Michael waved dismissively and said, "That was your personal matter. Of course, I couldn't help!"

Lauren spat out a laugh and sneered. "Michael, don't you realize how stupid you sound right now? One of our own employees was being harassed by the Weller family, and you have the nerve to say such nonsense! Are you even fit to be CEO?"

Michael's face darkened as he replied, "If I'm not fit to be CEO, you think you are? If you were so qualified, why am I sitting in this chair instead of you?"

Lauren took a deep breath and retorted contemptuously, "We both know how you got this position. If the family hadn't interfered, you'd still be nothing but a lackey under me."

Michael sneered. "You're right, I'll admit that. But what does it matter? You'll soon be married off from the Rhodes family. Lauren, no matter how capable, beautiful, or how many followers you have, there's still no place for you in the Rhodes family. Your only path is to be a sacrifice!"

His venomous words struck Laur