Rising from the Ashes (Andrew and Lauren)

At Moonlit Apothecary, Andrew had just returned from the West End headquarters. The moment he stepped inside, he saw Lauren, now awake, sitting up in bed.

Nyla and Francesca were by her side, chatting with her. Nyl greeted him with a smile, "Dr. Lloyd, you're back! Ms. Rhodes is awake!"

Andrew nodded and walked over, lightly touching Lauren's forehead. After checking her temperature, he smiled. " No fever. You still look a little pale, but you'll be fine."

Lauren hesitated before asking, "Dr. Lloyd, what's happening with the company right now?"

Francesca huffed in frustration. "Lauren, look at yourself! You're still recovering, and you're already worrying about Rhodes Corporation? Mrs. Rhodes and Michael can handle it you don't have to keep pushing yourself!" Lauren shook her head. "It's not about them. I'm worried about my father's position in Blumedale. Right now, a huge portion of our family's operations over there rely on Rhodes Corporation. If the company collapses, Dad will lose his foothold entirely!"

Cedric nodded. "She's right. Rhodes family was ambitious enough to expand beyond Jayrodale and establish itself in Blumedale-something neither the Aickers nor the Wellers could pull off.

"But if it starts to crumble, then everything Jameson had built in Blumedale could fall apart before he even has a chance to establish real power."

Andrew gave Lauren's hand a reassuring påt. "Don't worry. Rhodes Corporation isn't going down. I'll step in and stabilize everything. And while I'm at it, I'll make sure you become the CEO."noveldrama

Lauren's expression dimmed. "I doubt it... Mom has probably chosen Michael's side completely by now. She doesn't want me there."

Andrew's gaze softened-he could tell how deeply hurt she was. Lauren had completely lost faith in her mother, but Tiana had her own burdens to bear. In the end, both mother and daughter were trapped in painful circumstances.

"Whether Tiana supports you or not doesn't matter," Andrew said casually. "The deal was clear-whoever saves Rhodes Corporation earns the right to be CEO."

He smiled. "Silly girl, haven't you realized it yet? I already told Michael to come pick you up."

Lauren's eyes widened. "Wait... Dr. Lloyd, what did you just say? You told Michael to come pick me up?"

Andrew nodded. "That's right. And not just that-he's going to kneel and bow while begging you to come back."

Lauren stared at him, completely speechless.

Francesca and Cedric, sitting nearby, were just as stunned.

Francesca let out a sharp laugh. "Andrew, you expect Michael to beg for her forgiveness? You might as well say you've already killed him!"

Cedric frowned. "That guy is just like his father Kenny-arrogant, entitled, and full of himself. Asking him to get down on his knees? Impossible. No, scratch that-it's beyond

impossible."

Andrew leaned back in his chair, his expression unreadable. "Well... we'll find out soon enough."

Then, as if he did not have a care in

the world, he casually poured

himself a cup of tea and sipped it.

He even started chatting with Nyla like nothing was happening.

Lauren, Francesca, and Cedric exchanged uneasy glances, wondering if he was being serious. Did he really expect Michael to show up and beg for Lauren's forgiveness?

Their doubts did not last long.

Moments later, several cars pulled up outside Moonlit Apothecary. The doors swung open, and Michael stepped out, leading over a dozen executives toward the entrance. Francesca's jaw dropped. "No way. No freaking way. Andrew, you're amazing-Michael really showed up!"

Lauren frowned, her instincts kicking in. "Be careful. He brought a lot of people

with him... This might not be as simple as it seems."