Rising from the Ashes (Andrew and Lauren)

As she spoke, Tiana's expression softened, her tone turning almost coaxing. Seeing the situation, the other executives also jumped in, their voices filled with persuasion.

"Mr. Rhodes, true courage lies in sacrifice for the greater good!"noveldrama

"Mr. Rhodes, if you bring Mr. Lloyd back, you won't just be saving the company- you'll be a hero of the Rhodes family!"

"It's just bowing and begging for mercy. Think about it-history remembers those who endure humiliation for a greater cause. You'll have the chance to be remembered!"

Michael listened as one voice after another filled the room, each word supposedly well-meaning, yet every sentence stabbing deeper into his pride. Once red with fury, his face turned eerily pale.

These backstabbing bastards had made up their minds and had all collectively decided to throw him under the bus to save themselves.

Being remembered in history? To hell with that! Even with his limited education, he knew that kneeling would only bring him shame for a lifetime. They were sugarcoating it, but in reality, they wanted him to humiliate himself so they could keep their hands clean!

"Say whatever you want, but I will never-

Michael gritted his teeth, determined to make his stance crystal clear. However, before he could finish, his phone

rang.

He glanced at the screen. His father, Kenny, was calling from Blumedale. His stomach tightened, but he still answered. "Dad, what's wrong?"

His

eyes flickered toward Tiana, and he hesitated for a second before putting the phone on speaker.

Kenny's voice came through, rough and angry. "Tell me the truth-things are falling apart at Rhodes Corporation aren't they?"

Michael forced a laugh. "It's not that bad. Just a little setback!"

Kenny's furious roar nearly blew out the speaker. "You useless piece of shit! Do you think you can lie to me? The entire Rhodes family already knows about the disaster unfolding in Jayrodale!"

He shouted, "I don't care what you have to do-you'd better stabilize the company immediately! That's our stronghold in this region, the foundation of our family's power in Blumedale. If you keep dragging it into the gutter, then even if I become the next family head, what's the point of inheriting an empty shell?"

Kenny was beyond livid. His words were sharp, his frustration seething through the phone.

Michael felt a wave of frustration. "Dad, the company is under massive public scrutiny. We're getting attacked from all sides, and I have no way to fix it right now! What do you expect me to do?"

Kenny's voice turned ice cold. "I

don't give a damn what you do-you fix it, or you deal with the

consequences. If this mess ruins.my plans in Blumedale, and you end up being the one dragging me down...

BUMS

"I swear to God, I'll disown you myself. Hell, I might even have you castrated just

to make sure you never produce another disappointment like yourself!"

With that, Kenny slammed the phone down, ending the call with a loud bang.

Michael's face went from pale to utterly lifeless as he realized it was over.

P

Even his father was pressuring him to clean up this disaster. If he failed, the old man threatened to castrate him. He could not believe his own father would do it.

But the worst part? Michael had no solution, and he had no way out of this.

Did that mean he really had no choice but to follow Tiana's orders and beg Andrew to return?

Tiana's voice cut through his spiraling thoughts. "Michael, that was Kenny on the phone, wasn't it?"

Michael forced a dry chuckle. "Yeah... my dad."

Tiana's lips curved slightly. “Then I assume his message was the same as mine-fixing the company's downfall is the top priority. So, are you ready to offer up your pride for the family?" en

Michael blinked. "Offer up... my pride?"

Tiana's smirk deepened. “That's right-your pride. Andrew doesn't want your life-he just wants you to apologize. So really, there's no need for all this dramatic resistance."

en

Michael's face darkened like a thundercloud. He clenched his fists, his knuckles turning white.

"Fine!" he finally spat out. "I'll go get him. I'll go pick up that damn bastard myself! Happy now?"