Chapter 539
Lauren tugged lightly on Andrew’s sleeve, her voice low and cautious. “Dr. Lloyd, let it go. She despises anyone questioning her decisions.”
Michael let out a mocking laugh, his tone dripping with disdain. “Andrew, you’ve got some nerve! Aunt Tiana isn’t just the Rhodes family’s matriarch; she now holds absolute authority over this corporation. And you think you can strut in here, questioning her with your puny board member title like it’s some golden ticket?”
The other executives quickly joined in, eager to pile on.
“Mr. Lloyd, it was one thing for you to act high and mighty before, but you’re out of line speaking this way to Mrs. Rhodes.”
“Clearly, Mr. Lloyd doesn’t grasp Mrs. Rhodes’ power. Let me enlighten you–one word from her, and your precious board position is history.”
“Mrs. Rhodes shouldn’t waste her time on this clown. If not for Ms. Rhodes shielding him, who knows how much trouble he’d have caused by now?”
Tiana remained calm, her icy demeanor unshaken as her sharp gaze locked onto Andrew. “The head of the family has entrusted me with full control over the Layrodale estate and Rhodes Corporation while they handle matters in Blumedale. Do you understand what that means, Mr. Lloyd?”
Her voice grew colder as she continued. “You’re the first person bold enough to challenge my authority openly.”
Andrew raised an eyebrow, his expression composed. “I wouldn’t call it a challenge, Mrs. Rhodes. I’m merely pointing out the flaws and injustices in your decisions. As a board member–or even just an employee–I have both the right and the responsibility to speak up when I see something wrong.”
Ignoring the growing tension in the room, Andrew went on. “That said, Rhodes Corporation is a family-run business. If you’re intent on ruling with an iron fist, disregarding fairness and logic, then there’s nothing more to discuss.”
Tiana’s lips curled into a frosty smile, her tone laced with sarcasm. “You’re quite the clever one. Are you suggesting I’m being unreasonable, throwing my weight around?”
Andrew did not miss a beat. “I never said that, but if the shoe fits…” He gave a casual shrug, his tone calm but pointed.
Michael’s patience snapped. “Guards, throw him out! This board member thinks he’s above everyone else!”
The other executives, emboldened by Michael, sneered at Andrew.
“This guy’s really outdone himself now. Just because he’s a board member, he thinks he’s someone to question Mrs. Rhodes–does he have a death wish?”
To them, Andrew’s days of comfort and safety were clearly numbered. Even Michael, the company’s former CEO and a prominent member of the Rhodes family, had to bow his head and tread lightly in her presence.
The truth was that Tiana’s power did not just come from her position as Mrs. Rhodes. Her family background carried even more weight.
She hailed from the Gabo Creek region, where her family held high-ranking status within the infamous Onyx Serpents, one of the top three martial sects in the area. It was said that even the leader of the Onyx Serpents showed her the utmost respect, treating her as an elder of the organization.
“Mr. Lloyd’s words may have been harsh,” Lauren interjected suddenly, her voice steady and firm, “but I don’t think they warrant any sort of retaliation.”
She stepped forward, standing directly between Andrew and Tiana. Her tone was resolute as she said, “Let’s not forget that Mr. Lloyd just did the company a massive favor. He uncovered Troy’s betrayal and prevented further damage to Rhodes Corporation. Moving against him now would be nothing short of biting the hand that feeds you.”
Tiana responded with a cold, humorless chuckle. “Oh? It seems you’re quite protective of him.”
She waved a hand, signaling the rest of the executives to step back, leaving just her, Lauren, and Andrew in the spotlight.
Fixing her sharp gaze on Andrew, she said with an air of calm menace, “Rest assured, I won’t touch you without a good reason, nor will I make things unnecessarily difficult for you. But since you’ve accused me of being unfair, I’m genuinely curious to hear what brilliant insights you think you have, Mr. Lloyd. Go ahead–enlighten me.”