The CEO's Empathy Pregnancy Pains

Alice had plans tonight, and with her strict family, her curfew was super early.

So Bryan had no shot at taking her home.

Alice's family driver had to pick her up, and she had to fib about watching a movie with friends when she got home.

Emily glanced at Bryan, who was staring at Alice's disappearing figure, and couldn't help but tease him. "Alright, I get it, you can't stand being apart from her. You two have it rough, sneaking around like this. By the way, why is Alice's family so strict? She grew up abroad, so I thought her parents would be more laid-back and not interfere with your relationship."

Seeing Bryan's face get serious, Emily realized she might've overstepped.

They'd been having such a good chat that she forgot to watch her words.

Emily quickly changed the subject, and Bryan just smiled. "Alright, let's talk on the way. I'm heading to the bar, so I can give you a lift."

With that, Bryan glanced in the direction Alice had left.

Bryan hoped that one day he could openly visit Alice's parents as her boyfriend. But he also knew their relationship was way more complicated than he thought.

Emily asked, "What? You're not home?"novelbin

Abigail replied, "Yeah, I got called to work overtime out of town. Emily, can you believe how awful our company is? Anyway, do you have the keys? You'll have to be home alone tonight!"

Abigail's reminder on the phone made Emily realize she'd been so busy lately that her keys were still at the Smith Mansion.

Emily said, "Alright, no problem. You stay safe out there. I'll hang up now."

After hanging up, Emily sighed helplessly.

If only the key was at Emerald Lake Manor. But that night, Michael got hurt, and when she went back to the Smith Mansion to pack, she accidentally left the key on the bedside table in the bedroom.

She'd been busy going to the hospital and the JM Jewelry Company, so she hadn't had time to go to Smith Corporation these past few days.

Since Abigail had been home, it hadn't been an issue.

But today... it seemed she had to go back.

"Bryan, I'm really sorry, but I might need you to take me back to the Smith Mansion," Emily said to Bryan, feeling a bit embarrassed.

She knew the last place Bryan wanted to go was the Smith Mansion, given the memories of him and Michael there, and with Mason and Veda around, they might warmly welcome him. But for Bryan now, he couldn't handle that warmth.

Thinking of this, Emily quickly changed her mind. "It's okay, I can take a cab back."

"It's fine, I'll take you. It's no big deal." With that, Bryan turned the steering wheel and headed towards the Smith Mansion without hesitation.

Emily spent the ride thinking about who they might run into.

Maybe Michael, who had just been discharged from the hospital?

Maybe Veda, who had just accompanied Michael out of the hospital?

Or perhaps Mason, who had just finished dinner and was out for a walk?

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! But what Emily didn't expect was that they would run into Scarlett.

"It's Michael's mom," Bryan said, just as surprised. "Didn't they say she went abroad? Why is she back? Is it because of your divorce?"

Michael had sent Scarlett to the police station himself, but publicly, they lied and said Scarlett went abroad.

Bryan had always believed that, but now, unexpectedly, they ran into her.

He hadn't seen Scarlett in about ten years. This woman had been absent from Michael and his sister's childhood.

Now, she appeared here, decked out in gold and silver. It was quite a sight.

"Yeah... I didn't expect it so soon. Bryan, thanks for today. Maybe you should go." Before Emily could finish her panicked words, Scarlett elegantly walked up.

She wore a sophisticated coat, a black long skirt, fluffy slippers, heavy makeup, and bright red lipstick. Although she looked spirited, there was still a hint of arrogance.

It seemed she had been back for a few days.

Emily couldn't help but marvel at Scarlett's composure.

Even after being sent to the police station by her own son, she could still stand before them with such poise, with a hint of imperceptible arrogance in her elegant demeanor. "Bryan, long time no see. You're still as handsome as ever." Scarlett walked up, and Emily and Bryan got out of the car.

Her eyes shifted between the two of them.

"Mrs. Scarlett Smith, hello. Indeed, it's been a long time. The last time I saw you was when we started elementary school, right? It's been a long time. You look younger." Bryan smiled slightly, responding politely. But anyone could hear the sarcasm in his words, implying that Scarlett had neglected her family. He had grown up with Michael until they were sixteen, yet he had only seen her at the start of elementary school. How could a mother be so neglectful, even worse than Hayden?

Emily stood by, watching the scene unfold, not expecting Scarlett to speak to her next. "Are you surprised? That I would suddenly appear here?"

Emily clenched her fists in fear. Scarlett's oppressive presence still haunted her.

Even with Bryan by her side, Emily trembled with fear, not knowing what to do.

Seeing Emily's reaction, Scarlett chuckled and turned to Bryan. "Bryan, would you like to come inside? Grandpa is here. You can sit with him, have a cup of coffee. Michael might come back later." Bryan's first instinct was to refuse.

Michael always wanted to visit the Watson Mansion, but he wasn't Michael. If they were to cut ties, they should do it properly. The two families could interact, but they should avoid unnecessary contact. "No, Mrs. Scarlett Smith, you two talk. I was just passing by. I have something to do, so I'll leave now." With that, Bryan gave Emily a look. Seeing her nod, he felt relieved.

Although Scarlett had a bad reputation and was indifferent to Michael, Emily was still the daughter-in-law, and with Mason at home, she wouldn't go too far.

But him staying here late at night was indeed inconvenient.

Thinking of this, Bryan quickly got in the car and drove away.

Then, only the two women stood there, facing each other, their expressions as dark as storm clouds.