Rising from the Ashes (Andrew and Lauren)

Andrew hesitated for a moment before saying slowly, "The reason I pushed you to improve your skills across the board is because I have other plans. Very soon, you might face a real test against much stronger opponents."

Dylan, completely unfazed, smirked. "Mr. Lloyd, you gave me this life, so whether it's stronger opponents or even Jesus himself, I'll make sure he's running with that cross on his back!"

Natasha, more perceptive than Dylan, narrowed her eyes at Andrew. "Darling, you're not about to tell us you've got enemies, are you?"

Andrew shrugged. "Wouldn't call them enemies, but chances are, there's gonna be a fight."

Natasha chuckled. "In Jayrodale? Please. I doubt there's anyone here who could even try to take you on. The Wellers, the Rhodes—none stand a chance against you. Even Mr. Yates on our side, so who else could you possibly be up against?"

Andrew smiled. "Just because I don't have rivals in Jayrodale doesn't mean I don't have them elsewhere. For example, the Golding and the Driscoll families over in Blumedale."

Natasha and Dylan froze, their expressions tightening before exchanging uneasy glances.

Dylan let out a dry laugh. "Mr. Lloyd, you really don't do easy mode, do you? Damn, I almost pissed myself just now."

Natasha shot Andrew a look. "Darling, do you have some kind of death wish? The Goldings and the Driscolls... Do you even realize how powerful the Goldings and the Driscolls are? Those families are absolute giants in the capital!"

Andrew shrugged. "Of course, I know. That's exactly why I had to toughen you up -otherwise, they'd crush you in a second."

Dylan and Natasha fell silent.

A year ago, just hearing the names "Golding" or "Driscoll" would have been enough to make them back down without a second thought. Nonetheless, things were different now as they had Andrew leading them.

"Whatever you say, I'll follow," Natasha muttered, throwing him a look that carried a mix of frustration and devotion. "My heart and soul already belong to you."

Dylan snickered. "Mr. Lloyd, you might as well give her what she wants. She's been living like a widow all these years, stuck alone in bed every night—it's pretty sad, honestly."noveldrama

He added, "Now she's given herself to you, and you're still holding out? Even I feel bad for her!"

Andrew rubbed his temple. "Let's get through this mess first."

Just then, his phone buzzed. It was Marcus.

"Mr. Lloyd, the whole company is in complete chaos right now. Mrs. Rhodes is losing her mind and demanding you to fix the situation!" Marcus' voice was filled with urgency.

Andrew's expression remained indifferent. "Even you're siding with her now?"

Marcus sighed. "I don't have a choice. I can't just sit back and watch the Rhodes Corporation's situation worsen."

Andrew let out a cold chuckle. "Michael's supposed to be so capable, isn't he? Tell Mrs. Rhodes to go find him instead."

With that, he ended the call. Andrew was going to save Rhodes

Corporation for Lauren's sake. As for Tiana, she could stew in her frustration a little longer-it was time

to humble that so-called Iron Lady.

...

Meanwhile, inside Rhodes Corporation's headquarters, Tiana's furious voice

echoed through the entire building.

"Useless! All of you are absolutely useless! The company spends a fortune keeping you people around! You strut around acting high and mighty, demanding pay raises, but the second a real crisis hits, you're all dead weight!"

She yelled, "Every minute that passes, over a hundred people are dragging our name through the mud online! Find a solution-every single one of you-now!"

ёт

She slammed her hands on the table, her breath coming in sharp gasps, her face burning with rage. Dozens of executives, department heads, and senior managers stood before her, heads bowed, too terrified to utter a single word.