Chapter 559

Lauren felt indignant and wanted to say more, but Tiana’s cold voice cut her off.

“Enough. Mr. Eslinger is a specially appointed consultant for the Pharmaceutical Division. He is the foundation of Rhodes Corporation’s efforts to regain a foothold in the medical market and strengthen our competitiveness. From today onward, Marcus, all resources of the Pharmaceutical Division are to be fully allocated to Mr. Eslinger!"

Marcus glanced at Lauren and said gravely, “But Mrs. Rhodes, Ms. Rhodes also needs the Pharmaceutical Division’s resources. Dr. Lloyd is fully supporting her and will be developing new formulas. If all resources are given to Mr. Eslinger, it could impact this competition.”

Although Andrew had already provided formulas, Marcus wasn’t foolish. He knew it was wiser to keep things understated for now. The formulas Andrew had given were too valuable–rare ancient formulas, nearly unheard of. Making them public prematurely could lead to serious consequences.

Tiana dismissed his concerns coldly. “The immediate priority is for the Pharmaceutical Division to recover and regain its strength. As for Dr. Lloyd, I have little faith in him. Frankly, giving resources to him would be a waste. There’s no need to say more. The Pharmaceutical Division is to fully cooperate with Mr. Eslinger!”

Michael and Bane exchanged a smirk, their faces full of ridicule and disdain.

Marcus, feeling increasingly frustrated, was shocked by Tiana’s blatant favoritism.

Lauren remained composed but spoke icily. “Mr. Chapman, if that’s what Mrs. Rhodes has decided, then follow her instructions. After all, to her, nothing matters but profit.”

Tiana frowned. “Lauren, my decision was not meant to single you out. Mr. Eslinger is a master invited by Michael; his reputation in the medical field precedes him. And as for Dr. Lloyd, let’s not forget that he was just a small-time doctor. Now he’s idling around in our corporation. Do you really expect me to believe he can develop viable formulas? Hmph. If Dr. Lloyd could develop formulas, why would he have stayed at a minor hospital in the first place?”

Lauren responded with an icy glare. “As long as it pleases you, Mom. But let me remind you – excessive bias can blind you.”

Tiana replied calmly, “I’ve lived long enough to recognize talent from fraud. I’ve seen plenty of so-called prodigies, and I can tell the difference.”

Lauren, unwilling to continue the argument, turned and began to leave.

Tiana called out sharply, “Stop. Where are you going?”

Lauren turned back, her voice flat. “Dr. Lloyd is opening his medical center today. I’m going to support him. Is there a problem with that?”

Tiana was momentarily surprised. “He’s opening his own medical center?”

After a moment of thought, she chuckled. “So, it seems Marvin is giving his pawn a new role to play. Does he not understand that piling too much on Andrew will overwhelm him? In the end, it’ll all collapse like a house of cards and make him a laughingstock.”

Lauren replied indifferently, “That’s none of your concern.”

Tiana suddenly grinned. “I have some free time. I’ll join you to congratulate him. With me there, I can help raise his profile and lend him some credibility.”

Lauren looked at her warily. “What are you planning to do?”

Tiana’s smile deepened. “You think I’m going there to embarrass him? Don’t worry. He’s still a shareholder of Rhodes Corporation. Over the years, he’s done some things for us. I’m just going to take a look – nothing more.”

Lauren sighed, exasperated. “Do as you wish.”

Meanwhile, at the Stevens family residence in Jayrodale.

“Bruce, Jackie, gather the car. We’re heading out,” Aspen ordered, a cold smirk playing on her lips.