Settling back into the sofa, Conan smirked. "I'll let this slide since you're Ms. Stevens's brother, but let me give you a piece of advice, kid—don't judge people by appearances. Do you think I'd be this confident without backing?"

Irene defended Leroy, saying, "Aren't you just another social climber? What's the big deal?"

Conan snorted. "Old hag, you're just as blind as your son, aren't you? Why don't you ask Ms. Stevens if I'm worth the trouble? Without me, this South City project won't ev