Chapter 650
Michael scowled, his frustration evident. “So what now? If Andrew’s formula gets produced by Glorious Pharmaceuticals, does that mean I’ll be outperformed?”
Tiana’s lips curled into a mocking smile. “What’s the matter? Don’t tell me you have no confidence in yourself.”
Michael’s face flushed. “It’s not about confidence. I just don’t want things to keep going sideways. I was this close to securing the CEO position, but now I’m worried Andrew will pull some stunt and mess it all up again.”
Tiana replied calmly, “I’ll admit, it surprised me that Andrew could sway Stephen. But without a solid formula—or if what he has turns out to be trash—it won’t be enough to compete with you. Bane is a top expert from the Advanced Medical Institute, and I’m putting my faith in him and you to restore the Pharmaceutical Division’s standing.”
Hearing this, Michael’s anger faded, replaced by a smug grin. “Thank you for trusting me, Aunt Tiana. Don’t worry. Bane will help us achieve great things for the division.”
Meanwhile, in Lauren’s office, Marcus was recounting the events from earlier that morning.
“Dr. Lloyd, you had Dylan rough up Stephen? Is that the irresistible reason you mentioned?” Lauren asked, her eyes wide with surprise.
Andrew sighed. “I wasn’t planning on getting physical, but Stephen and his people at Glorious Pharmaceuticals were acting so arrogant. I had no choice but to teach them a little lesson.”
Lauren giggled. “Dr. Lloyd, you’re getting more domineering by the day. Stephen is a well-known powerhouse in Jayrodale, a hands-on businessman with ties to the underworld. Most people wouldn’t dare provoke him.”
Andrew grinned. “Actually, I won him over with my charm. Believe me?”
Lauren covered her mouth, laughing. “Oh, sure. I totally believe that!”
Marcus chuckled. “Well, now that Glorious Pharmaceuticals is producing for us, we’ll soon see how Mr. Lloyd’s results compare to Bane’s.”
Lauren’s expression turned serious. “Both Mom and Michael have high expectations for Bane. Let’s just hope he can live up to them.”
Marcus nodded. “I’m only putting my faith in Mr. Lloyd.”
Lauren smiled sweetly. “What a coincidence. So am I.”
After a brief chat, Marcus left to return to the Pharmaceutical Division, leaving Andrew and Lauren alone.
Andrew paused for a moment before asking, “Lauren, is something going on? Has your mother been pressuring you in some way?”
Lauren’s body tensed slightly, though she forced a smile. “No, Dr. Lloyd. Why would you ask that? You know, no one, not even my mother, can control me.”
Andrew watched her silently, his gaze steady and piercing. Under his intense stare, Lauren’s forced smile gradually faded, and she looked away, nervous.
“Actually, I overheard your conversation with Mrs. Rhodes earlier,” Andrew said softly. “Joe—he’s the fiancé your family arranged for you, isn’t he?”
Lauren panicked. “Dr. Lloyd, please believe me! I haven’t done anything to betray you. I swear!”
Chapter 650
Andrew shook his head gently and took her hand in his. His voice was calm and warm. “Silly girl, of course, I believe you. If I didn’t, I wouldn’t still be here at Rhodes Corporation.”
He added, “Now tell me, who is Joe? And what exactly does the Rhodes family expect from you?”