Lauren sighed and said, "At the end of the day, it all comes down to my family's alliance with the Driscoll family in Blumedale. Anyway, Fran, I can't sleep with Dr. Lloyd right now. But you don't have that restriction, so you can go ahead and give him what he needs." Francesca bit her lip, looking embarrassed. "Forget it. How could I take Andrew before you do? I'd rather wait for you… maybe we can figure it out together." Lauren's face turned bright red as she squirmed in her seat. "What? If we do it together, wouldn't that mean all three of us in bed? Like… a threesome?" Francesca's cheeks flushed even deeper. "I-I don't know either." She took a shaky breath and added, "But Lauren, since you've been so good to me, I should be honest, too. I need to tell you something… or else I'll feel guilty." Lauren covered her mouth, stifling a laugh. "Don't tell me… you've already slept with Dr. Lloyd?" Francesca's face turned ghostly pale. Her eyes filled with guilt as she whispered,

"She told me everything," Lauren said with a sly smile. "She was really happy about what you supposedly did to her. But if she finds out it never actually happened, she'll definitely feel disappointed." Andrew's eyes narrowed in suspicion. "Hold on a second. The way you're talking… it almost sounds like you're trying to sell me off to your best friend. You wouldn't actually do that… would you?" Lauren burst into laughter. "Wouldn't? I already did! Fran's all yours whenever you want. I won't mind." "But," she added with a teasing grin, "you better make sure you treat us both equally. No playing favorites!" Andrew slammed on the brakes in front of Glorious Pharmaceuticals and turned to Lauren. "Glad you're both having fun… but has anyone thought about what this will do to my health?" Lauren doubled over, laughing so hard she nearly choked. Andrew sat there for a moment, sighing with a mixture of amusement and dread. He wondered if he was really supposed to take responsibility f

Stephen hesitated for a moment before forcing out a strained smile. "Mr. Lloyd, the Reckoning Toast at the Jayrodale Grand Hotel officially started today. Raymond plans to host it for three days straight, inviting all the major players in Jayrodale to witness it." He explained, "If, by the end of the third day, you haven't shown up, it will be taken as a refusal to apologize. At that point, Raymond, backed by the Wright family, might decide to make a move against you. Please, think this through." Andrew's eyes darkened with indifference. "I'll go on the third day and settle it then. But until then, I don't have the time—or the interest—to entertain them." Stephen quickly nodded. "Of course, Mr. Lloyd. I'll pass the message along to Raymond." Andrew gave a casual wave. "Do whatever you think is best." He turned and left the office with Lauren beside him. "Dr. Lloyd," Lauren said softly, glancing at him with concern, "I really think you should take the Wright family seriously

Stephen said calmly, "It's not that I've lost my edge or nerve. It's just that sometimes, you need to read the room and know when to pick your battles." He continued, "There's a saying—A wise man adapts to the times. No matter how strong you are, when a true powerhouse shows up, you still have to bow your head if you want to survive." Raymond waved him off with an irritated snort. "Cut the crap. What you're really saying is that you're scared of Andrew, right? You've already given in to him. Either way, it doesn't matter. My stance is crystal clear. "If that kid shows up, kneels, toasts me, and pays for all the damages, I'll be merciful and let him walk away with his life. But if he dares not to show, then tough luck. I'll make sure he learns exactly what regret feels like." Stephen's expression darkened, and he let out a cold chuckle. "Getting Mr. Lloyd to kneel and toast you? That's never going to happen. I can't say much more, but I'm telling you—you're underestimating him.

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