Chapter 865
Eunice smiled reassuringly and said, “Ms. Rhodes, don’t worry—the CEO position is yours for sure!”
Marcus nodded in agreement. “That’s right, Ms. Rhodes. We all saw the effort you put in. As per our original agreement, you and Mr. Lloyd were the ones who saved the Pharmaceutical Division. So, if anyone deserves to be CEO, it’s you.”
Despite their confidence, Lauren still felt a knot of anxiety in her chest. She did not care about the title of CEO; what mattered was that if she became the CEO, she could stay in Jayrodale and take control of Rhodes Corporation.
In other words, she could escape being used as a pawn in her family’s arranged marriage plans; she would not have to be shipped off to marry into the Driscoll family in Blumedale.
Lauren made up her mind, thinking, ‘As long as I can avoid marrying into the Driscoll family, I’ll give myself to Dr. Lloyd. From now on, I’ll belong to him alone.’
Tiana’s gaze slowly swept across the entire conference room. Finally, her eyes landed on Andrew for a brief moment, and there was something mocking and playful in her expression.
Andrew’s chest tightened as a bad feeling crept in, knowing she was about to make a bold move.
“The final decision for the CEO position,” Tiana announced, her voice firm and unquestionable, “has been made by the senior leadership of the Rhodes family, and the new CEO of Rhodes Corporation will be… Michael.”
Silence crashed over the room like a thunderclap. Both sides–Michael’s supporters and Lauren’s allies–were instantly thrown into an uproar.
Marcus shot up in rage. “Mrs. Rhodes, how could you make this decision? This is completely unfair!”
Tiana gave him a cold glance, her face expressionless. “This decision wasn’t mine alone. It was made by the entire senior leadership of the Rhodes family.”
Marcus looked stunned. “Even Mr. Jameson agreed to this?”
Tiana scoffed. “What do you think? My announcement is also his decision.”
Michael burst into laughter, his face flushed red with excitement. His lackeys wasted no time showering him with flattery.
“Congratulations, Mr. Rhodes! Welcome back as CEO!”
“True talent always shines. I knew from the start that Mr. Rhodes was destined to lead us!”
“The future of the company looks brighter than ever! The Rhodes family is in good hands under your leadership!”
Michael’s triumphant laughter grew louder and more unrestrained.
Meanwhile, Lauren’s face turned pale. She stared at Tiana in disbelief, the pain and disappointment in her growing stronger by the second. She had done so much, and so did Andrew. Yet Tiana still chose to turn a blind eye and be this ruthless.
Eunice clenched her fists, her eyes red with frustration as she glared at Michael’s group. Yet, she was just a secretary–there was nothing she could do to change Tiana’s decision.
“Why?” Lauren’s voice was hoarse, barely more than a whisper.
She refused to accept this.
Tiana remained emotionless. “There is no ‘why’. This was a unanimous decision by the family. You have no choice but to accept it.”
Lauren gritted her teeth. “And if I don’t?”
Tiana’s expression turned sharp. “As a daughter of the Rhodes family, you will accept it. If you refuse, then I will have no choice but to enforce the family rules.”
Michael let out another loud laugh. “Lauren, let me tell you why. First, it’s obvious–I’m a man. It’s my duty to carry the Rhodes family’s legacy on my shoulders.
“You, on the other hand, are just a woman. No matter how capable you are, you’re meant to be married off, so the CEO position was never meant for you.”
He glanced at Andrew, deliberately drawing out his next words with a smug grin. “And second… it’s because my product was a massive success. Thanks to me, the Pharmaceutical Division made a complete turnaround.”