Chapter 536
Troy, who had been on the verge of losing consciousness, seemed to regain his spirit upon hearing Andrew’s words. Trembling all over, he looked up with tears of gratitude. “Thank you, Mr. Lloyd! I can’t thank you enough!”
Michael’s face darkened, and he shot Andrew a questioning glare. “What’s going on with Troy? And what’s with the prescription you gave him?”
Andrew smirked. “Oh, you didn’t know? Mr. MacAfee here caught himself a pretty nasty case of an STD – so bad his nether regions have started to rot. He came groveling to me, begging for treatment.”
Michael’s face went pale. “What? That idiot actually managed to catch… that?”
As someone who was no stranger to questionable flings himself, Michael suddenly felt an uncomfortable chill. This news hit a little too close to home.
Lauren sneered. “He got what he deserved. Messing around with Ruby landed him in this mess. And when it got too bad, he had no choice but to beg Mr. Lloyd for help.
“Under Mr. Lloyd’s pressure, he confessed everything about his dealings with Ruby, including how he leaked the formulas. Otherwise, do you think he would’ve admitted to stealing the company’s secrets so easily?”
Michael shuddered at the thought. A wave of relief washed over him as he realized how close he had come to making a fatal mistake. He had considered making a move on Ruby himself, tempted by her allure. Now, he silently thanked his lucky stars he had not followed through.
‘That woman’s a walking biohazard,’ he thought grimly. Then, his eyes flicked to Troy, his expression a mixture of disdain and pity. ‘What a tragic idiot.’
Just as he was processing this disaster, a commotion erupted outside the office. The gathered employees quickly parted, lining up along the corridor with looks of respect and fear etched across their faces.
Eunice came rushing into the room, her face pale as a sheet. Her voice trembled as she announced, “Ms. Rhodes… Mrs. Rhodes is here! She just arrived at the building!”
Lauren’s expression tightened as she immediately glanced toward the door. Michael’s face also changed, and he quickly composed himself, rushing toward the hallway to greet her.
“Aunt Tiana, you should’ve let us know you were coming. I would’ve personally come to welcome you!” Michael said with an ingratiating smile.
Through the crowd stepped a stunning woman with a frosty demeanor. She bore a striking resemblance to Lauren, though her aura was far more imposing. Following her were a dozen bodyguards, including Jerry, who had been knocked unconscious by Andrew not long ago.
“Mrs. Rhodes, welcome!” the gathered employees greeted in unison, bowing slightly.
However, Andrew remained seated, his gaze fixed on the woman with quiet curiosity. He could immediately tell from her cold and commanding presence that Tiana was no ordinary person.
One of the senior executives, who had previously been knocked out by Andrew during a confrontation, glared at him and barked, “Andrew, how dare you remain seated? Show your respect to Mrs. Rhodes and greet her properly!”
Andrew replied with an even tone, “I’m a board member of Rhodes Corporation, not a servant of the Rhodes family. Why should I bow?”
The executive’s face flushed with anger. Michael snapped, “Andrew, watch your tone! Rhodes Corporation is part of the Rhodes family’s holdings, and Mrs. Rhodes is no ordinary person.
“She oversees all Rhodes Corporation operations in Jayrodale, holding ultimate authority. More importantly, she is the rightful wife of the Rhodes family head – our matriarch! You are obligated to show respect!”
Andrew shrugged nonchalantly. “Apologies, but I don’t bow to anyone. My back’s never been particularly flexible for that kind of thing.”
“Besides,” he added with a faint smile, “I don’t bow to anyone – whether it’s the matriarch of the Rhodes family, a general from Holtrien, or the head of some grand aristocratic family. It’s just not my style.”