Rising from the Ashes (Andrew and Lauren)

There was no way around it no one in the room could afford to bear the brunt of Tiana's wrath. Yet, at the same time, there was nothing they could do to fix Rhodes Corporation's current crisis.

Hence, they could only stand there in silence, listening as she vented her fury.

Michael finally lifted his head and could not help but say, "Aunt Tiana, none of us wanted this situation to happen either. Yelling at us won't change anything—we've all done our best!"

Tiana's icy gaze snapped to him, and she let out a sharp laugh. "So, you're saying that Rhodes Corporation should just sit back and wait for its downfall? We should just watch as our reputation and profits continue to spiral until there's nothing left?"noveldrama

Michael clenched his jaw. "This is obviously the work of someone orchestrating an online smear campaign against us. But I believe if we keep our heads high and stay firm, public opinion will eventually shift, and this whole mess will blow over."

Tiana slammed her hand on the table and roared, "Bullshit! If we had sat around waiting like you suggested, this company would've collapsed in the storm a long time ago!"

The sheer force of her voice sent a visible shudder through the room. Even Michael instinctively shrank back, his shoulders stiffening as a flicker of fear crossed his face.

Soon, that fear turned into anger-burning, humiliated anger. He was sick of Tiana and her domineering ways. Once Bane made his move, he would make sure this arrogant woman was dragged through the dirt where she belonged. By then, Michael doubted Tiana would act as high and mighty anymore.

Tiana suddenly sneered and said, "Michael, my dear nephew, let's not forget that this whole mess started because of you. If you hadn't torched the Wellers' warehouse, none of this would have escalated into such a disaster."

She leaned back in her chair, her smirk deepening. "You've been so eager for me to hand over the CEO position, but your reckless actions are making me reconsider."

Michael's face darkened. "Aunt Tiana, you can't go back on your word! We agreed -whoever saved the Pharmaceutical Division, developed the new formula, and performed best in the company would take over as CEO."

He continued, "I admit, my results didn't turn out as expected, but at least I did something. Lauren, on the other hand, has done absolutely nothing! By all logic, the position should go to me!"

Tiana scoffed. "I keep my word, but right now, you need to clean up the mess you made first."

Michael threw up his hands. "Sorry, Aunt Tiana, but this situation is beyond me."

He was not an idiot. He knew

Rhodes Corporation had become a target, and anyone who tried to step up right now would only get torn apart So, instead of trying to show off, he played the smart move-he backed down.

Tiana let out a sharp laugh. "So, you're admitting you're useless and incompetent?"

Michael's expression turned dark. "Maybe I am, but Lauren is even worse! The company is in total crisis, yet she's nowhere to be found. She hasn't contributed a damn thing!"

He added, "If you're looking for someone to blame, she should be first on your list!"

Tiana's face twisted in frustration as she turned to Marcus. "Mr. Chapman, what did Andrew say?"

Marcus shook his head. "Mrs. Rhodes, I tried my best, but Mr. Lloyd has no intention of stepping in."

Tiana clenched her teeth. "That bastard is really pushing me to my limit, huh?"

She had already sent Jerry to ask Andrew for help once, and he had outright refused, not giving her even the slightest bit of face. Now, for the second time, he had completely ignored her plea.

Tiana's patience had finally snapped-this time, she was truly furious.