Rising from the Ashes (Andrew and Lauren)

Bane waved a hand dismissively. "Let me make one thing clear-I'm not helping Rhodes Corporation's Pharmaceutical Division out of pure goodwill. I expect to get what I want when the time comes. I trust you won't be stingy when that moment arrives."

Tiana chuckled softly. "Don't worry. You'll have access to all the resources and funds you need."

The meeting room was filled with Rhodes Corporation executives. Besides Bane and Michael, Andrew, Lauren, and Marcus were also present.

However, the three of them sat on the sidelines, largely ignored. Nobody came over to chat or engage with them.

Meanwhile, Michael stood at the center of attention, surrounded by a crowd of managers, all enthusiastically congratulating him.

They were not there just for idle flattery-they were hedging their bets. After all, the ongoing power struggle between Michael and Lauren would decide who got the CEO seat.

Judging by the current situation, Michael seemed like a guaranteed winner. And in corporate politics, knowing which way the wind blew was a survival skill these managers had mastered.

Michael smiled modestly, but his gaze swept toward Andrew and Lauren with a mocking glint.

"Lauren, Mr. Lloyd... you two look a bit down," he said with a fake smile. "What's wrong? Did Mr. Lloyd's magic formulas not turn out as expected?"

Lauren's expression remained cold. "Our products are just fine. They'll be hitting the market soon. You don't need to worry about us." Michael laughed condescendingly. "Lauren, you're being way too impatient. Sure, Glorious Pharmaceuticals is backing you, but the heart of a product lies in its quality and performance. If Mr. Lloyd's formulas turn out to be garbage, then launching them will only burn through resources and drain your energy for nothing."

Marcus frowned. "Mr. Rhodes, you don't even know what our products are. Isn't it a bit arrogant to make assumptions like that?"

Michael sneered. "Why would I waste time learning about your products? Tell me, Mr. Chapman, would you care what the janitor on the street is having for lunch? Of course not. Because the gap between you two is too vast to bother." noveldrama

Marcus' face turned red with anger-Michael's words were beyond insulting.

"Mr. Chapman," Andrew said suddenly, his voice calm but sharp, "would you waste your breath arguing with a dog."

Michael's expression darkened instantly. His lips twisted into a snarl. "Andrew, you just don't know when to quit. Fine. Let's see how far your so-called miracle products go. I'll enjoy watching you crash and burn."

Andrew smirked. "Michael, do you remember what I told you before? I said I'd strip away that smug mask and bring you back to reality. Don't forget that. And from where I'm standing, your products are the real garbage."

Bane snorted. "Kid, big talk like that can make your tongue snap in half. If my products are garbage, then yours are less than trash."

Andrew's gaze shifted to Bane, filled

with disdain. Bane, you whipped up three formulas in record time. What do you think you are? The legendary founder of the Advanced Medical Institute? You might have everyone else here fooled, but I see through your tricks."

Bane's face hardened. His voice dropped to an icy growl. "What the hell are you implying? Are you questioning my medical expertise?"

Andrew shrugged. "I'm not

questioning it—I'm outright

dismissing it. Your formulas are

nothing but a haphazard mix of tonic herbs thrown together under

pressure. Sure, they might give. people a quick boost-stuff a bunch of Root of Resilience, Emberhorn Stag, and Sunberry Bush into someone, and they'll feel like a furnace for a few hours. But real medicine is about more than a

temporary high. It's about

consistent, reliable results."

affordability, accessibility, and

The room fell into stunned silence. Many of the executives looked pale, suddenly uncertain about the products they had been so eager to praise.

Marcus clapped his hands, nodding with approval. "Well said, Mr. Lloyd! That's what you call integrity and vision!"

Even Tiana glanced at Andrew with surprise. She thought, 'This kid... maybe he actually knew what he was talking about.'