Chapter 738
Lauren chuckled. “So tell me, how did you figure out that Mom felt guilty?”
Andrew smirked. “It’s simple – she was furious that Howard let himself get used by Michael. Think about it. Someone as high up as Mrs. Rhodes – would she ever tolerate someone messing with her people? That’s a slap to her face.”
He added, “But she held herself back because someone of her status – someone who practically runs Rhodes Corporation – wouldn’t lower herself to go after Michael directly. On top of that, Michael has her trust, at least on the surface. So, with no other option, she had to swallow her pride. She knew she was in the wrong, so she let me go without another word and just took Howard with her.”
Marcus nodded thoughtfully. “That actually makes a lot of sense, Mr. Lloyd. If that’s the case, then Mrs. Rhodes must be seriously displeased with Michael.”
Andrew leaned back in his chair, speaking at a leisurely pace. “It’s more than just ‘displeased.’ Think about it – Michael’s incompetence is obvious. If even we can see it, do you really think someone as calculating as Mrs. Rhodes hasn’t noticed?”
He explained, “There’s only one explanation – Mrs. Rhodes appears to be supporting Michael, even favoring him, but in reality, she’s just keeping him on a leash. The moment he outlives his usefulness, she’ll kick him to the curb.”
Lauren and Marcus exchanged glances, both a little shaken by the thought.
Marcus gulped nervously. “T-That can’t be right. If you’re telling the truth, then Mrs. Rhodes is…”
Andrew chuckled. “Let me guess – you were about to say ‘terrifying,’ right?”
Lauren let out a cold laugh. “Now that Dr. Lloyd has pointed it out, I wouldn’t be surprised if that’s exactly what’s happening. After all, my dear mother has a reputation. People call her the Iron Lady for a reason – whether it’s her own family or complete strangers, she’s ruthless either way.”
Andrew shrugged. “Whatever Mrs. Rhodes has planned, it’s none of our business. Mr. Chapman, gather your team. We’ve got a few busy days ahead of us.”
Marcus straightened up, energized. “A little hard work is nothing if we can see the light at the end of the tunnel. With you leading us, Mr. Lloyd, we’re not afraid of anything.”
Glorious Pharmaceuticals was set to ship its first batch of products in just two days, and Andrew needed to make sure everything was ready.
This was where Lauren truly shined. Everything Andrew thought of – she had already planned ahead. Moreover, everything he had not considered – she had covered those details too, down to the smallest thing.
Meanwhile, in another office, Tiana sat in her chair, staring coldly at Howard as he asked, “Do you realize what you did wrong?”
Howard hesitated. “Aunt Tiana, I-I know I messed up, but…”
Tiana’s sharp gaze cut through him. “How many times have I told you? This is a corporation. You address me as Mrs. Rhodes, not Aunt Tiana. Or do you think being my nephew makes you superior to everyone else?”
Howard shuddered. “No! I’d never think that. You brought me here to learn and prove myself, not to take shortcuts!”
Tiana’s expression softened slightly, but her tone remained icy. “I don’t want to see something like today happen again. Remember this: if you screw up again, I won’t protect you.”
Howard hesitated before blurting out, “Mrs. Rhodes, but Andrew is completely out of control! He doesn’t even respect you! Are you really going to let him get away with this?”
Tiana let out a sharp, mocking laugh. “You idiot. What made you think I fear him? I’ll tell you right now – I don’t fear Andrew. I’m just backed into a corner. And I’m only in this situation because of you!”
Howard’s eyes widened. “Mrs. Rhodes, you control the entire corporation! How could someone like Andrew possibly leave you with no options? You could get rid of him with a single order!”