Chapter 538
Tiana scanned the room, her icy gaze sweeping over the high-ranking executives, and not one of them dared to meet her eyes.
“One final matter–effective immediately, I’ll take over the position of CEO at Rhodes Corporation,” she announced, her tone devoid of emotion. “And if there are any more incompetents like Troy causing chaos, I won’t just send them to prison. I’ll make sure they’re permanently dealt with.”
Her cold words sent shivers through the room, leaving the executives visibly uneasy. The ones who had aligned themselves with Michael looked particularly pale, their faces betraying their mounting anxiety.
Tiana stepping in as CEO spelled doom for Michael, and if he lost power, they knew they would suffer alongside him.
Michael’s expression darkened as he forced himself to speak. “Aunt Tiana, if you’re taking over as CEO… then what happens to me?”
Tiana waved dismissively. “You’ll return to your previous role as vice CEO and continue overseeing the departments you’ve been managing. Once the Pharmaceutical Division’s crisis is resolved, you and Lauren can compete for the CEO position.”
Michael’s fists clenched, and his voice grew sharp. “Aunt Tiana, that’s unfair.”
Tiana did not even flinch at his protest, responding with a chilling calmness. “If you think it’s unfair, you’re welcome to resign and head to Blumedale immediately. I’m sure the family elders there will appreciate your help building connections and expanding into new markets. You always wanted to prove yourself as the future head of the family, didn’t you?”
Beads of sweat began to form on Michael’s forehead as he hurriedly backtracked. “Oh, Aunt Tiana, you must be joking. I’m far too inexperienced to take on such a significant task in Blumedale. I’d rather stay here in Jayrodale and ensure the stability of Rhodes Corporation.”
Blumedale was a battleground where the Rhodes family struggled to gain a foothold, and Michael had no interest in being sent there as cannon fodder. Stories of young family members collapsing under pressure or worse, ending up in psychiatric wards–made it clear that the city was no place for the faint of heart.
Here in Jayrodale, Michael was a big fish in a small pond, but in Blumedale, he would be little more than prey.
Tiana turned her attention to the gathered executives, her voice cutting through the silence. “I’ve laid out my decisions. If anyone has objections, now is the time to speak.”
A chorus of hurried replies followed, each more deferential than the last:
“We fully support your decisions, Mrs. Rhodes!”
“Mrs. Rhodes, your leadership is exactly what this company needs!”
“Under your guidance, Rhodes Corporation is sure to reach new heights!”
Though the words were effusive, Tiana’s expression remained cold and unreadable. Her stoicism made it impossible to tell if she appreciated their flattery or found it tiresome.
Suddenly, Andrew’s voice cut through the air, stark and unexpected. “I have to say, Mrs. Rhodes, I find your decisions somewhat unfair.”
The room fell silent. Every head turned toward Andrew in stunned disbelief.
He continued, unfazed by the shocked stares. “Your actions lack balance. You fail to reward those who deserve recognition while punishing others far too harshly.”
The silence deepened as the room collectively held its breath. Even Lauren and Michael stared at Andrew in astonishment, unsure whether he was brave or just outright reckless for questioning the matriarch of the Rhodes family.