The CEO's Empathy Pregnancy Pains

Hayden didn't buy it for a second. He was convinced the Smith siblings were setting

him up.

Classic case of passing the buck. But in front of Michael, he had to keep his cool, forcing a smile and trying to get some useful info.

But Michaelwas too sharp to let anything slip easily.

After thinking it over, Hayden decided to switch tactics. He softened his tone and pretended to be concerned. "It's alright, Michael. I know you both are good kids, helping out with the family business. Doesn't matter who runs it, right?"

"But my... Sophia's future is up in the air. She brought it on herself, but I don't care about her! I do feel bad for Emily, though. I still want her to come back and help me run the company!"

Michael was taken aback by Hayden's words. Hayden's tactics were endless. Could he be this kind-hearted? Michael didn't buy it for a second. After a moment, he slowly responded, "Mr. Brown, I get what you're saying. But Emily's got a kid to take care of now, and she's got her career. How can she possibly manage anything else?"

"Anything else?" Hayden was annoyed. He forgot his position and tried to assert his authority as a father-in-law in front of Michael. "Michael, you're mistaken. The Brown family business is meant to be passed down! How can it be considered 'anything else'?"

Hayden could handle criticism, but he wouldn't let anyone tarnish the Brown Corporation. It was the only thing he truly cared about. "Mr. Brown, family businesses have their destiny. Emily's not an unworthy descendant, so why rush?"noveldrama

Michael's words left Hayden speechless. Seeing this, Michael smiled slightly and continued, "Besides, if you want Emily to inherit, letting her gain experience outside is beneficial. JM Jewelry is one of the top design firms in Emerald City, and it aligns perfectly with the Brown Corporation's expertise. Why not?"

Michael had effectively blocked all of Hayden's arguments. Hayden was left with nothing to say. His face changed colors, and after a moment of silence, he realized he couldn't persuade Michael today. He took a deep breath and forced a smile. "Fine, you have a point. Emily has her path to follow, and the Brown Corporation has its fate. Our conversation ends here, Mr. Smith. I won't bother you any longer."

With that, Hayden's expression changed, and he left the Smith Corporation CEO's office. As midnight approached, the moon disappeared. The weather was unusually cold as the season changed, adding a touch of melancholy to the business battle. Michael watched Hayden's departing figure, feeling calm. He knew this was just the beginning of the struggle. Hayden's retreat was merely a strategic delay. There was no way he would abandon his ambitions so quickly.

Michael reminded himself to stay sharp in the cutthroat world of Emerald City. He couldn't afford to be careless, especially with Dean and Hayden. Every move by this seasoned businessman had a deeper meaning. Emily would undoubtedly become the key in their power struggle. To protect her, Michael was prepared to do whatever it took, even if it meant risking his safety.

Meanwhile, Emily had no clue about Hayden's visit to the Smith Corporation. She was riding high on her success in driving away Tom, feeling elated. In her good mood, she invited Andrew and the bodyguards to stay for a barbecue and seafood feast. Mason, the chef from the Smith Mansion, was there, and everyone enjoyed the meal as a token of her gratitude.

"I thought you all had work this afternoon, but then I realized today is a holiday," Emily said. "So, you don't need to go back to the Smith Corporation. Stay here, eat, and rest tomorrow."

Andrew initially wanted to decline, but Emily insisted. After checking with Michael, who gave a nod of approval, Andrew had no reason to refuse and stayed with the others. "Mrs. Smith is treating us generously, so we gladly accept!"

Suddenly, a voice emerged from the crowd. Emily was still sensitive to the title "Mrs. Smith," but she smiled politely and responded, "Feel free to eat whatever you like. Don't be shy!"

Emily was genuinely happy that Tom had backed off. Amid the aroma of barbecue, her smile was radiant. Her confidence and determination shone brightly in the warm light, dispelling the cold weather's gloom. She looked around and silently vowed never to let Tom threaten her and Harry again. Not just Tom, but anyone who tried to harm her or those close to her would be dealt with mercilessly.

"Mrs. Smith, you have a visitor. He says his name is Lancaster and wants to see you." Emily immediately guessed it was Archibald. Her heart skipped a beat, and she felt a twinge of suspicion. Archibald had returned to Everglade City, so why was he here? But with so many people around, she could handle whatever he was up to. Emily stood up and followed Lexine to the entrance.

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Meanwhile, Andrew's gaze shifted, and he became alert. Standing at the door was indeed Archibald, wearing a black coat against the strong evening wind. He looked as charming as ever, with a warm demeanor. Emily smiled at him and dismissed Lexine before speaking. "What brings you here?"

Archibald smiled slightly, his eyes flashing with a hint of sharpness. "I knew you'd be here."

His words were unsettling. Emily's smile faded instantly. "Shouldn't I be here?"

Besides, where she was had nothing to do with him. Emily felt uneasy and noticed something in Archibald's expression she couldn't quite decipher. It seemed to carry a hint of possessiveness, hidden hostility, or perhaps deeper calculations.

"That's not what I meant." Archibald glanced at the Emerald Lake Manor sign, took a deep breath, and looked at Emily again. "I just didn't expect you to be here. Emily, you and Michael are divorced, so why..."

Though Archibald trailed off, Emily understood his implication. Her expression turned cold and almost rigid.