too late for a second chance novel (Lila and Dorian)

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.

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 glance at Cole, he

instructed, "Make sure Mr. Andy

finishes every drop. I have lunch

plans with my wife. Enjoy the event,

everyone."

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

Meanwhile, Cole remained in place, 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 Lila yesterday.

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

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 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—" noveldrama

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

already?"