Chapter 537

Andrew’s calm yet defiant words caused an uproar among the gathered crowd. Michael, seething with anger, was on the verge of losing his temper.

Meanwhile, the senior members of Rhodes Corporation exchanged sneering glances.

“Andrew, you’re just a lowly board member, yet you dare act all high and mighty in front of Mrs. Rhodes? You must have a death wish!”

“Exactly. Forget being the fifth board member–do you remember when the third board member, who also chaired the Jayrodale Chamber of Commerce, dared to cross Mrs. Rhodes? He was nearly beaten senseless and left crawling out of here like a worm!”

“In the Rhodes family’s company, you bow, or you break. And Mrs. Rhodes isn’t just the matriarch–her status is leagues above what you could ever understand.”

Tiana’s frosty gaze locked onto Andrew, her presence radiating silent authority.

Lauren’s face tensed, and she quickly stepped in front of Andrew. “Mom, Mr. Lloyd just recently joined the company. He’s not yet familiar with all the rules and customs. Please, forgive him!”

Michael sneered. “Unfamiliar with the rules? Then he should learn them. Andrew’s nothing special. Even Jayrodale’s mayor, Mr. Thatcher, wouldn’t dare show disrespect to Aunt Tiana.”

Lauren clenched her teeth, ready to argue, but Tiana silenced the room by calmly walking straight toward Andrew.

Standing directly in front of him, Tiana’s icy gaze met Andrew’s steady and unwavering eyes.

“Interesting. You have guts, I’ll give you that,” Tiana said coldly, her tone laced with contempt. “I didn’t expect Marvin to pull off such a move in Jayrodale, to nurture someone like you as his pawn.”

Andrew smirked. “I’m sorry, Mrs. Rhodes, but I don’t understand what you mean.”

Tiana’s lips curved into a thin, mocking smile. “Don’t understand? Or are you just pretending not to? You and I both know the truth.”

She turned sharply and called out, “Michael, come here!”

Michael, who had been watching nervously from the side, immediately rushed forward, bowing his head. “Aunt Tiana, I’m here. Please, tell me what you need.”

Without warning, Tiana raised her hand and slapped Michael hard. The crisp sound echoed through the office, and a bright red handprint bloomed on his cheek.

“Aunt Tiana, what-” Michael’s voice quivered with fear. He dared not show the slightest hint of anger or resistance, only terror and confusion.

“I slapped you because you’re an idiot!” Tiana snapped, her tone as cutting as her slap. “The disaster in the Pharmaceutical Division–I’ve heard it all. And your handling of it? You’re so pathetic! Even I can’t stand it.”

Michael stammered, “I–I was wrong. Please, Aunt Tiana, guide me. Tell me what I should do!”

Chapter 537

Tiana’s expression turned even colder. “Track down Ruby and retrieve the stolen formulas if you can. If not, ensure that she’s eliminated–permanently.”

The employees standing nearby shuddered at her words.

Tiana was not just known for her ruthlessness–she was infamous for it. Stories about her were whispered across Jayrodale.

One particularly chilling tale involved her disfiguring a rival heiress in a jealous rage and ultimately having the woman drowned in a well. The scandal had been huge then, yet Tiana remained untouchable and unscathed, continuing her reign as the Rhodes family’s matriarch.

“And as for Troy,” Tiana continued nonchalantly, “he’s finished. He’s no longer of use to Rhodes Corporation.”

Michael nodded hastily. “You’re right, Aunt Tiana. His gross negligence warrants immediate dismissal.”

Tiana shot him a sharp look. “Dismissal? Do you think Rhodes Corporation’s reputation can be salvaged by mere firing? No. He’s going to jail. This incompetent fool caused immense damage to the company. If we don’t make an example out of him, the Rhodes family’s prestige will be tarnished beyond repair.”

Michael’s breath hitched, and he bowed his head low. “Understood. Everything will be done according to your orders.”

Inside, Michael was fuming. Troy had been one of his key players in the Pharmaceutical Division, a trusted ally he had personally placed in a position of power. With Troy being sent to prison, it felt as though his own left arm had been severed.

Yet, Michael could only grit his teeth and swallow his anger. Troy’s reckless actions had doomed him, and no amount of loyalty could undo the mess he had created.