Chapter 522
Lauren looked puzzled. “There’s an issue with that document? I didn’t notice anything off.”
Andrew smiled knowingly. “It’s normal you wouldn’t catch it. The problem lies in Ruby’s formula for the pill she wants Rhodes Corporation to produce.”
He paused briefly before continuing in a colder tone. “Ruby requested the Pharmaceutical Division to manufacture a so-called ‘miracle anti-cancer drug’. It’s positioned as an exclusive, high-end product designed for the wealthy and elite families – rare, valuable, and groundbreaking.”
“But here’s the catch,” he said, his voice sharp. “While the formula lists over 30 premium ingredients that appear highly effective on their own, they turn into a lethal poison when combined. And not just any poison, it’s a slow-acting, insidious toxin. Anyone who takes it will suffer without even realizing the cause.”
Andrew’s gaze darkened. “Now, imagine if Rhodes Corporation went ahead and produced this pill, selling it to affluent clients and major figures. When those people start dying en masse, the fallout wouldn’t just destroy the Pharmaceutical Division–it would bankrupt the Rhodes family and invite ruthless retaliation from those affected.”
Lauren’s body shivered slightly, and her face paled as the weight of Andrew’s words sank in. Fear flickered across her usually composed expression.
“Ruby… that bitch!” Lauren spat, her voice trembling with rage. “I can’t believe how vile she is. She isn’t just targeting our Pharmaceutical Division–she’s aiming to bring down the entire Rhodes family!”
Her hands clenched into fists. “I’m going to Michael and Troy right now. They need to cancel this partnership immediately. And I’ll make sure Ruby pays for this. I’ll sue her into oblivion–she’ll rot in prison for life!”
Andrew stopped her, his expression calm but firm. “That won’t work. Right now, Michael won’t listen to a word you say. If you demand he cancel the partnership, he’ll think you’re undermining his authority. He’ll double down out of pride, and that’ll only make things worse for you.”
Lauren’s eyes turned icy as she gritted her teeth. “Then it’s simple–I’ll send Jerry to deal with her permanently!”
Andrew blinked, then sighed, his tone exasperated. “My dear Ms. Rhodes, must everything come down to violence with you? Besides, we don’t have enough solid evidence to bring Ruby down legally, let alone justify drastic measures like that.”
Seeing Lauren’s puffed cheeks and frustrated glare, Andrew chuckled softly. “Most importantly, you’re mine now.”
Lauren’s breath hitched as her heart skipped a beat. Andrew’s voice was deep and steady as he continued, “Since you’re mine, I won’t let you be harsh and reckless. And I absolutely won’t let anyone hurt you. Trust me–we’ll figure out a way to make Ruby’s twisted plan fall apart before it even begins.”
Lauren’s gaze met his, and the intensity in his eyes made her heart flutter. For a moment, her thoughts spiraled – was he really going to try something right here in the conference room?
“Dr. Lloyd,” she stammered, her voice barely above a whisper, “I’ll listen to you. Just… calm down.”
Feeling her cheeks flush, the usually confident Lauren quickly escaped, leaving Andrew chuckling behind her.
Andrew leaned back, smiling to himself. Having a girlfriend isn’t so bad after all. He couldn’t help but recall Lauren’s soft lips, delicate perfume, and those long, black-stockinged legs.
He thought, ‘Maybe next time, I’ll explore those legs a little more. Or perhaps… some other areas?’
The thought amused him greatly–that would definitely be fun.