Kieran gave a slight nod in response to the formal pleasantries.


    Seeing that his attitude remained civil, Harrison signaled for Faith to continue


    making an effort.


    "This is only natural. After all, the Moore family must see this coboration as


    highly important to have sent both of their sessors. I''m honored," Kieran said


    with a faint smile.


    His gaze shifted toward Andy, who had been silent the entire time.


    "Just now, Mr. Harrison had Ms. Moore pour me a drink. Shouldn''t the Moore


    family''s young master contribute as well? Otherwise, wouldn''t it seem as if Mr.


    Harrison favors Ms. Moore, allowing her to interact with Morgan Group while


    treating Mr. Andy like he''s invisible?"


    Harrison froze.


    People exchanged nces, their expressions subtly changing.


    It was clear to everyone that Faith hadn''t been asked to pour the drink to involve


    her in the partnership. She had merely been treated like a glorified waitress, a


    way for Harrison to belittle her.


    Kieran obviously understood that. So why was he reframing it in that way?


    Standing on the sidelines, Amelia frowned deeply.


    Kieran wouldn''t be deliberately raising Faith''s status, would he?


    If he was... then with just a few words, he was publicly signaling that she had


    Morgan Group''s backing.


    Faith, too, was stunned. First L had spoken up for her, and now... Kieran?


    Andy wanted tosh out but held himself back, remembering Harrison''s warning—


    they couldn''t afford to offend Kieran.


    This deal had to go smoothly. Only then could he secure his position as the


    rightful heir of the Moore family.


    There was no way he would let Faith keep stepping all over him.


    Harrison forced out a chuckle. "Mr. Morgan, what exactly do you mean?"


    Kieran casually slid the five filled sses forward, one by one.


    "Everyone knows I don''t handle alcohol well, so these will have to go to Mr. Andy


    instead."


    Silence. Then whispers erupted across the room.


    Five sses. An entire bottle of liquor.


    And not just any liquor—high-proof alcohol.


    If Andy drank all of that, he might need a hospital visit to get his stomach pumped.


    Andy, of course, couldn''t take this humiliation, but Harrison held him down with an


    iron grip, forcing a strained smile onto his face.


    "Mr. Morgan, isn''t this joke a little too much?"


    Kieran casually adjusted his sleeve, his movements unhurried. "Do I look like I''m


    joking?"


    Then, with a nce at Cole, he


    instructed, "Make sure Mr. Andy


    finishes every drop. I have lunch


    ns with my wife. Enjoy the event,


    everyone."


    The crowd instinctively parted, making way for him as he exited.


    Meanwhile, Cole remained in ce, his eyes locked on Andy. "Please, go ahead."


    At this point, how could Harrison not see it?


    This wasn''t about Faith at all. Kieran was punishing Andy for what had happened


    with L yesterday.


    Harrison''s expression darkened, and he shot Faith a furious re.


    Useless. She couldn''t even secure a man, and now the Moore family had to suffer


    public humiliation because of her.


    Cole, ever professional, reminded them calmly, "Mr. Morgan specifically said, this


    is for Mr. Andy alone."


    As Kieran made his way out, his gaze swept across the room andnded briefly


    on Amelia. She immediately looked away, pretending not to notice.


    Just then, Vince approached from behind and gave Kieran a polite nod before


    turning to Amelia.


    "Mr. Joyce and other rtives just finalized dinner ns tonight. They want us to


    join them."


    Amelia frowned. "Why so sudden?"


    She followed Vince out, then lowered her voice. "Vince, what exactly are you


    thinking?"


    Vince came to a stop and met her gaze, his expression calm and serious. "I''m not


    thinking about anything. I just want to take responsibility."


    Amelia reacted as if she''d been electrocuted.


    Her entire posture stiffened before


    she snapped. "I don''t need you to


    take responsibility! I''ve already said


    it once, and I''ll say it again, I don''t


    need it! That night, we were both


    drunk. We''re adults. It was mutual


    fun, what is there to ''take


    responsibility'' for?"


    Vince studied her for a moment,


    then let out a low chuckle. "You talk


    like you''re some kind of expert in


    these things. But that night, you


    were clearly—"


    Before he could finish, Amelia pped a hand over his mouth. "Would you shut up


    already?"