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 collaboration as highly important to have sent both of their successors. 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 glances, 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 Lila had spoken up for her, and now… Kieran?
Andy wanted to lash 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 glasses 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 glasses. An entire bottle of liquor.
And not just any liquor—high-proof alcohol.
As Kieran made his way out, his gaze swept across the room and landed 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 relatives just finalized dinner plans 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 slapped a hand over his mouth. "Would you shut up already?"
Comments
The readers' comments on the novel: too late for a second chance novel (Lila and Dorian)