocking expression.

After a long pause, he finally spoke, "We can't choose our birth or family, but what we do have control over is our own destiny. If you only see the chains that the surname 'Tanner' has placed on you, then you'll be trapped by them for life. But if you can see the leverage it gives you, then your life could be quite different. Of course, Ms. Tanner, you're already working hard towards your goals. Maybe you're just momentarily disheartened, and you don't need anyone else to dictate what your life should be."

Regina was taken aback, not expecting such a heartfelt conversation from their less than pleasant introduction.

"Thank you, I mean it. I didn't expect you to be so comforting. You saw it earlier; this house isn't the same one I grew up in. Often, I feel powerless against what it's become.

Maybe that's why I've been so despondent. You're right, though, the Tanner name has brought me many things, like wealth, perhaps?"

With a playful arch of her brow, Regina teased, prompting a laugh from Nolan. "You can still joke, that's a good sign, Ms. Tanner."

"Well, Mr. Harris, you're much wittier than I imagined. If it weren't for our awkward start, we might have been great friends. But as I said before, if I didn't do something, then I didn't do it. Maybe you can check your end to see if Dahlia left your seat mixed up."

Regina's candor was refreshing to Nolan, who hadn't spoken so freely with someone in a long time. Her straightforwardness spared him the task of interpreting hidden meanings, which he found quite liberating.