Chapter 869
Tiana’s expression remained cold as she gritted her teeth, saying nothing. She was completely cornered.
Michael roared, “Andrew, are you deaf? Didn’t you hear Aunt Tiana already announce me as the new CEO?”
Andrew let out a mocking laugh. “Michael, it’s broad daylight, and you’re already dreaming. Do your parents know about this delusion? Besides, what makes you think you deserve to be CEO? You lost the bet. You pranced around in lingerie, pretending to be some kind of drag queen, and that humiliating video is still making rounds on the internet. Doesn’t anyone think it would be a huge embarrassment for Rhodes Corporation to have someone like that as its CEO?”
Marcus was the first to step up. “That’s right. From every perspective, Ms. Rhodes is the rightful CEO.”
Another executive spoke up. “Mrs. Rhodes, Mr. Lloyd and Ms. Rhodes have done too much for this company. You must handle this fairly.”
“Mrs. Rhodes, we fully support Ms. Rhodes and Mr. Lloyd–please do the right thing!”
“I only recognize Ms. Rhodes as CEO. Anyone else? Not happening!”
Tiana’s anger boiled beneath the surface. Andrew had barely been at Rhodes Corporation, yet with sheer power and ability, he had already won over so many people. At this rate, was she even really in charge anymore? Would Rhodes Corporation even belong to the Rhodes family much longer?
Michael’s voice grew frantic. “Aunt Tiana, I don’t care! If you don’t give me the CEO position, you won’t like the consequences!” His eyes burned with jealousy and rage, his entire expression twisting into something almost rabid.
Tiana snapped, her tone laced with venom. “You little brat, are you threatening me?”
Michael’s smirk was sharp and condescending. “I would never threaten you, Aunt Tiana. I’m just reminding you to think carefully before doing something stupid.”
Andrew narrowed his eyes as Michael had finally dropped the act. It seemed like his father, Kenny, had given him a lot of confidence. The question was–how would Tiana balance this?
Just then, Tiana let out a sharp huff and commanded, “Everyone, silence!”
Immediately, the room fell quiet. No matter how much people doubted her, the Iron Lady still had authority.
Tiana scanned the room and then announced, “The final decision for CEO is as follows–as per our prior agreement, the winner is Lauren.” She made the declaration swiftly and decisively.
Andrew was genuinely surprised. He had expected her to fold under the pressure of Michael’s threats. Yet, she had chosen to do the right thing and give Lauren what she had earned.
Applause erupted across the conference room. Except for Michael and his lackeys, everyone genuinely celebrated for Lauren.
Eunice beamed with joy. “Ms. Rhodes, you did it! You won!”
Marcus let out a deep sigh of relief and nodded. “Congratulations, Ms. Rhodes. And congratulations to you too, Mr. Lloyd!”
Lauren, overwhelmed with gratitude and emotion, suddenly threw herself into Andrew’s arms. “Thank you, Dr. Lloyd!” Tears welled up in her eyes as she clung to him. After so much struggle and effort, she had finally won the freedom she had been fighting for.
Andrew inhaled the soft scent of her hair, his voice filled with warmth. “You don’t need to thank me. I wanted to do this for you. As long as you’re happy, that’s all that matters.” He did not notice how Tiana’s eyes flickered with amusement as she watched him and Lauren embrace.
Michael, who had been silent for a few seconds, suddenly let out a vicious snarl. “Everyone better not move a muscle! Anyone who moves–dies!”