Rising from the Ashes (Andrew and Lauren)

Michael's eyes burned with fury. "Aunt Tiana, I suggest we make Andrew pay for his arrogance and blatant disrespect!"

Tiana nodded without hesitation. "You're right. He's gotten way too full of himself- it's time he faced the consequences. Tell you what-why don't you go over there right now, tie him up, and drag him back here? I'll personally take care of him. Sound good?"

Michael's throat tightened as he stared at her in disbelief. He thought, 'Is she joking? Did she seriously expect me to go up against Andrew in a fight?'

After all, if he could take Andrew down, he would not have needed to rely on Tiana in the first place.

Tiana shot him a condescending look. "If you're not up for the task, then shut up." She turned to Marcus. "Give me the phone. I'll ask Andrew myself."

This time, no one in the room dared to protest. They had all tried-and they had all been humiliated. Now, their only hope was Tiana.

Tiana took the phone and, after a deep breath, spoke in a calm but firm tone. "Mr. Lloyd, name your terms. What will it take for you to come back and fix this mess at Rhodes Corporation?"noveldrama

Andrew's voice came through the line, light with amusement. "Now, this is a rare moment—Mrs. Rhodes, you're finally asking me for help."

Tiana replied, "Andrew, cut the games. You've had your fun humiliating everyone. Just tell me your conditions."

Andrew chuckled. "It's simple. Just one thing. If you can do it, I'll come back immediately."

"Fine. Whatever it is, I'll make it happen."

"Good. Have Michael bring a team to Moonlit Apothecary and kneel before Lauren, bowing and begging for her mercy. That's my condition."

The line went dead.

Tiana slowly lowered the phone, her face unreadable as she turned to the room full of executives. Her gaze finally landed on Michael.

Michael instantly tensed, his skin crawling under her stare. "Aunt Tiana, why are you looking at me like that?"

Tiana spoke flatly. "Andrew named his terms."

Michael instinctively took a step back. "Well, good for him, but what does that have to do with me?"

Tiana's lips curled. "You really are my dear nephew-so sharp. Yes, Michael. The condition is all about you."

Michael felt his stomach drop. His voice came out dry. "That bastard... what does he want?"

Tiana's expression did not change. "He wants you to go to Moonlit Apothecary, bowing and begging for mercy before Lauren. Only then will he return. So, Michael-don't det me down. Go." en

Michael's mind went blank. It was as if a power drill had just been jammed straight into his skull.

A second later, he exploded. "You want me to kneel and beg him to come back? Aunt Tiana, you can't do this to

me! You just can't! No way! I'd rather die than suffer that kind of humiliation! I will never kneel before him!"

His furious shouts sent a shiver through the rest of the executives.

This was beyond ruthless,

Andrew actually demanded that a direct member of the Rhodes family kneel and beg?

Did he think he was some kind of king?

Marcus' eyelid twitched. He knew Andrew was bold, but this? This was playing with fire.

Tiana's eyes turned ice-cold. "If you won't go, do you expect me to do it?"

Michael opened his mouth, ready to snap that he would not go even if she did. Of course, the words died in his throat.

Right now, Bane had not made his move yet, and he still had a chance to rise. He couldn't afford to cross Tiana completely.

"Mrs. Rhodes, we can send someone else. I'm a Rhodes. The blood that runs in my veins is noble!"

Michael spoke quickly, desperate to

make her reconsider. "If I kneel

before Andrew, it'll disgrace the

entire Rhodes name! This is exactly what he wants-to step on us and humiliate us!"

Tiana remained unmoved. "I don't care about any of that. Right now, no one else can save the company except Andrew, and he specifically wants you to kneel and welcome Lauren back."

She continued, "So, Michael, don't disappoint me. And don't disappoint your father and the family head, watching from Blumedale. You're a Rhodes. You're supposed to be the family's shining star. If anyone is worthy of handling this, it's you."