Chapter 402
Recently, Lauren seemed to be facing some difficulties but had not confided in Andrew. Even Francesca was not fully aware of the situation, which made Andrew concerned enough to inquire with Marcus about it.
Marcus looked surprised and asked, “So the rumors about you and Ms. Rhodes are true, Dr. Lloyd?”
“What rumors?” Andrew asked, caught off guard.
Marcus smiled with a knowing look and said, “There’s talk that the Rhodes family heiress, the CEO of Rhodes Corporation, is involved with a young doctor. None of us employees believed it, until now, when you asked about her situation. I guess the rumors weren’t unfounded after all!
Andrew chuckled wryly, understanding why such rumors existed. Lauren had never hidden her attraction to him, regardless of time or place, so it was not surprising that Jayrodale’s high society had caught wind of it.
“Ms. Rhodes and I are… indeed very close friends,” Andrew replied awkwardly. “That’s why I’m asking if she’s facing any difficulties lately.”
Marcus took a sip of tea and said seriously, “The CEO–or rather, the former CEO–is indeed facing significant troubles. Ms. Rhodes has stepped down, and Michael has taken over as CEO.”
Andrew was shocked. How could Michael have enough power to replace Lauren?
Marcus sighed and said, “Usually, I shouldn’t discuss internal Rhodes family matters. But since you’re not an outsider, Dr. Lloyd, I’ll be frank with you.”
Andrew’s expression turned cold as he said, “Please continue, Mr. Chapman.”
He would not have minded if Michael had legitimately replaced Lauren, but given Michael’s history of attempting to harm her, this transition likely involved foul play.
While Andrew did not care about the CEO position itself, he would not let Michael get away with hurting Lauren.
“Ms. Rhodes is currently under house arrest,” Marcus explained sympathetically. “She’s only allowed to visit the company and a few specific locations. The Rhodes family is known for their strict traditional values.”
Marcus continued, “Michael has been increasingly suppressing Ms. Rhodes lately. At this rate, Michael will soon have complete control of Rhodes Corporation.”
“Why would the Rhodes family put Ms. Rhodes under house arrest? Did she do something wrong?” Andrew asked with a frown.
Marcus shook his head and replied, “We employees don’t know the details, but apparently, a senior family member from Blumedale, the Rhodes family matriarch, has been extremely
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Chapter 402
harsh with Ms. Rhodes. There are rumors in the company that Ms. Rhodes is being arranged to marry into a prominent Blumedale family, after which she’ll step away from the business entirely to become a typical housewife.”
“And is Ms. Rhodes willing to accept this?” Andrew asked coldly.
Marcus laughed and said, “Of course not. She’s had several public confrontations with Michael in front of the executives. But in old–money families like the Rhodes, the patriarch and elders hold the real power. Even as the Rhodes heiress, she must comply with the family’s marriage arrangements.”
Seeing Andrew’s silence, Marcus hesitated before advising, “Take my advice–don’t get your hopes up about Ms. Rhodes.”
