The CEO's Empathy Pregnancy Pains

"What do you mean by this?" Celeste's face turned pale. She hadn't expected Michael to come here just to pick a fight.

"Celeste, don't get me wrong. I'm just being upfront."

"Smith Corporation has always been careful about choosing partners. You know, you represent the Lancaster family, and Dean is your nephew. The relationship between you two is pretty tight. A few days ago..."

Michael didn't need to finish; Celeste already knew what he was getting at.

This was exactly what she feared, and Michael just had to bring it up.

In a moment of panic, Celeste stood up abruptly. "I have nothing to do with Dean!"

The atmosphere in the conference room instantly became tense.

Michael didn't respond, but a slight smile played on his lips. Veda watched coldly, as if enjoying Celeste's performance.

Celeste was smart enough to realize she had misspoken in her haste. She quickly corrected herself.

"I mean, Dean never listens to me. In his eyes, I'm just a figurehead! So, I no longer acknowledge any familial relationship with him. Mr. Smith, you can rest assured!"

Michael remained noncommittal, his tone indifferent. "Just because you don't acknowledge it doesn't mean it doesn't exist. The familial ties are still there. Besides, this is your family matter, and it's not my place to interfere."

"But there's one thing I can tell you. As long as Dean hasn't been apprehended, I won't have any dealings with the Lancaster family. Celeste, I hope you understand."

With that, Michael stood up to leave.

Veda was ready to follow.

She had nothing to say to someone as cold-hearted as Celeste.

Archibald was still willing to take the responsibility.

But Celeste just wanted to sever ties with Archibald and Dean to collaborate with Smith Corporation. While it was understandable to look out for herself, her eagerness to cut family ties was chilling.

Once Michael made up his mind, there was no room for negotiation.

Celeste had heard that despite his youth, Michael was decisive and strategic. Otherwise, he wouldn't have managed Smith Corporation so successfully.

Now it seemed his reputation was well-deserved.

"Mr. Smith!" She knew it was futile to persist, so she suppressed her resentment and forced a smile. "Mr. Smith, you're right. I'll handle the Lancaster family matters. I hope Smith Corporation can give us a chance."

Celeste's tone carried a hint of helplessness and compromise.

Michael wasn't one to push people to the brink without giving them a chance. After a moment's thought, he nodded at Celeste.

"Show her out."

Following Michael's instruction, Veda immediately addressed Celeste. "This way, please."

Seeing Veda's disrespectful attitude, Celeste grabbed her handbag, took a deep breath, and hurried out.

Inwardly, she fumed, 'I'll never forget today's humiliation!'

She was, after all, an elder. To be treated so poorly today was like a tiger being bullied

by dogs. It was all Dean's fault. If he hadn't caused such trouble, she wouldn't be in this mess.

The Lancaster family might not have deep roots in Emerald City, but they were well- known in Everglade City.

With her backing, there was no worry about not getting a chance to work with Smith Corporation.

But now, with Smith Corporation at its peak, she had no choice but to bow her head. [I'm fine. I hope everything goes well for you in Everglade City.]

Out of courtesy, Emily finally replied to Archibald's message.

She had just returned home from shopping with Abigail when her phone buzzed with a series of messages.

All from Archibald, filled with warm and considerate words.

Emily had gradually realized Archibald's feelings for her, but she had always avoided addressing it directly.

After all, she had unintentionally rejected him several times.

She always saw him as a friend, and he should know that.

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Emily sighed softly, put down her phone, and looked out the window.

Soon, another message came through: [I know. I'm fine. I'm going to visit my parents'

grave tomorrow. Emily, if Dean shows up tomorrow, I'll bring him back to Emerald City. Consider it my promise to you!]

A promise to her?

Emily's heart tightened. Archibald's message weighed heavily on her.

When had she asked for a promise?

She just wanted get justice for Smith Corporation.

Deep down, Emily didn't want to admit it was for Michael.

After some thought, Emily decided not to reply to Archibald's message.

She knew Archibald well. He wasn't one for empty gestures, nor would he betray his principles for the sake of friendship.

If he said he would bring Dean back, he would find a way to do it.

But it had nothing to do with her.

Emily felt a mix of emotions, knowing she was already too involved in this matter. She decided to step back.

Meanwhile, Archibald stared at his phone screen, waiting for Emily's response.

But five minutes passed, then ten.

It seemed no reply was coming.

Archibald frowned, feeling a pang of disappointment.

Was it because of Dean?

But wasn't Dean's issue tied to Michael?

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find the next chapter anywhere else. Happy reading!

Could it be that Emily still had feelings for Michael?

Archibald was making one last effort.

He could see that during the bar incident, Emily had chosen Michael. She still had

feelings for him.

And his silent support was seen by Emily as mere friendship.

Thinking about this, Archibald felt a twinge of bitterness.

He glanced at the time; it was nearly midnight.

A determined thought suddenly ignited in Archibald's mind.

He had to find Dean and make him sever ties with Sophia!

It would be a clear answer for Emily and a way to give his parents peace in heaven.

Early the next morningnoveldrama

Archibald, dressed in a black coat, left the Lancaster family home and headed to the cemetery.

Meanwhile, Dean and Sophia were already at the Lancaster family parents' gravesite. Both looked weary but solemn.

"Dad, Mom, I'm here to see you."

Dean's voice choked with emotion. Sophia took a deep breath and followed suit. "Hi, I'm Sophia."

Then Sophia watched as Dean slowly sat by the tombstone, tears streaming down his face, showing a sorrow she had never seen before.

"Dean..." Sophia wanted to comfort him, but the words caught in her throat.

After all, these were his parents, and no outsider could easily soothe that pain. Being there for Dean was the best support she could offer.

Dean didn't know how long he cried at the grave. Sophia, who also lacked parental support, was deeply moved, and they both lost track of time, not noticing Archibald's arrival.

Archibald's face was dark with anger.