Lauren and Michael both fell silent, tension hanging in the air.

Tiana gave Lauren a mocking smile. "You really have a knack for siding with outsiders, don't you? What's the matter? Just because Andrew spent a few billion dollars, you feel the need to defend him?"

"Listen, Lauren, you're the Rhodes family's heiress. Family interests come before anything else," Tiana continued coldly. "Do you honestly think Andrew threw billions around just because he cares about you? No. He has his own hidden agenda and ambitions."

She gave a disdainful scoff. "He wants you. He wants to use you to establish a connection with the Rhodes family. Wake up, Lauren. Don't be so naive."

Lauren's face remained emotionless. "I'm fully aware of who truly cares about me. So, I'm sorry, Mom, but I don't agree with you."

Tiana's expression hardened. "Whether you agree or not, I don't care anymore. The decision is final. The factories will prioritize Bane and the Pharmaceutical Division's projects. If you