Rising from the Ashes (Andrew and Lauren)

Andrew stood up and said calmly, "If he dares to come with bad intentions, then I'll make sure he never leaves."

Michael led the way, forcing a smile. "Andrew, Lauren, I'm here to take you both back to the company."

Andrew raised a hand. "Hold it right there. Moonlit Apothecary doesn't let stray dogs just wander in."

Michael's smile froze instantly, his expression darkening. Andrew, don't push it too far."

Behind him, the group of executives also looked uncomfortable. The first thing Andrew did was put him in his place this guy really had no shame.

Andrew tilted his head. "What? Do you think calling you a dog is too much? Look at your attitude-does this look like you're here to ask someone for help? Get on your knees before you speak to me."

Michael's temple throbbed with rage. "Andrew, I already came here in person. That should be enough. If you push things too far, it won't end well for anyone!"

Andrew chuckled. "Oh no, I'm not pushing anything-I'm simply stating the terms. Kneel and talk, or turn around and leave. Your choice."

Michael clenched his fists, his whole body shaking with anger. He turned on his heel, ready to storm off.

However, before he could take a step, the executives behind him quickly grabbed him.

"Mr. Rhodes, we came all this way-don't waste the trip!"

"You already agreed to this with Mrs. Rhodes. If you go back empty-handed, what are you going to tell her?"

"It's just kneeling-what's the big deal? Once you've done it a few times, you'll get used to it!"

Michael was about ready to murder someone. He cursed at the executives for being a bunch of bastards. It was not them being forced to kneel, so of course, they had no problem saying all this nonsense!

Telling him he would get used to it was ridiculous. He could not help but wonder why the hell they hired these kinds of people for Rhodes Corporation.

At that moment, Lauren, with Francesca supporting her, stepped to the entrance. "Michael, what kind of game are you playing?"

She still did not believe he was actually here to take her back. Yet, before she could even process what was happening, Michael did something unthinkable-he dropped to his knees.

Lauren and Francesca froze in shock, their eyes wide with disbelief.

Michael clenched his jaw, his voice low and bitter. "Lauren... Andrew... on behalf of Rhodes Corporation, I ask you to return."

His voice dripped with humiliation. Every word felt like it was being ripped out of his throat.

Francesca's mouth hung open as she turned to Andrew. "H-He actually knelt?”

Andrew crossed his arms, leaning against the doorframe, enjoying the spectacle. "Kneeling isn't enough, though. Mr. Rhodes, what's with that stiff posture?" noveldrama

Michael's eyes burned red, his entire body trembling with fury. "Andrew, I'm already kneeling. Do you really have to humiliate me this much?"

Andrew shrugged. "I didn't ask for just kneeling-I asked for bowing and begging for mercy. You look like a stiff

corpse down there-who's supposed to believe you're sincere?"

Michael's face twisted in rage, his body tensing. He could not take it anymore he had enough. Kneeling before the two people he swore he would destroy was already breaking him.

Yet, he was asked to beg? He had never even shown such a level of respect for his own elders.

The executives noticed his resistance and immediately pushed him down.

Michael roared in fury. “What the hell are you doing?! Let go of me! Do you want to die?!"

Pinned to the ground, he struggled violently, but his subordinates held him down. He was in disbelief that they were seriously forcing him into this.

"Mr. Rhodes, you've already knelt. If you back out now, all that humiliation was for nothing!"

"Exactly, Mr Rhodes! It's like... once

you sleep with someone, you're already there-whether it's once or ten times doesn't make a difference! You might as well see it through!" 1

"Mr. Lloyd, please watch closely! Mr. Rhodes is about to offer you his grand

apology!"

"I'm sorry!" Michael shouted as he bowed.

"I'm sorry!" His hands curled into fists as his body shook with rage.

"I'm sorry!" The moment his forehead touched the ground for the third time, the

entire place fell silent. 2