Chapter 44

Paul's trembling hand reached for the glass, then quickly withdrew as if burned. Andrew watched with an intrigued smile, recalling the executive's earlier proclamations of loyalty. Yet here he sat, hesitant, refusing to act.

One executive urged, "Mr. Clarke, what are you waiting for? We all drank ours. You're the only one left."

Another frowned. "We're all fine. Why are you being a coward? Just drink it. What's the worst that could happen?"

Paul's trembling intensified. For such a large, imposing man, he appeared on the verge of tears.

"Mr. Rhodes, it seems you haven't drunk yours either," Andrew remarked, smiling.

Michael scoffed. "I'm the Vice CEO of Rhodes Corporation and a member of the Rhodes family. I shouldn't have to participate in these ridiculous games."

"If you're too scared to drink, then you must be the culprit!" Andrew declared.

Michael exploded. "You're talking nonsense!"

"Then why won't you drink it?"

"I'm not thirsty."

Andrew chuckled. "That won't be a problem. We'll just wait a few more hours until you are!"

Lauren and Francesca laughed. They'd never seen Andrew, usually so refined and composed, display such a ruthless side.

Michael crossed his arms and sneered. "I'm the Vice CEO of Rhodes Corporation, the heir to the Rhodes family. I'll drink when I want, and no one can force me."

"So, you're refusing to cooperate with my investigation?" Lauren asked coldly.

Michael snapped, "I'm happy to cooperate, but don't you think his methods are disrespectful to the executives?"

"If you're unhappy, complain to the board or the family," Lauren replied.

Michael grunted. "Oh, I'll definitely be filing complaints. But can we end this ridiculous charade now?"

Lauren's expression remained unchanged. "It ends when you and Mr. Clarke drink your water."

"No matter what you say, I won't drink it. I'd like to see anyone try to force me," Michael retorted defiantly.

Andrew grinned. "Mr. Rhodes, do you really think we can't identify the culprit just because two glasses remain untouched?"

That was precisely Michael's thought. With a smug smile, he shot back, "Listen, pretty boy, this is Rhodes Corporation. You have no authority here."

Andrew shrugged, unfazed. "Mr. Rhodes, given your prestigious position, no one would dare force you. So, Mr. Clarke, why don't you drink yours?"

Paul's heart sank. He pleaded, "Ms. Rhodes, I…"

Lauren uttered coldly, "I've given you more than enough time. Drink it and prove yourself."

The other executives chimed in impatiently, "Just drink it! What's the worst that could happen?" "We all know your loyalty to the company. You'll be fine!" "Everyone else could be suspicious, but you're the last person anyone would suspect. We've all seen your dedication."

Paul forced a smile, though he looked closer to tears, silently cursing them. After all, they couldn't possibly know him better than he knew himself.

Under Lauren's increasingly cold stare, he finally lifted the glass with shaking hands, while Michael tensed, his palms sweating.

Chapter 45