"Dr. Lloyd, I really can't anymore. Please, have mercy and let me go, okay?" Lauren pleaded, her wide, tear-filled eyes staring at Andrew with desperation. "This is the office. People are everywhere, and you can't go on for this long in one go. Be good. Let's stop for now, and I'll give you another chance next time, okay?" she begged, trying to escape his grip. Andrew lifted his head from her neck, chuckling. "Next time? And when would that be?" Lauren's eyes darted nervously. "Uh… tomorrow!" "Then forget it. I can't wait until tomorrow. Besides, you were the one who came to me. I didn't force you," Andrew teased with a sly grin. "Ah, no, no, no… Fine, how about this afternoon? That should be okay, right?" Lauren stammered. "Nope, I'll need more by lunchtime," Andrew replied firmly. "Alright, alright! Lunchtime it is, you big pervert!" Lauren grumbled, feeling both defeated and flustered. For the first time, Lauren felt a chill run down her spine as she looked at Andrew
Troy sneered, feigning politeness. "Oh, judging by Mr. Lloyd's demeanor, it seems he has some insights to share. Why don't we all listen attentively to his wisdom?" His comment dripped with sarcasm, clearly meant to set Andrew up for embarrassment. After all, in Troy's eyes, Andrew was just a wealthy shareholder with no real business knowledge. Michael followed up with a mocking grin. "Mr. MacAfee has a point. Mr. Lloyd, you're part of Rhodes Corporation now, so perhaps you could share some grand vision for our company's future or enlighten us with your development plans?" The other executives, all five of them, smirked and watched Andrew expectantly, clearly hoping for him to stumble. Lauren's face darkened, and she was about to intervene to spare Andrew the humiliation. She knew it was unrealistic for him to have a grasp on the intricate details of the business so soon after joining. Yet, Andrew simply smiled. "Visions and development plans? Let's skip the empty talk. It's no
They all thought it was an absurd and comical proposal, wondering how Andrew could even say those words with a straight face. Everyone in the room had braced themselves for Andrew's lack of professionalism, but they had not expected anything this outrageous. Suggesting the company's CEO should guard the main entrance? Recommending the head of the Pharmaceutical Division be reassigned to manage the warehouse? It was the kind of logic that could only come from a "genius" with a truly unique imagination. Troy was the first to snap, standing up and shouting, "I object!" "Object!" "I object too!" "Unconditionally object! This is outrageous!" Not a single executive supported Andrew. They all glared at him, their voices raised in protest, their faces red with indignation. Andrew shrugged nonchalantly. "Well, since everyone objects, let's just pretend I never said it." Michael, still seething, sneered. "Mr. Lloyd, the company's meeting room is a place for discussing serious mat
The Rhodes Corporation executives wore pleased expressions, their eyes filled with flattery and admiration as they looked at Ruby. Although Rhodes Corporation was a strong player, its influence was largely confined to Jayrodale. Even though the Rhodes family had ventured into Blumedale to expand their reach, they had only managed to secure a foothold, far from becoming a dominant force. Amberpeak Corporation, on the other hand, was a renowned giant in the pharmaceutical industry. If Rhodes Corporation could truly secure a partnership with such a powerhouse, it would undoubtedly be a golden opportunity. Ruby turned to Lauren with a smug smile. "Ms. Rhodes, do you believe me now?" Lauren frowned. "Amberpeak Corporation is already a leading authority in pharmaceuticals. If they were looking for partners, it would make more sense to find them in Blumedale. "Ruby, for you to claim you're representing Amberpeak Corporation and to come all the way to Jayrodale for collaboration—it
Troy slammed the table, his tone laced with frustration. "It seems my efforts were all in vain. Some people in the company don't appreciate my hard work and think I'm just being foolish. "Fine, if that's the case, the Pharmaceutical Division doesn't need this collaboration with Ms. Dickinson and Amberpeak Corporation. After all, any losses will be the corporation's, not mine." Ruby seized the moment, feigning regret as she spoke. "It's such a pity. If Mr. MacAfee doesn't want this opportunity, I'll have to look elsewhere. Perhaps the Weller family, who's been excelling in wellness products lately, might be interested." Michael panicked, immediately forcing a smile. "Ms. Dickinson, please don't be hasty. Of course, we at Rhodes Corporation are eager for this partnership with Amberpeak Corporation. Only a fool would reject it!" Ruby smirked, adding, "You can want it all you like, but I only trust Mr. MacAfee, so he'll be my sole point of contact for this collaboration." Michael
Michael, already irritated, snapped at Andrew. "We're talking about serious corporate business here—high-level collaborations. Do you even understand what that means? If you don't, stop interrupting just to make yourself seen!" Michael was already annoyed earlier by Andrew's "suggestions" and now, with Andrew raising another question, a wave of dread swept over him. He feared Andrew might come up with something that would send his blood pressure through the roof. Andrew replied calmly, "Who said I don't understand? When it comes to pharmaceuticals, none of you here are even qualified to speak in my presence." Ruby sneered. "Mr. Lloyd, let's not pretend you know what you're talking about. Are you seriously trying to convince us that you're some kind of expert in medicine? What, are you claiming to be a miracle-working doctor or something?" To Ruby, Andrew was just a lackey trying to pick a fight for Lauren's sake—nothing more than a clueless, incompetent man, unworthy of her att
Andrew smiled calmly. "Alright, one final question." Ruby, clearly irritated, snapped, "Mr. Lloyd, enough is enough. You just said the last question was your final one." Andrew chuckled, unfazed. "It just popped into my head, Ms. Dickinson. No need to get so tense—this one isn't about the collaboration. Just casual chit-chat." Ruby huffed. "Tense? Who's tense? You're quite the joker, Mr. Lloyd. Ask your question—I have other matters to attend to. Rhodes Corporation isn't the only company knocking on Amberpeak's door." Andrew's smile took on a sharper edge. "I heard from Mr. MacAfee earlier that the two of you discussed the collaboration thoroughly and worked very hard, even late into the evening. Is that correct?" Ruby froze for a moment, then nodded. "Yes, Mr. MacAfee is very dedicated. We had a detailed conversation yesterday and talked until around nine in the evening." Troy, clearly proud of himself, chimed in, "It was exhausting, but for Rhodes Corporation, it's my dut
"I'm sorry, Andrew, but I can't marry you!" Christina Stevens declared coldly in the CEO's office of Stevens Corporation. She sat behind her desk, looking elegant in a black lace dress, her demeanor icy and aloof. Across from her sat a handsome man in modest attire. Andrew Lloyd could not believe what he was hearing and asked, "Christie, what do you mean? What happened to the promise between us?" They had agreed to tie the knot on the day Stevens Corporation went public, marking the end of their three-year courtship. "Since we've been dating each other, I'll be frank," Christina replied, tucking a stray strand of hair behind her ear. Her stunning features exuded grace and beauty with every movement. "Andrew, don't you think the gap between us has grown too wide? It's like we're from different worlds now. Forcing this relationship won't do you any good. For me, it would be… a burden." A burden? Andrew was stunned, never expecting Christina to say such a thing. If it had not
Andrew smiled calmly. "Alright, one final question." Ruby, clearly irritated, snapped, "Mr. Lloyd, enough is enough. You just said the last question was your final one." Andrew chuckled, unfazed. "It just popped into my head, Ms. Dickinson. No need to get so tense—this one isn't about the collaboration. Just casual chit-chat." Ruby huffed. "Tense? Who's tense? You're quite the joker, Mr. Lloyd. Ask your question—I have other matters to attend to. Rhodes Corporation isn't the only company knocking on Amberpeak's door." Andrew's smile took on a sharper edge. "I heard from Mr. MacAfee earlier that the two of you discussed the collaboration thoroughly and worked very hard, even late into the evening. Is that correct?" Ruby froze for a moment, then nodded. "Yes, Mr. MacAfee is very dedicated. We had a detailed conversation yesterday and talked until around nine in the evening." Troy, clearly proud of himself, chimed in, "It was exhausting, but for Rhodes Corporation, it's my dut
Michael, already irritated, snapped at Andrew. "We're talking about serious corporate business here—high-level collaborations. Do you even understand what that means? If you don't, stop interrupting just to make yourself seen!" Michael was already annoyed earlier by Andrew's "suggestions" and now, with Andrew raising another question, a wave of dread swept over him. He feared Andrew might come up with something that would send his blood pressure through the roof. Andrew replied calmly, "Who said I don't understand? When it comes to pharmaceuticals, none of you here are even qualified to speak in my presence." Ruby sneered. "Mr. Lloyd, let's not pretend you know what you're talking about. Are you seriously trying to convince us that you're some kind of expert in medicine? What, are you claiming to be a miracle-working doctor or something?" To Ruby, Andrew was just a lackey trying to pick a fight for Lauren's sake—nothing more than a clueless, incompetent man, unworthy of her att
Troy slammed the table, his tone laced with frustration. "It seems my efforts were all in vain. Some people in the company don't appreciate my hard work and think I'm just being foolish. "Fine, if that's the case, the Pharmaceutical Division doesn't need this collaboration with Ms. Dickinson and Amberpeak Corporation. After all, any losses will be the corporation's, not mine." Ruby seized the moment, feigning regret as she spoke. "It's such a pity. If Mr. MacAfee doesn't want this opportunity, I'll have to look elsewhere. Perhaps the Weller family, who's been excelling in wellness products lately, might be interested." Michael panicked, immediately forcing a smile. "Ms. Dickinson, please don't be hasty. Of course, we at Rhodes Corporation are eager for this partnership with Amberpeak Corporation. Only a fool would reject it!" Ruby smirked, adding, "You can want it all you like, but I only trust Mr. MacAfee, so he'll be my sole point of contact for this collaboration." Michael
The Rhodes Corporation executives wore pleased expressions, their eyes filled with flattery and admiration as they looked at Ruby. Although Rhodes Corporation was a strong player, its influence was largely confined to Jayrodale. Even though the Rhodes family had ventured into Blumedale to expand their reach, they had only managed to secure a foothold, far from becoming a dominant force. Amberpeak Corporation, on the other hand, was a renowned giant in the pharmaceutical industry. If Rhodes Corporation could truly secure a partnership with such a powerhouse, it would undoubtedly be a golden opportunity. Ruby turned to Lauren with a smug smile. "Ms. Rhodes, do you believe me now?" Lauren frowned. "Amberpeak Corporation is already a leading authority in pharmaceuticals. If they were looking for partners, it would make more sense to find them in Blumedale. "Ruby, for you to claim you're representing Amberpeak Corporation and to come all the way to Jayrodale for collaboration—it
They all thought it was an absurd and comical proposal, wondering how Andrew could even say those words with a straight face. Everyone in the room had braced themselves for Andrew's lack of professionalism, but they had not expected anything this outrageous. Suggesting the company's CEO should guard the main entrance? Recommending the head of the Pharmaceutical Division be reassigned to manage the warehouse? It was the kind of logic that could only come from a "genius" with a truly unique imagination. Troy was the first to snap, standing up and shouting, "I object!" "Object!" "I object too!" "Unconditionally object! This is outrageous!" Not a single executive supported Andrew. They all glared at him, their voices raised in protest, their faces red with indignation. Andrew shrugged nonchalantly. "Well, since everyone objects, let's just pretend I never said it." Michael, still seething, sneered. "Mr. Lloyd, the company's meeting room is a place for discussing serious mat
Troy sneered, feigning politeness. "Oh, judging by Mr. Lloyd's demeanor, it seems he has some insights to share. Why don't we all listen attentively to his wisdom?" His comment dripped with sarcasm, clearly meant to set Andrew up for embarrassment. After all, in Troy's eyes, Andrew was just a wealthy shareholder with no real business knowledge. Michael followed up with a mocking grin. "Mr. MacAfee has a point. Mr. Lloyd, you're part of Rhodes Corporation now, so perhaps you could share some grand vision for our company's future or enlighten us with your development plans?" The other executives, all five of them, smirked and watched Andrew expectantly, clearly hoping for him to stumble. Lauren's face darkened, and she was about to intervene to spare Andrew the humiliation. She knew it was unrealistic for him to have a grasp on the intricate details of the business so soon after joining. Yet, Andrew simply smiled. "Visions and development plans? Let's skip the empty talk. It's no
"Dr. Lloyd, I really can't anymore. Please, have mercy and let me go, okay?" Lauren pleaded, her wide, tear-filled eyes staring at Andrew with desperation. "This is the office. People are everywhere, and you can't go on for this long in one go. Be good. Let's stop for now, and I'll give you another chance next time, okay?" she begged, trying to escape his grip. Andrew lifted his head from her neck, chuckling. "Next time? And when would that be?" Lauren's eyes darted nervously. "Uh… tomorrow!" "Then forget it. I can't wait until tomorrow. Besides, you were the one who came to me. I didn't force you," Andrew teased with a sly grin. "Ah, no, no, no… Fine, how about this afternoon? That should be okay, right?" Lauren stammered. "Nope, I'll need more by lunchtime," Andrew replied firmly. "Alright, alright! Lunchtime it is, you big pervert!" Lauren grumbled, feeling both defeated and flustered. For the first time, Lauren felt a chill run down her spine as she looked at Andrew
Andrew froze, startled by Lauren's serious tone. Looking at her earnest expression, he seemed to understand something deeper. "Target you? Someone must've told you that. But, Lauren, what do you think?" Andrew replied with a faint smile, offering no further explanation. Lauren shook her head firmly. "I don't believe it. That's why I'm asking you directly." Andrew's expression turned cold. "I don't care who's feeding you these ideas. I only want to tell you one thing—I came to Rhodes Corporation for one reason: you. There are no schemes, no ulterior motives, no hidden agendas. I'm here because I see you as my friend." Without warning, Lauren threw herself into his arms, catching Andrew completely off guard. A faint floral fragrance swept over him. In the next moment, her soft, delicate body pressed against his, filling his embrace entirely. Andrew instinctively wrapped his arms around her, startled. "Lauren, you—" She tilted her head back, her eyes glistening with unshed tea
"Please, just give me one more chance! I promise to turn over a new leaf and lead the Weller family responsibly," Harvey pleaded, his forehead nearly touching the floor. The two elders exchanged glances, their eyes burning with a desire to punish him severely. However, there was no escaping the reality—Harvey was Kane's only heir. If they removed him, the Weller family would need to choose a new head, and frankly, there was not anyone else who seemed even remotely suitable. Though Harvey was reckless and immoral, he had proven competent as the family leader. The recent surge in profits from their wellness products was his doing, helping to pull the family out of a dire financial crisis. "Fine, get up," Ian said in frustration. It was as if he speaking to an utter disappointment. "Having someone like you as head of the family is a disgrace, but it's our misfortune, not yours." Ted gritted his teeth. "But listen carefully, you pathetic fool. You may remain as the family head,