The CEO's Empathy Pregnancy Pains

Michael understood why Emily was so upset.

Her biological father had shown up, not out of concern for his daughter or to see his grandson, but to stir up trouble over fame and fortune. No one knew what Hayden was really planning.

The day Hayden knocked on the door of Emerald Lake Manor, Michael saw Emily crying.noveldrama

No matter how strong she was inside or how tough she acted, she still longed for her parents' care.

Michael wanted to comfort her, but before he could say much, Emily wiped away her tears, took a deep breath, and spoke to him as if nothing had happened.

"Harry's upstairs, but he's asleep. Be quiet when you go see him."

They were now just parents to their child, and Michael didn't dare hope for more.

"Have someone keep an eye on Hayden. Let me know if he does anything unusual."

Michael instructed Andrew, who immediately complied, ordering surveillance on Brown Corporation to monitor Hayden's every move.

JM Jewelry's new exhibition once again attracted countless eyes.

As the host, Emily was busy inside and out, but she always wore a proper smile.

Today, she was dressed in a black business suit, simple and efficient, with a touch of elegance and a hint of sternness.

Michael was invited to attend, and he immediately spotted his dazzling ex-wife in the crowd.

Indeed, he had taken her for granted back then. Emily's peripheral vision caught his intense gaze, and she paused for a moment before quickly returning to her conversations with the guests.

Penelope, standing nearby, noticed this scene. She knew the complicated relationship between the two but also sensed the subtle, indescribable connection that remained. "Mr. Smith, thank you for coming. You always bring such prestige to JM Jewelry! See anything you like? Maybe I can reserve it for you today, so you don't have to worry about the auction."

Seeing Penelope approach with a welcoming smile, Michael quickly adopted a respectful demeanor.

Though his position in Emerald City was secure, he knew the importance of humility in business.

Penelope appreciated this and was willing to chat with him. After all, in the business world, having more friends was better than having more enemies. Besides, Michael was a friend of her son, Bryan.

To outsiders, it seemed like there was no connection between them, but Penelope knew they still kept tabs on each other.

Sure enough, Michael smiled and asked about Bryan.

"Where's Bryan today? Ms. Blair, you know my situation. Who would I buy it for?"

Planning your weekend reading? Ensure you're on nov L5s.com for uninterrupted enjoyment. The next chapter is just a click away, exclusively available on our site. Happy reading!

Penelope's eyes gleamed as she chuckled, "That's hard to say. But speaking of Bryan, haven't you two been out of touch for a while? He's abroad with Alice. Her father died in prison, you know."

Michael frowned, clearly unaware of this.

Alice's father had once been a business giant, but his downfall was his own doing. He had hurt so many people, and now he was paying the price.

Thinking of this, Michael glanced at Emily again.

Before he could speak, Penelope understood and explained, "Emily doesn't know. She had just given birth when Alice's father passed. Why burden her with that? You can tell her later, no rush."

Michael nodded in agreement. "Thanks, Ms. Blair."

Penelope sighed softly, patting Michael's shoulder with a heartfelt tone. "That was Alice's father's fate. The Ward family suffered because of him, and it's a shame for their century-old legacy. But no matter what, Emily's mother isn't coming back.

"Kids without their parents' protection are pitiful. That's why I let Bryan accompany Alice abroad. But as for their marriage, I can't approve."

Seeing Penelope's firm stance, Michael didn't argue.

The Ward family was indeed difficult. Even with Alice's father gone, she had other relatives, and she had no say in that family. Bryan being with her would only entangle him in their disputes.

Penelope, as Bryan's mother, didn't want her only son and their business affected by the Ward family's issues. Self-preservation was natural.

Michael pondered for a moment and nodded in agreement. "Ms. Blair, I get where you're coming from. Bryan has his own ideas, but it'll take time for him to see reason. Alice is a good girl, though."

Penelope's eyes flashed with complex emotions, and she seemed anxious.

"I know she's a good girl! But you know, in families like ours, marriages need to be between equals. Alice isn't the right match for Bryan! They're not suitable, just like you and Emily!"

Michael was taken aback, remaining silent.

Penelope quickly realized her mistake and corrected herself. "I mean, Emily is a good girl. As her boss, no one knows that better than me.

"But you saw how the Smith family treated her, and public opinion was against her. She suffered because of it. No matter how much you love her, what good does it do? Michael, as someone who's been through it, let me give you some advice.

"If you care about her, let her go. Look at her; she's thriving on her own. Why make her live under someone else's roof, enduring ridicule?"

Penelope took a deep breath, risking offending Michael, but she had to speak her mind. "Even if it offends you, I have to be clear.

"You and Bryan grew up together, and your fates were sealed from birth. You can't change that. Enjoying wealth and privilege means following your parents' wishes. They won't harm you."

Her final words struck Michael deeply, causing ripples in his heart.

Andrew, standing nearby, quickly interjected, "Mr. Smith, Mr. White has been asking for you. Should we go over?"