Chapter 531
Lauren let out a giggle. “Dr. Lloyd, you practically scared Troy half to death.”
Andrew shook his head. “I wasn’t just trying to scare him. There’s genuinely a faint odor of decay on him. It’s not as strong as Ruby’s, but it’s there, which means he’s already infected with something.”
Lauren looked stunned. “You think that horny fool might actually have HIV?”
Andrew chuckled lightly. “HIV is terrifying, but its spread is relatively well-controlled these days. As for Troy, we’ll need a hospital checkup to confirm. Whether it’s HIV or something else, his situation doesn’t look good.”
With that, the two did not linger and returned to Rhodes Corporation. Over at the Pharmaceutical Division, preparations for the Amberpeak Corporation collaboration were in full swing.
Michael was beaming with energy, treating the project as his crowning achievement since becoming CEO. In his mind, the successful conclusion of this deal would solidify his position in the family, earning him applause from the upper echelons.
He could not help but see it as a crucial stepping stone to eventually claim the title of Rhodes family patriarch.
In contrast, Michael scoffed at the thought of Lauren, believing that his dear cousin had become irrelevant, and she was not even a challenge anymore. With the company completely under his control, she was just a placeholder vice CEO–nothing more than a soon-to-be married-off pawn of the family.
Like Marcus, most of Lauren’s allies had already been pushed out of key positions. Michael felt secure, confident that his grip on the company was stronger than ever.
Reclining in his office chair with his legs crossed, he enjoyed a massage from Cindy, his secretary. For the first time in a while, he felt utterly relaxed.
Michael laughed. “Troy is such a gem. Through sheer determination in bed, he managed to secure Ruby. Honestly, I’m a little jealous of him!”
Always attuned to Michael’s moods, Cindy smiled sweetly and teased, “Mr. Rhodes, it sounds like you might have a little interest in Ms. Dickinson yourself."
Michael did not bother hiding it. “Of course, I do. Ruby’s stunning–sharp, gorgeous, and sexy as hell. Who wouldn’t be interested?”
He sighed dramatically. “But here’s the thing. As CEO, I can’t afford for people to think I’m sharing a woman with Troy, of all people. Imagine the rumors—it'd look like I’m scraping the bottom of the barrel. My reputation would take a hit.”
Cindy nodded, offering advice. “You’re right. For the sake of your image, it’s best to keep your distance from Ruby.”
Michael smirked and squeezed Cindy’s stocking-clad rear firmly, making her wince. He laughed as he released her.
“I may not be able to bed Ruby myself, but I’ve already told Troy to give me all the juicy details about their time together. Sometimes, hearing the play-by-play can be just as thrilling.”
Cindy forced a laugh, though inwardly, she was disturbed. She thought these rich boys were on another level of depravity. While she had sold her body for status, even she could not sink to their level.
Suddenly, the office door burst open, and a subordinate rushed in, looking frantic.
Michael’s relaxed mood evaporated, and he scowled. "Didn’t I say not to disturb me unless it’s something important? Cindy and I are in the middle of… discussing serious business."
Ignoring the scene entirely, the subordinate blurted out, “Mr. Rhodes, we’ve got a problem!”
Michael frowned. “What now?”
The subordinate hesitated, then delivered the shocking news. “It’s Mr. MacAfee. He’s gone mad! He ran to Ms. Rhodes’s office, got down on his knees, and started begging Andrew to save him. He’s screaming that he doesn’t want to… rot away!”