Chapter 421
Michael had already claimed the head position in the large conference room, surrounded by his sycophants, who wore ingratiating smiles.
“Lauren, it’s been a while since you’ve been to the corporation. Do you even remember how to work?” Michael said with exaggerated cheerfulness when Lauren entered.
He added, “If not, you can just stay in your office, get your nails done, take care of your skin, and leave when the day’s over. I don’t want to pressure you.”
The room fell silent instantly as the executives sensed the tension between Michael and Lauren.
Lauren stared at Michael coldly and retorted, “Michael, you’ve just taken my position, and you’re already acting like someone drunk on their newfound power.”
Lauren smirked as Michael’s expression darkened. “Everyone in the family and company knows which of us is more qualified to be CEO. You’ve only been in charge for a couple of weeks, and you’re already so full of yourself–clearly, you’ll never amount to much.”
Michael snorted. “Lauren, watch your tone. At the end of the day, I’m not only your cousin, but I’m also your superior. I can discipline you for your disobedience!”
“Go ahead, do it now,” Lauren challenged fearlessly. “Remove me from my vice CEO position, and then the company will be all yours.”
Michael’s hand on the table tensed visibly, revealing his inner rage. He quickly composed himself and replied, “Lauren, we’re family. Even though you speak to me like this, I can’t bring myself to do that. Besides, if I didn’t even leave you a position, those old folks in the family would give me grief.”
Lauren remained silent, feeling helpless and wronged beneath her icy exterior. In the end, the family gradually stripped away everything she owned simply because she was a woman.
She had devoted so much to Rhodes Corporation, and now Michael was reaping all the benefits.
Andrew suddenly laughed from his seat beside Lauren. “How interesting. An incompetent fool sits in the CEO’s chair, throwing his weight around and persecuting his own family. Meanwhile, Ms. Rhodes, who’s proven herself in both capability and talent, is forced to step down. Are the decision-makers at Rhodes Corporation and the Rhodes family all blind?”
After his statement, the entire room fell so silent you could hear a pin drop.
Eunice’s face, pale with fear, was the first to react angrily. “What nonsense are you spouting? Apologize to Mr. Rhodes and get out right now!”
Marcus sat nearby, his face dark with worry. Though he had already overestimated Andrew’s boldness and recklessness, he now realized the man was a complete madman who did not care about consequences.
After all, this was Rhodes Corporation’s conference room, filled with the city’s most influential executives–each one a power player in Jayrodale.