The CEO's Empathy Pregnancy Pains

Scarlett was starting to get a bit anxious.

Her usual tactics might work on others, but with people like Michael and Bryan, it was like punching a brick wall-no effect, and it could even backfire on her.

Bryan stood protectively in front of Emily, his expression stern as he faced Scarlett.

Emily was surprised too, staring at Bryan in disbelief.

Sensing the sudden hostility, Scarlett's expression changed, and she let out a long sigh. "Bryan, I'm still your elder. What are you doing?"

"Some elders deserve respect, and some don't." Bryan chuckled, hands in his pockets. His words hit Scarlett like a sharp arrow to the heart. "What did you say?"

Bryan remained calm and composed. "Nothing much, Mrs. Smith. I know you've been giving Emily a hard time for a while now. And you know, I'm not one to meddle in other people's family affairs.

"But your constant harassment is getting out of hand. People who don't know might think Emily did something terrible.

"As Emily's friend, I can't just stand by and watch. Of course, you can try to twist my relationship with Emily, but let's see if Michael buys it."

In the tense atmosphere, Bryan's slow, deliberate words hit Scarlett right where it hurt. He even anticipated Scarlett's next move, bringing Michael into the conversation. Emily watched from the side, impressed by Bryan's sharp retorts.

"You... Bryan! What nonsense are you spouting? Do you think I'd badmouth Michael's best friend? I know you and Michael have been close since childhood, so you should be on my side. After all, I'm Michael's biological mother."

Emily was still processing Bryan's fierce comeback when Scarlett turned her anger towards her.

Scarlett, furious, pointed a finger at Emily, refusing to back down. "Is it possible that in Michael's eyes, I'm not even as significant as this bitch? What a joke, a disgrace to the Smith family!"

It was clear Scarlett was losing her composure, her words becoming more reckless.

Emily, tired of the insults, chose to ignore her. Bryan's sharp words had already left Scarlett reeling.

Bryan let out a light laugh, drawing Emily's attention. He smirked at Scarlett. "Mrs. Smith, if you want to talk about the Smith family's disgrace, I have plenty to say."

He leaned in closer to Scarlett, pretending not to hear her clearly. "What did you just say? You're Michael's biological mother? You got one thing right. Michael and I have been close since childhood, but I've never heard him mention having a biological mother."

Biological mother.

This was a sore spot for Scarlett, like an old wound that never healed.

She wanted to get rid of it, but it was a part of her. Removing it would leave her incomplete and open to ridicule.

But keeping it meant living with the pain and regret every time it was mentioned or

seen.

"Bryan!"

Scarlett's face darkened, but she couldn't lash out like a madwoman.

Bryan was from the Watson family, after all. Even if he distanced himself from the

Watson family, his mother was still a force to be reckoned with.

Weighing the pros and cons, Scarlett decided to back off.

She left, but not without shooting Emily a venomous glare.

Emily, used to Scarlett's witch-like warnings, remained unfazed. She calmly watched Scarlett leave, then turned to Bryan.

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"Thank you."

Bryan quickly reverted to his distant, cold demeanor. "It was nothing."

Emily thought the matter was over, but Bryan turned to her, their eyes meeting.

"Are you really planning to keep living like this?"

Emily sensed multiple layers to Bryan's question.

Was he asking why Michael didn't intervene? Or why she tolerated it and didn't leave the Smith family?

Regardless, Emily couldn't think about it now.

With Isabella's recent passing, she needed to leave everything behind and sort herself

out.

Bryan left without a word about money.noveldrama

He had come with Alice's hopes, but seeing Emily's attitude, he knew she wouldn't

accept any money or goodwill from the Ward family.

Emily's animosity wasn't out of pride or spite against the Ward family.

It was for her mother, Isabella.

The Ward family had never treated Isabella well, so why should they expect Emily's forgiveness?

After realizing this, Bryan left, and Emily resumed packing.

If you're loving the book, nel5s.com is where the adventure continues. Join us for the complete experience all for free. The next chapter is eagerly waiting for you! She wanted to leave Abigail's house and Emerald City as soon as possible, to start anew somewhere no one knew her.

She didn't want to draw attention, so she avoided hiring movers and planned to take only a few things.

But there was one exception: Isabella's vanity table.

It was a gift from her grandmother, Isabella's adoptive mother, not related to the Ward

family.

Though cumbersome, it held Emily's most precious memories.

She remembered how Isabella cherished the vanity table, moving it with them despite its age and wear.

Now, Emily saw it as a symbol of Isabella's love for her mother.

The vanity table was heavy, but Emily could manage to drag it outside and call for a ride. Just as she opened the door, Bryan reappeared.

He looked surprised.

Who wouldn't be? The woman who said she was going to rest was now struggling to move a vanity table out the door.

What was she doing?

Was she using chores to distract herself from grief?

Bryan had his suspicions, but now it was clear something more was going on.

Seeing Emily's flustered state, he asked. "Are you moving out?"

Feeling exposed, Emily was momentarily at a loss. She had no choice but to respond, trying to stay calm and not reveal too much.