The CEO's Empathy Pregnancy Pains
Chapter 123 Another Wave Rises

Michael was stumped, no matter how hard he tried to figure it out. The usually confident CEO, who always had that superior vibe, looked pretty down today. Still driving Andrew's old, beat-up car, he didn't go back to the Smith Mansion or to Emerald Lake Manor, but instead returned to the Smith Corporation. From the parking lot to the top floor, as soon as the elevator doors opened, he saw Andrew waiting at the entrance.

Michael, surprised, asked lazily, "How'd you know I was coming back?"

Seeing Andrew's troubled look, Michael figured he was embarrassed about his old car. "I've already had the parking lot security take your car in for maintenance." With that, Michael reached into his pocket to return Andrew's car keys.

But Andrew, looking serious, said, "Mr. Smith, something's happened."

In the video, Michael and Sophia were acting all cozy, walking into the same room and staying there from late night until morning-a full eight hours without coming out.

A guy and a girl alone in a room? Anyone would think the worst, so no wonder the comment section was blowing up again.

[I knew the CEO of Smith Corporation was a fraud! Acting all high and mighty, but he's just a scumbag!]

[And that Sophia from the Brown family? She's no good either. They really are a perfect match!]

[Exactly, but I feel bad for Mrs. Smith. But hey, at least she'll get a chunk of the property after the divorce!]

[Yeah, a womanizer with lots of assets. We support Mrs. Smith! Let's help her get a divorce!]

These people just loved to stir up trouble, blowing things out of proportion like they were itching for his divorce to happen. When Michael saw another report about his supposed affair, he was livid. It was clear someone was pushing this narrative. "Have we figured out who was behind the last article?" Michael asked.

"Not yet. The IP address was traced to a public internet café. We went there right away but haven't found anything useful so far. So, we're at a disadvantage now. Finding the mastermind is like looking for a needle in a haystack," Andrew replied.

"Hard or not, replace them," Michael said.

With that, Michael slammed his laptop shut and leaned back in his office chair, giving orders. "The video is fake. I can control myself. I didn't sleep with Sophia. They don't need to use this to smear me. Contact the relevant departments immediately and issue another PR statement. Even if you have to turn Emerald City upside down, I need to know who's behind this."

Andrew nodded in agreement.

But soon, a new problem popped up. All the shareholders of Smith Corporation, except for the Smith family members, gathered in the main conference room without any prior notice.

Michael sneered, threw down his pen, and stood up. "Let's see what tricks these shareholders have up their sleeves."

Most of the shareholders of Smith Corporation had been around for decades. If not, they were long-time friends of Michael's father.

They had a say in front of anyone at Smith Corporation, even in front of Mason, but not in front of Michael. What he said, they must listen to. What they said, he may or may not listen to. Pushing open the conference room door, Michael walked into a room thick with tension. Everyone gradually quieted down, their eyes glued to him as he made his way to the main seat.

Michael's sharp eyes were fixed ahead as he sat in the swivel chair, legs crossed, fingers gently tapping the desk. Those hands, which had impatiently signed countless contracts, now seemed to have all the time in the world, tapping slowly as if time itself had slowed down.

"Do you all need something from me?" Michael asked, breaking the silence.

"Mr. Smith, have you seen the video circulating online?" one of the shareholders finally spoke up.

Of course, it was about that. Why else would they show up unannounced?

Michael thought for a moment and replied, "Of course, it's trending. How could I pretend not to know? Didn't you all come because of the video? Otherwise, why would you gather like this?"

His casual remark made it seem like the incident never happened, as if he wasn't the protagonist. Combined with his nonchalant demeanor, it made everyone believe the video's authenticity even more.

"Mr. Smith, you've been running Smith Corporation for years. You should know that while you strictly demand others, you must also strictly demand yourself. But look at what you've done," one person questioned, and the rest followed suit. Michael had expected this.

Sure enough, in no time, the shareholders' meeting turned into a complaint session. "Yes, Mr. Smith, you're younger than us. Technically, we're your elders who can scold you a bit, so don't mind if we speak harshly."

"If you know your words are harsh, you can choose not to speak," Michael retorted, growing impatient. His eyebrows raised slightly, his deep eyes narrowing. His gaze was icy cold, like a bone-chilling frost.

"I didn't ask you all to come, and please don't always act superior, using your age to lecture me. I know the video has affected Smith Corporation's operations, but I ask you to consider one thing."

"Smith Corporation belongs to the Smith family. From my grandfather starting from scratch to the decades of foundation we have now, no one cares more about its survival than the Smith family. So, I will resolve this matter soon, and there's no need for you to worry."

With that, Michael was about to leave. He didn't want to waste time on irrelevant matters. But unexpectedly, the shareholders didn't let it go. They protested. Some even suggested removing him as CEO.

"Yes! Because of your personal issues affecting our collective economic interests, how can we not come to you for an explanation!"

"Michael, if you can't clear things up with the woman from the Brown family, then please step down as CEO. We will exercise our shareholder rights to re-elect and start over!"

As the atmosphere in the conference room grew tense, suddenly, the door opened, and someone barged in.

It was Emily. She was panting heavily, as if she had run there. "Come with me."

Seeing so many people present, Emily, not knowing what was happening, nodded apologetically and walked straight to Michael, pulling him out.