Lauren tugged lightly on Andrew's sleeve, her voice low and cautious. "Dr. Lloyd, let it go. She despises anyone questioning her decisions."

Michael let out a mocking laugh, his tone dripping with disdain. "Andrew, you've got some nerve! Aunt Tiana isn't just the Rhodes family's matriarch; she now holds absolute authority over this corporation. And you think you can strut in here, questioning her with your puny board member title like it's some golden ticket?"

The other executives quickly joined in, eager to pile on.

"Mr. Lloyd, it was one thing for you to act high and mighty before, but you're out of line speaking this way to Mrs. Rhodes."

"Clearly, Mr. Lloyd doesn't grasp Mrs. Rhodes' power. Let me enlighten you—one word from her, and your precious board position is history."

"Mrs. Rhodes shouldn't waste her time on this clown. If not for Ms. Rhodes shielding him, who knows how much trouble he'd have caused by now?"

Tiana remained calm, her icy demeanor unshaken as her sh