Chapter 647
Lauren and Michael both fell silent, tension hanging in the air.
Tiana gave Lauren a mocking smile. “You really have a knack for siding with outsiders, don’t you? What’s the matter? Just because Andrew spent a few billion dollars, you feel the need to defend him?”
“Listen, Lauren, you’re the Rhodes family’s heiress. Family interests come before anything else,” Tiana continued coldly. “Do you honestly think Andrew threw billions around just because he cares about you? No. He has his own hidden agenda and ambitions.”
She gave a disdainful scoff. “He wants you. He wants to use you to establish a connection with the Rhodes family. Wake up, Lauren. Don’t be so naive.”
Lauren’s face remained emotionless. “I’m fully aware of who truly cares about me. So, I’m sorry, Mom, but I don’t agree with you.”
Tiana’s expression hardened. “Whether you agree or not, I don’t care anymore. The decision is final. The factories will prioritize Bane and the Pharmaceutical Division’s projects. If you believe Andrew can turn things around, then let him prove it.”
Lauren’s voice rose in anger. “How is he supposed to prove anything if you won’t even let the factories produce my formulas?”
Tiana sneered. “If Andrew is as capable as you claim, let him figure it out himself.”
Just then, the office door swung open, and Andrew walked in with an icy expression.
Michael, who had been itching for a fight, exploded in rage. “Who the hell let you in? Get out! This is a Rhodes family meeting. What right do you have to be here?”
Andrew motioned with his hand, his voice cold. “What right? Come over here, and I’ll show you.”
Michael gritted his teeth and stomped toward Andrew. “Oh, I’m coming. Let’s see what you’ve got!”
“Here’s the truth, Andrew—you’re nothing but a pile of shit to the Rhodes family,” Michael spat venomously.
Before Michael could finish, Andrew slapped him. Michael let out a pained howl as he was sent flying back three meters and crashed to the ground.
“You hit me? In front of Aunt Tiana?” Michael screamed as he scrambled to his feet, clutching his bruised face. His eyes blazed with fury. “You’re dead, Andrew! I swear I’ll kill you today!”
Andrew’s eyes flashed with a deadly gleam. He strode forward and slapped Michael twice more, sending teeth, spit, and blood flying. Michael stumbled back, utterly humiliated.
Andrew stood over him, his voice cold and detached. “Listen carefully. You’re not the CEO anymore. So what makes you think you can act tough?”
“Second,” Andrew added, his eyes narrowing, “you seem to forget that I hold a five-billion-dollar stake in Rhodes Corporation. You think you can just insult a major shareholder without consequences? Mrs. Rhodes being here won’t save you. In fact, I was about to ask her to weigh in on your behavior.”
Turning to Tiana, Andrew spoke calmly, “Mrs. Rhodes, Michael attacked me without provocation. Don’t you think you should step in and handle this? Or has Rhodes Corporation become so rotten that your family can bully whoever they want without repercussions?”
Tiana crossed her arms and gave a cold laugh. “Mr. Lloyd, are you trying to put me in a corner with that question?”
Andrew’s tone remained even. “Not at all. I’m simply wondering if Rhodes Corporation has decayed beyond repair. If so, I can always pull my investment and walk away.”