Rising from the Ashes (Andrew and Lauren)

Andrew said nonchalantly, "Mrs. Rhodes, say whatever you want to discredit me. It doesn't matter. I didn't come here to fight over a man-I came for an

explanation."

Tiana could not help but feel irritated. She had made her words sharp and blunt on purpose, yet Andrew remained completely unbothered. There was not even a hint of anger on his face.

Most young men had hot tempers, especially the exceptional ones. The more talented they were, the more prideful they tended to be, refusing to be compared to others. When someone pointed out their flaws, they would usually snap, act tough, or lash out in frustration.

But Andrew? Nothing.

That was what annoyed and deflated Tiana the most. This kid did not react at all. She figured it had to be because Joe's brilliance was just too overwhelming, too dominant. Andrew probably did not even have it in him to feel resentful or competitive.

Against a giant like Joe, it was impossible for a small fry like Andrew to make any big moves.

Tiana smirked, convinced she had seen through Andrew's pathetic inner world. Taking a deep breath, fter expression turned cold. "You're right. There is a reason why I'm standing up for Michael today."

She added, "I know that bastard was behind the warehouse fire at the Wellers'. I also know he's nothing but a useless disgrace. Honestly? I've never thought much of Michael. I never even considered making him CEO of Rhodes Corporation."

Andrew frowned. "If you've always known he's worthless, then why-"

Tiana cut him off with a cold laugh. "You're wondering why I'd still go to such lengths to protect him, even going up against the police to keep him safe, aren't you?"

Andrew did not answer, simply waiting for her to continue.

Tiana explained, "It's simple. If I don't, Lauren's father-my husband-might not make it out of Blumedale alive.

Her tone was calm, almost indifferent, but Andrew could hear the hatred and fear beneath her words.

"You mean Lauren's father, the head of the Rhodes family? How could someone like Michael possibly be a threat to him?"

Andrew's frown deepened. The deeper he looked, the more complicated the Rhodes family seemed.

Tiana's face suddenly looked weary, and she let out a bitter smile. "Michael himself? He's nothing. If I wanted to, I could have him wiped off the face of the earth in an instant."

"But Michael's father-Kenny, the elder of the Rhodes family-is a different story. Andrew, since I no longer consider you an outsider, I might as well tell you the truth about the Rhodes family. Lauren's father, Jameson, may be the head of the family and hold the power, but ever since the Rhodes family decided to expand into Blumedale, things have been a mess.

"For starters, Blumedale is filled with many powerhouses. It's crawling with ambitious people, far beyond

what the Rhodes family ever imagined. Carving out a place for ourselves there has been nothing short of a struggle."

She added, "Then, there's Kenny. Ever since the family stepped into Blumedate, he was handed annoveldrama

opportunity of a lifetime. His

daughter married into the Golding

family-the most powerful family in

Blumedale.

"You know what they say when one person makes it big, their whole family rises with them. Kenny used to be

Chapter

just another unremarkable member of the Rhodes family, but with the Goldings backing him, he flipped the tables. Now, he's a serious contender for the head of the family.

"Michael, sitting in the CEO seat while doing absolutely nothing in Jayrodale-did you really think that was my choice?"

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