The CEO's Empathy Pregnancy Pains
Chapter 135 Friends Appear

"Hey Emily, where you headed?"

Michael frowned as he saw Emily grabbing her bag, ready to leave.

"You guys are going out to eat, right? Why should I stick around? Might as well go home and tidy up a bit. Maybe you can clock out early too, huh, Mr. Smith?" Emily's words were always sharp, and Michael was used to it. Jessica, on the other hand, looked completely lost. She turned to Michael with a puzzled expression.

Michael just shrugged, looking helpless. He walked over to Emily, took her hand, and said to Jessica, "That's just how my wife is. She's had a fiery temper since she was a kid."

Emily looked even more confused at that.

Thankfully, Jessica broke the awkward silence with a laugh and extended her hand to Emily. "I love it! Your wife's got spunk!"

Jessica introduced herself, "Hey, I'm Jessica Foster. Just got back to the country today. Michael and I go way back! I missed your wedding, so I didn't recognize you in the elevator earlier. My bad. I actually thought you were Michael's assistant. You're pretty funny, playing along like that!"

A friend who just got back? No wonder Michael never mentioned her. So they were childhood friends, and she totally misunderstood their relationship. Feeling a bit awkward, Emily said, "Hi, I'm Emily Brown. Just call me Emily. I wasn't trying to... I've really been working as Michael's secretary lately." Jessica looked at Michael for confirmation.

Michael nodded.

Jessica laughed, "I get it, just some playful banter between a married couple. You guys are hilarious! Emily, nice to meet you. Just call me Jessica!" Jessica was super easygoing.

Well, at least with people she knew well.

After clearing up the misunderstanding, the three of them headed to the restaurant for dinner.

During their chat, Emily found out why Jessica had come back.

"I tried to make it big here for a while, but it didn't work out. I didn't want to be just another pretty face, so I went to Sylvanor to train as a trainee!"

"Then I debuted there and even became the leader of a girl group. Emily, you probably don't follow foreign girl groups much, otherwise, you'd know me. I'm kind of a big deal! Those people at the door earlier? All my fans!" Jessica said, taking a big bite of beef.

She was bright and generous, and Emily couldn't help but envy her.

What kind of problems could someone like her have?

Jessica continued, "But Emily, you seem a bit off. Why's your face so flushed? I noticed it in the office earlier but didn't say anything! Michael, are you giving Emily a hard time?"

When Jessica pointed out her flushed face, Emily felt a bit embarrassed. She glanced at Michael.

Emily knew Smith Corporation was swamped, and with Andrew not around, Michael must be really stressed.

She didn't want to worry him, so she fibbed. "Oh, it's nothing. I just rushed my makeup and went a little heavy on the blush."

Jessica laughed. "Got it! But seriously, if Michael ever gives you a hard time, let me know, and I'll set him straight! Just to be clear, I'm only helping as a friend. We've been tight since we were kids, no romantic stuff at all!" Jessica leaned in and whispered to Emily, "Honestly, Michael's not my type. All macho and CEO-like, not my thing at all!"

Emily smiled, feeling the earlier misunderstandings and worries melt away.

Jessica then explained she was there to sign a contract for an upcoming endorsement with Smith Corporation.

"I know Smith Corporation's in a bit of a bind right now. As Michael's longtime friend, I had to step up and help as soon as I got back!"

"But what about that video? Is it fake? Michael, do you need my help? I have a friend who's a whiz at video forensics. He might be able to restore the original footage for you."

Both Michael and Emily paused, their steaks forgotten, and looked at Jessica.

After parting ways with Jessica, Michael used the excuse of visiting the Smith Mansion to see Mason to get Emily into the car.

"Did you finish all your work today? When I came in, I saw a bunch of shareholder assistants waiting around. Are they giving you a hard time again? Michael, don't worry, this will all blow over..." Emily tried to comfort him. But Michael, ever the stoic, remained calm despite the chaos at Smith Corporation.

"Do you really think I'm that easy to push around? Those shareholders have been raking in dividends and still want to show off. They're not worth my time. But you, don't you have something to explain to me?" Seeing Emily play dumb, Michael grew impatient.

He was frustrated that Emily kept her troubles to herself, always too kind.

"I noticed the red mark on your face the moment I saw you in the office. Even someone as oblivious as Jessica noticed it. Do you think I'm blind?"

Emily thought but didn't dare to speak. She lowered her head, unsure of what to say.

Michael guessed correctly. "Hayden wouldn't dare touch you, so it must be Evelyn?"

Emily was surprised. "Why didn't you guess it might be Sophia?"

Michael turned the steering wheel and replied, "Why would Sophia hit you?"

Emily found it absurd. "Are you saying Sophia wouldn't hit me? Then why did you push her at the Brown family that day?"

"That's not what I meant."

"Then what do you mean!"

Mentioning Sophia made Emily emotional.

Michael sighed inwardly. It seemed he was right; his wife had a fiery temper since childhood.