The Kiss that Sparked it All novel 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.