Rising from the Ashes (Andrew and Lauren)

Michael roared in fury, thrashing violently as the group of executives pinned him down. Like a pack of butchers restraining a wild hog, they forced him into a deep bow.

One by one, they followed suit, completing the bowing and begging for mercy.

Michael's forehead slammed into the floor with each bow, the impact echoing through the room. Within moments, his forehead was red and swollen.

Lauren and Francesca stood frozen, staring in utter disbelief. Seeing Michael, of all people, humiliated like this felt almost surreal.

Lauren finally turned to Andrew. "Dr. Lloyd, was this your doing?"

Andrew replied calmly, "How could I possibly arrange something like this? Mr. Rhodes simply had a change of heart. He realized he owed you an apology, so he's making amends in the most respectful way possible-by personally inviting you back to take charge."

Lauren narrowed her eyes at Michael. "Is that really what you're thinking?"

Michael's lips trembled as he held back tears. "Y-Yeah... That's exactly what I'm thinking!"

At this point, he would go along with whatever Andrew said. It was like being force-fed humiliation-since he could not resist, he might as well swallow it whole and endure it.

Deep in his heart, though, Michael vowed-one day, he would make Andrew pay for this.

Lauren took a deep breath. "I don't care why you're doing this, and I don't care what your real intentions are. I was never planning on abandoning the company anyway."

Andrew arched a brow at Michael and snapped, "Didn't you hear that? Ms. Rhodes is ready to return. Well, what are you waiting for, Michael? Go get the car ready!"

Michael gritted his teeth. "You have a car. We don't have enough room for you."

Andrew smirked. "Oh, I have a car. But that's my car. Lauren and I are returning for official business, so we'll be taking a company vehicle. You're not telling me you don't understand basic protocol, are you?"

Michael's face twitched violently as he cursed at the shameless, petty bastard. If he wanted to leech off the company's resources, he should just say so why act all high and mighty about it?

With no choice, Michael begrudgingly arranged a Rhodes Corporation car for them.

Andrew and Lauren boarded without another word, and as the vehicle pulled away, Moonlit Apothecary fell into an odd silence.

Francesca and Cedric exchanged glances, both savoring the moment.

"Mrs. Rhodes actually bowed her head to Dr. Lloyd," Francesca murmured. "Honestly, I never thought I'd see the day. It feels..... satisfying."

Cedric laughed heartily. "And Michael? Coming all the way here just to kneel and beg? That was definitely Andrew's doing. This kid is getting more cunning by the day!"

Cedric then turned to Francesca, giving her a knowing look. "By the way, you're

not going back to the Aicker residence tonight."

Francesca frowned. "Huh? Why not? I haven't moved out yet-what's wrong with staying at home?"

Cedric's tone left no room for argument. "I don't care. You're staying at Moonlit Sanctuary tonight. Where exactly? That's up to you. But the Aicker residence is undergoing renovations—the air is full of chemicals and toxic fumes. You shouldn't be anywhere near it."

Francesca's face flushed bright red. She glared at Cedric and snapped, "You dirty old man!"

Cedric smirked. "You love the idea, but you're just pretending to be embarrassed. Not bad, kid. That performance? Award-worthy."

Francesca's frustration boiled over. "Grandpa, I hope you live a long, long life-so I can torment you forever!"

...

Meanwhile, Rhodes Corporation's situation was spiraling. With negative press mounting by the day, the company's reputation was hanging by a thread.

In the age of social media, a bad

public image was not just a setback—it was a death sentence. By the time Andrew and Lauren arrived at the company headquarters, they were

over

immediately surrounded.

At the front of the crowd stood Tiana, Rhodes Corporation's First Lady. Behind her

were executives, managers, and countless employees.

Everyone was desperate-if the company collapsed, they all had something to lose. They had been waiting, hoping, and praying for Andrew and Lauren to return.

"Mr. Lloyd, you have to come up with a plan!"

"Mr. Lloyd, the entire company is depending on you and Ms. Rhodes!"

Several senior executives swallowed their pride, looking at Andrew with pleading eyes.noveldrama

Yet, Andrew ignored them. What happened next would depend entirely on Lauren.