Rising from the Ashes (Andrew and Lauren)

Michael felt a deep sense of frustration creeping up and let out a cold laugh. "Aunt Tiana, of all people, Andrew is the last person you should be asking for help. Who does he think he is? Like he could actually save Rhodes Corporation? The moment trouble showed up, he disappeared without a trace!"noveldrama

Tiana smirked. “Oh? So if Andrew isn't capable, does that mean you are?" Tell you what-if you can contain the media backlash and turn the pharmaceutical division around, I'll make you CEO on the spot. How about that?"

Michael's face darkened immediately. While Tiana made it sound like she was giving him an opportunity, in reality, she was humiliating him in front of everyone.

Her words did not just question his abilities-they made it clear to the entire room that Michael simply was not on Andrew's level.

That was the only reason she could afford to make such an offer.

Michael clenched his teeth. "Fine, Aunt Tiana. I admit, I can't fix this mess. But Andrew? He's even worse-he doesn't deserve the position either!"

Tiana chuckled, her laughter dripping with mockery.

Michael's face flushed with anger-was she really looking down on him that much?

Tiana turned to Marcus. "Mr. Chapman, call Andrew again. This time, I'll speak to him myself."

The entire boardroom fell into stunned silence, wondering if she was personally asking Andrew to come back. No one would have thought they would see the day.

After all, Tiana held the highest authority in Rhodes Corporation, and there was no reason for her to lower herself to plead with a mere board member. With that, they all wondered what was so special about Andrew.

One of the senior executives, an old-timer who had been beaten up by Andrew twice before, immediately spoke up. "Mrs. Rhodes, the company is in trouble, and we should work together to find a solution. But having you personally ask for help? That's unacceptable! It would make all of us look like failures, and worse, it would damage your dignity!"

Another executive quickly chimed in. "Exactly! Mrs. Rhodes, you represent the entire company, and more importantly, you carry the Rhodes family's name. If someone has to ask for help, it should be us, your subordinates."

"That's right! No matter how desperate we are, we can't let you lower yourself to this level. If anyone has to grovel, it should be us!"

As the room erupted with passionate declarations, Tiana's lips curled into a faint smirk.

"Alright then. Since you all agree that it would be humiliating for me to personally ask Andrew... Which one of you will go and invite Mr. Lloyd back to take charge?"

The room that had been buzzing with energy just moments ago suddenly fell dead silent. The executives glanced around at each other, but not a single one volunteered.

They had no problem putting on a show of loyalty for Tiana, but when it came to actually swallowing their pride and asking Andrew for help, not a single one of them had the guts.

After all, many of them had been Andrew's enemies at some point and some had even suffered under

his hand. Asking them to beg

Andrew for help? That was worse

than eating dirt.

Tiana scoffed. "Oh, so all that talk just now was for show? The moment you

actually have to do something, you all

play dead?"

Her patience was wearing dangerously thin. If these idiots were not vital to the company, she would have fired them all on the spot.

Her gaze landed on one particular executive and said, "Mr. Mitchell, you're a senior figure in this

company, respected and

experienced. And just now, you

the first to pledge your loyalty to

me."

were

She added, "Then let's put that loyalty to the test-go and ask Andrew to come back."

Charlie Mitchell's face twisted into an awkward grimace as if he had just swallowed something bitter. "Mrs. Rhodes, y-you see, I'm already

at an advanced age. Asking me to beg some kid for help us-'