Chapter 645
Marcus had not expected the task of securing a pharmaceutical partner to be handled so easily.
“Mr. Lloyd, your moves today have truly impressed me,” Marcus said with a grin. “How about I treat you to a night out?”
Andrew chuckled. “Mr. Chapman, let’s head back to the office first and check on how things are going with Lauren. As for your offer, maybe tomorrow.”
Marcus nodded enthusiastically. “It’s a deal then! You can’t back out tomorrow–I insist on helping you unwind and enjoy yourself.”
Andrew teased, “Mr. Chapman, you always seem so focused on work. I never pegged you as someone who enjoyed going out and having fun. Or is this one of those ‘you never really know someone’ moments?”
Marcus laughed. “You’ve got it wrong, Mr. Lloyd. Sure, I spend most of my time on work and my daughter, but I know when to take a break and splurge on a good time. What’s the point of making all this money if you don’t enjoy yourself now and then?”
Andrew raised an eyebrow and joked, “Special experiences, huh? Care to share a few tips?”
Marcus shook his head with a wry smile. “Come on, Mr. Lloyd. You’re the underground king of Jayrodale–my little indulgences would seem trivial to you.”
Andrew thought for a moment and then said, “Mr. Chapman, you can tell Lauren about my involvement in Jayrodale’s underground scene, but don’t mention it to Tiana yet. I’ve got my reasons–frankly, I just can’t bring myself to fully trust her.”
Marcus gave a serious nod. “Understood, Mr. Lloyd. You have my word.”
Even if Andrew had not said anything, Marcus had already decided to keep today’s events to himself. Witnessing the real power behind Jayrodale’s underground world was a chilling reminder of how dangerous loose talk could be.
Besides, Marcus had gained deep respect for Andrew. In his eyes, Andrew had become a figure worthy of the same reverence as Tiana.
They drove back to Rhodes Corporation, but when they arrived, Andrew noticed Lauren was not in her office.
“Eunice, where’s Lauren?” Andrew asked, glancing at the assistant, who was busy working at her desk.
Eunice hesitated before answering quietly, “Mr. Lloyd, she went to confront Mrs. Rhodes and hasn’t returned yet. They’ve been arguing since this morning, and it’s been intense. Honestly, I’d advise you not to get involved–you don’t want to provoke Mrs. Rhodes right now.”
Andrew’s expression darkened. “Lauren is under my protection now. I don’t care if she’s up against Tiana or anyone else—no one messes with her.”
Without waiting for a response, he turned and headed straight for Tiana’s office. Eunice called after him, but he ignored her.
Frustrated, she shook her head in exasperation. Everyone in the company knew that Lauren and Tiana were at each other’s throats. Anyone caught in the crossfire risked a verbal lashing–or worse, Tiana had been known to slap people on the spot.
“Good luck, Andrew,” Eunice muttered under her breath, knowing Tiana’s temper all too well.
Inside the CEO’s office, Tiana’s face was cold and stern. “I’ve made myself clear—the top priority is to get the Pharmaceutical Division back on track. Bane has provided three exceptional formulas, and the factories will prioritize their production needs. There’s no debate on this.”
Lauren stood stiffly before the desk, her eyes blazing with defiance. “Oh, really? And what about my formulas? Are you saying they don’t matter anymore?”