Irene quickly picked up the glass, smiling as she said, "Mr. Moore, no need to get upset. I'll drink in Christie's place."

She tilted her head back and downed the entire glass in one go, then turned the empty cup upside down to show Finley.

Finley's brows furrowed with clear displeasure. "Impressive drinking, ma'am, but I was asking for Ms. Stevens, not some washed-up old woman."

Irene's smile immediately vanished as her face darkened. "Mr. Moore, the Stevens family welcomed you and your men with food and drinks. Is this how you talk to your host? Back in my day, I was quite the beauty. Just because I'm older now doesn't mean I'm some 'washed-up old woman'!"

A sharp glint flickered in Finley's eyes as he scoffed. "Lady, just because you gave birth to a stunning daughter doesn't mean you get to bask in the same glory. Let's be real—if it weren't for Christina, do you think I'd waste my time stepping foot into this sad excuse of a mansion?"

He added, "Be smart and tell your dau