Chapter 473
The crowd watched in amazement as Andrew’s arm swung like a pendulum, launching Marcus back onto the rooftop. Then, with seemingly effortless strength, Andrew pulled himself up and flipped back over the safety barrier.
“Mr. Chapman is safe! Mr. Lloyd made it back up, too!” The Rhodes Corporation employees on the rooftop erupted in joy and relief.
Several medical staff quickly secured Marcus and carried him away while Lauren rushed to Andrew’s side, circling him anxiously as she asked, “Dr. Lloyd, are you alright?”
Andrew brushed off his suit and smiled, saying, “I’m fine!”
Lauren threw her arms around him and said tearfully, “You scared me! When I saw you jump, I thought… well, if you were going to make such a dramatic gesture, it should have been for me!”
Her comment broke the solemn atmosphere, causing the gathered employees to burst into laughter.
“Mr. Lloyd, I have nothing but admiration for you!” one employee exclaimed.
“You’ve shown us what true courage looks like. I just want to say–you’re the real deal!”
Another chimed in, grinning, “No wonder Ms. Rhodes chose you. All I can say is, damn, you’re a legend!”
The Rhodes Corporation employees gained a newfound respect for Andrew. If his previous actions had shown them what it meant to be powerful, this rescue had shown them what it meant to be a hero.
Eunice approached him sheepishly and said in a low voice, “I’m sorry, Mr. Lloyd. I apologize for what I said earlier.”
Andrew waved it off and said, “Don’t worry about it. Everyone, let’s get back to work.”
When several reporters tried to enter Rhodes Corporation to interview Andrew, Lauren turned them away.
Andrew explained, “It’s better not to publicize Mr. Chapman’s situation–it would only cause him more harm.”
Lauren agreed, saying, “That’s exactly what I was thinking. Come on, let’s check on him. He’s awake now.”
In the Rhodes Corporation medical room, Andrew and Lauren found Marcus resting in bed. To their surprise, Michael and a few senior executives were already there.
Michael, wearing a concerned expression, was speaking to Marcus. “Mr. Chapman, don’t worry about anything. I’ll handle things from the top, so there’s no need for you to stress.”
He continued, “Take a few days off to rest and recover. You can return to running the Pharmaceutical Division when you’re feeling better!”
Michael’s face showed sincerity as he patted Marcus’s shoulder, but the executives behind him wore smirks that suggested they were there to mock rather than comfort.
Marcus lay pale-faced in the bed, clearly struggling to contain his emotions as he said, “Mr. Rhodes, I don’t need several days. Just give me half a day, and I can return to work in the Pharmaceutical Division.”
Michael smiled and waved his hand dismissively, saying, “Mr. Chapman, I’m giving you time off–just relax and don’t push yourself! Don’t worry, I’ll keep an eye on the Pharmaceutical Division for you.”
Marcus suddenly snapped, his tone sharper, “I think your offer to let me rest is just an excuse. You’re planning to sideline me and eventually push me out of the division altogether, aren’t you?”
Michael’s smile faltered for a moment before he recovered and said, “Mr. Chapman, you’re overthinking this. The Pharmaceutical Division has always been under your management–how could I overstep?”
As Michael and the executives turned to leave, they found Lauren and Andrew blocking the doorway.
Michael adjusted his glasses and gave Andrew a practiced smile. “Mr. Lloyd, I must say, risking your life to save someone–you’ve become the company’s hero. We’ll have to reward you for this!”