The CEO's Empathy Pregnancy Pains

Emily had locked herself in her room again. She hadn't been in a good mood for the past few days.

It wasn't just because of Veda showing up at the JM Jewelry Company exhibition, but also because Roger's sentencing was coming up, and the court hearing was today.

Roger's sentencing was supposed to be a moment of great satisfaction.

But at that moment, Emily had to relive Isabella's death, face the so-called righteous love of the Ward family, and play along with their charade of family harmony under the media's scrutiny.

Emily didn't want any part of it. She told herself this with all her heart.

A knock on the door snapped Emily out of her thoughts.

"Come in."

Abigail gently pushed the door open and walked in, carrying a bowl of hot milk. She carefully observed Emily's expression. Sensing Abigail's concern, Emily looked up and managed a small smile.

"Why so cautious?"

Seeing Emily's mood improve slightly, Abigail breathed a sigh of relief, though her face still showed signs of unease.

"I was just worried you might still be struggling with everything. Today's the court hearing. Are you ready? I'm still worried. Let me go with you!"

Emily took the milk, her face showing traces of makeup, but it couldn't hide the pallor and helplessness brought on by her inner disappointment.noveldrama

"No need, I'll go by myself. Aren't you looking for a job? Go focus on that." Emily patted Abigail's hand.

She added, "I'm fine. The Ward family won't dare do anything to me, especially with the reporters there. Roger..."

Thinking of his terrifying face, Emily's expression turned to a cold sneer. "He won't be able to do anything to me either."

Abigail nodded, understanding what Emily meant, but she still voiced her concern. "I'm actually more worried about Leo. He's always trying to get you to acknowledge your heritage. He won't try to embarrass you in front of the reporters again, will he?

"He's much more forceful than Mason. When your mom was alive, they had nothing to do with each other. Now that she's gone, they pretend to miss her? What does blood relation even mean? Family ties are so complicated."

Abigail's voice faded in Emily's mind as she began to contemplate. 'So what if they try to make things difficult? Does that mean she'll obediently submit to the Ward family? Submit to the murderers who killed her mother?'

"If he wants me to acknowledge my heritage, he'll have to earn it." Emily suddenly spoke, her long, thick eyelashes fluttering, revealing a hint of cold and ruthless determination.

The court hearing began right on time.

Emily wore a black dress again, but unlike the jewelry exhibition a few days ago, she

looked less glamorous and more distant and cold.

Even Alice was at a loss for words when she saw her.

"Did you see Emily?"

Alice got back into the car with Leo, who immediately asked.

Alice, dressed simply in casual clothes and a baseball cap, replied indifferently, "Yeah, I did."

Leaning on his cane, Leo's once straight posture was slightly hunched, casting a shadow over Alice's face. She felt a sudden pressure and took a step back, only to hear his anxious voice again.

"Did she say anything to you? Did you tell her I was waiting for her?"

When Alice didn't respond, Leo grew more agitated and tapped her back with his cane. "Speak up! You're driving me crazy, kid!"

Alice, wearing only a thin layer of clothing, winced at the cane's impact, her brows furrowing.

But Leo, seemingly oblivious, raised his cane again, only to be interrupted by a strong male voice above Alice's head. She looked up to see Bryan's determined face.

He glared at Leo, full of defiance. "Mr. Ward, if you want to talk to Emily, you should do it yourself.

"Besides, you know my relationship with Michael. Emily just divorced Michael, so it's even more inconvenient for Alice to talk to her. I hope you understand."

Bryan's tone was far from polite.

Leo, never one to tolerate such disrespect, especially in his current state of urgency to see his beloved granddaughter Emily, was furious.

Bryan and Alice's relationship had never been acknowledged by the Ward family.

Bryan standing up to Leo now was asking for trouble.

Leo, unlike Mason and Mabel, had spent his life commanding respect in the business world. He had never been spoken to like this.

Just a heads up: is the only place to read the complete version of this book for free. Don't miss out on the next chapter-visit us now and continue your journey!

Especially now, with everyone in Emerald City watching the Ward family, Leo had to maintain their dignity.

So, he straightened up, his face darkening, and addressed Bryan. "I haven't seen you in

a while. What are you doing? Playing the hero? I'm disciplining my granddaughter, and

you come here to criticize me? Isn't that a bit disrespectful?

"Besides, Bryan, your grandmother and I were close. What you're doing is..."

Before Leo could finish, Bryan cut him off.

At this point, Bryan didn't care about Leo's status or Alice's subtle attempts to stop him.

After all, Alice had done nothing wrong. Why should she suffer? She was the Ward family's granddaughter, yet she was treated worse than Emily, who hadn't even been acknowledged by the family.

Bryan couldn't understand this dynamic. "Mr. Ward, Alice is my girlfriend. I think you know that. So, of course, I'll protect her. Also, you're right. Whether you're the head of the Ward family or her grandfather, I should respect you. But don't you think you should also show some restraint?"

Bryan looked at Leo, his eyes filled with a mix of fierceness and mockery. "After all, there are many reporters here today. You can't let them see you care only about Emily while treating your Alice differently, can you?

"Remember, your only son Roger is about to be sentenced. His daughter will be your responsibility. Your actions are disheartening."

"Bryan! Stop talking!"

"You!"

As Bryan finished speaking, Leo's anger and Alice's sobs erupted simultaneously.

The tension was palpable, leaving everyone around them in awe.