If Lauren was not willing, then Rhodes Corporation could crash and burn, and


    Andrew would not spare it another nce.


    Tiana hesitated before stepping forward. "Lauren, are you alright?"


    There was a flicker of guilt in her eyes—pain and regret shing for just a


    moment. She was still tormented by the fact that she had pped Lauren, and no matter how much time passed, she could not shake the guilt.


    However, this kind of pain-Tiana could not bring herself to express it.


    Lauren''s face remained emotionless. "Why the act, Mrs. Rhodes? Do you actually care whether I''m fine or not? "Would it really matter to you?"


    Tiana was at a loss for words.


    Andrew, sensing the tension between the mother and daughter, cut in. "Mrs. Rhodes, we can take over this mess. But there''s one condition-you need to step back and give up control."


    Tiana quickly nodded. "As long as you can clean this up, you can run thepany however you want!"


    Andrew''s tone sharpened. "I don''t just need everyone else to cooperate-I need you to follow orders too."


    Tiana''s expression stiffened. "Even I have to follow your orders?"


    Andrew met her gaze head-on. "Of course. Because I don''t like people hovering over my shoulder, second-guessing my decisions."


    Tiana hesitated for a moment before letting out a cold scoff. "Fine. If you can actually prove you have what it takes, I''ll do as you say."


    Andrew smiled. "Mrs. Rhodes, you''re quite reasonable I admire that. In that case, here''s your first task."


    Tiana raised an eyebrow, amused. "Mr. Lloyd, you don''t waste time, do you? Giving me assignments already? Alright, let''s hear it!"


    Andrew smirked. "Your assignment is simple-do nothing. In other words, for everything that happens from this moment on, stay out of it. Go get a facial, do some shopping, or go home and get some beauty sleep."


    Tiana''s expression darkened instantly. "Andrew, you''re trying to sideline me."


    Andrew remained indifferent. "If that''s how you see it, I won''t argue."


    The only person who could save Rhodes Corporation was Lauren, and as long as Tiana was around, she would interfere.


    Lauren''s biggest emotional roadblock was her mother, so Tiana had to go.


    Tiana clenched her jaw. "Fine. I''ll step back this time."


    "But Andrew-if you fail and thepany copses, I hope you understand what the consequences will be."


    Andrew shrugged. "If that happens, Mrs. Rhodes, you can do whatever you want. I really don''t care."


    Tiana let out a cold snort and walked away with her people.


    The moment she left, Marcus beamed. "Mr. Lloyd, Ms. Rhodes-what''s the n? We''re waiting on your orders!"


    One of the senior executives, clearly anxious, chimed in, "Every minute we waste, thepany''s image and


    losses are getting worse! If this continues, we''ll lose half of our assets-maybe more!"


    Andrew chuckled. "Lauren, you''re the CEO now-it''s all up to you."


    Lauren''s face flushed. "I-I''m not the CEO, Dr. Lloyd! You''re joking, right?"


    Andrew shook his head. "I''m not joking. Right now, the power is in your hands. You may not hold the


    title, but you''re inplete control. So, you decide what happens next."


    Lauren was not the type to hesitate when things needed to be done. She took a deep breath, straightened her posture, and scanned the room.


    "First, the Marketing Department and PR Department-I need both of you to work together andpile a full report on our losses and negative


    press. I want everything-nota


    single detail can be missed!"


    Marcus nodded approvingly. "Good. If we can identify the exact damage, we can start finding solutions!"


    The head of Marketing immediately responded, "Understood! We''ll get started right away!"


    However, the head of the public rtions department was one of Michael''s people, and he hesitated. His eyes darted to Michael, waiting for a signal.


    Seeing Michael''s dark, irritated expression, he instantly knew what to do.


    "Apologies, Ms. Rhodes," he said smoothly, "but the PR department can''tply with your request."