Andrew's calm yet defiant words caused an uproar among the gathered crowd. Michael, seething with anger, was on the verge of losing his temper.

Meanwhile, the senior members of Rhodes Corporation exchanged sneering glances.

"Andrew, you're just a lowly board member, yet you dare act all high and mighty in front of Mrs. Rhodes? You must have a death wish!"

"Exactly. Forget being the fifth board member—do you remember when the third board member, who also chaired the Jayrodale Chamber of Commerce, dared to cross Mrs. Rhodes? He was nearly beaten senseless and left crawling out of here like a worm!"

"In the Rhodes family's company, you bow, or you break. And Mrs. Rhodes isn't just the matriarch—her status is leagues above what you could ever understand."

Tiana's frosty gaze locked onto Andrew, her presence radiating silent authority.

Lauren's face tensed, and she quickly stepped in front of Andrew. "Mom, Mr. Lloyd just recently joined the company. He's not yet familiar with al