"Or are you suggesting I'm being disingenuous?" Derek added with a raised brow.

Andrew quickly shook his head. "Not at all, Mr. McCormick. I admire your words and leadership. But as for a few others in the room… I can't say the same."

Quinton immediately slammed the table and sneered. "Mr. Lloyd, you should take a look at who you're talking to. Do you even deserve to speak here? You say you don't respect us? You think we'd ever look at someone like you seriously?"

Andrew remained unfazed. "Of course, I'm new to the capital. I know I'm not in your circle. But that doesn't stop me from seeing through the fake nobility and phony virtue some of you keep flaunting."

Quinton's face turned red with rage. "You son of a—"

Before he could finish, Derek calmly raised a hand. "Let him speak. I'm curious what this newcomer has to say."

Andrew did not hold back. "Mr. McCormick, those projects you're offering—everyone in here wants them like they're starving. But instead of saying that, t