Chapter 543
Andrew maintained his composure and said, “I wouldn’t call it singing my own praises, but if there’s merit, then rewards must follow. Troy’s leak of the formula, and the Weller family’s previous schemes against Rhodes Pharmaceutical–if I may say so, I contributed significantly to resolving those issues.”
Pausing briefly, Andrew dropped a bombshell, “I don’t dare ask for much, but Madam, why not make me the CEO of Rhodes Corporation?”
The moment those words left his mouth, it wasn’t just Michael and his loyal supporters who were stunned—Lauren herself was left speechless.
Andrew wanted to be the CEO of the corporation? Wasn’t that an ambition far too bold?
Michael’s face twisted in fury. “Andrew, you really have no shame, do you? CEO of Rhodes Corporation? Why not go all the way and just rename the company to Lloyd Corporation while you’re at it?”
Andrew replied earnestly, “Mr. Rhodes, while that idea is brilliant, it doesn’t align with ethical principles. So I’m afraid I must decline your suggestion.”
Michael was so furious he almost coughed up blood on the spot.
His remark had been sarcastic, rhetorical—a figure of speech. But Andrew took it literally? How thick-skinned could one man be?
“If nothing else, Mr. Lloyd’s shamelessness is truly unparalleled. I bow before his audacity. There’s an old saying: ‘Clear waters have no fish, and the shameless has no equal.’ Mr. Lloyd’s art of shamelessness surpasses even that of the legendary poet!”
“Andrew, do you even hear yourself? Asking to be CEO of Rhodes Corporation? Do you think that’s even remotely possible? No matter how you rank it, it’ll never be your turn!”
Executives and veteran employees chimed in with sneers and laughter, mocking Andrew’s seemingly outlandish request. The idea of Andrew becoming CEO? It would only happen if the sun rose in the west.
Tiana’s voice was icy as she spoke, “So this is Marvin’s pawn. I see the game is unraveling faster than I expected. Unfortunately for you, Mr. Lloyd, the CEO position of Rhodes Corporation is reserved strictly for family members. So don’t even think about it.”
What shocked everyone was Andrew’s calm reaction. Instead of anger, he smiled and said, “You’re absolutely right, Mrs. Rhodes. The CEO position is for family members only. So, since I’m not eligible, Ms. Rhodes is the most suitable choice.”
Michael immediately shouted, “I object!”
Andrew remained unfazed. “Mr. Rhodes, please remember that your position as vice CEO is still in question. On what grounds are you objecting to this?”
Michael roared, “You-!”
Tiana cut in sharply. “Enough! Everyone, shut up.”
“The CEO position,” she declared, “will remain with me for now. There won’t be any other appointments.”
Andrew shrugged. “So, Mrs. Rhodes, after all this talk of merit and rewards, you’re telling me there’s nothing to reward?”
Even Tiana’s typically calm demeanor faltered under Andrew’s relentless pressure. Irritated, she snapped, “I’d naturally reward those who contribute to the company. But how I choose to reward them is my business, Mr. Lloyd. You have no say in it.”
Andrew countered, “I’m not interfering. I’m just asking. When will you reward the contributions? And with what?”
Tiana frowned. “Andrew, that’s enough. I’ve already given you plenty of what you want. Don’t push your luck.”
The other executives exchanged glances, some annoyed but others secretly impressed.
Andrew’s boldness might seem reckless, but to push Tiana this far? That took guts–maybe even a stroke of foolish luck.
Andrew shook his head and chuckled coldly. “At the end of the day, all this talk boils down to one thing: Mrs. Rhodes is only interested in punishments, not rewards. I see that clearly now.”