The CEO's Empathy Pregnancy Pains
Chapter 159 Hidden Side Quest

Was it true? Ever since they started talking about divorce, Emily had been nothing but cold and distant.

She never showed him any kindness, and every time they bumped into each other in public, she acted like she wanted to be miles away from him. And now, she was asking about his schedule? Michael asked, "What do you want? Are you trying to ask me out?"

Seeing Michael like this made Emily furious. But Penelope had invited her to a jewelry exhibition that required a male companion.

Plus, Smith Corporation was the hot topic of gossip right now. If Emily wanted to ask Daniel for help, it would definitely be inappropriate.

So after thinking it over, she figured she'd see if this egomaniac had any free time. "Of course not, I'm just being nice and helping you kill some time. But if you already have plans, I can ask someone else. Worst case, I'll just grab someone off the street."

After all, life was like that, just getting by. Emily, who usually had no expectations, quickly accepted it.

Unexpectedly, Michael wasn't happy about this.

Grab someone off the street? What was Emily even talking about? So casual?

Michael said, "Emily, make yourself clear. If you want to know my schedule, you have to tell me what it's for!" Hearing this, Emily laid it all out.

Smith Corporation often dabbled in the jewelry business. Not only that, but they were also involved in hotels, clothing, and even bottled water, so Emily thought Michael would have no interest in a jewelry exhibition. Moreover, Penelope was Bryan's mother.

Unexpectedly, Michael was very enthusiastic and responded resolutely. "Of course, I'll go to an exhibition organized by Penelope. What time? I'll go get my clothes ready."

Afraid Emily would misunderstand, Michael emphasized. "I'm not doing this for you. The Smith family and the Watson family have been close for generations. As Penelope's nephew, this is my duty."

Emily couldn't be bothered with Michael and rolled her eyes. But hearing Michael say this, she did think of someone. If Penelope's exhibition was attended by Bryan, then Michael...

Michael sneered, "Are you worried about Bryan? Do you think I'd be afraid of him?"

Mentioning Bryan, Emily indeed noticed a hint of defensiveness in Michael, and his expression turned sour.

Was there really such an irreconcilable grudge between him and Bryan?

"I'm not saying you're afraid of him. It's just that we're going to support Penelope's jewelry exhibition, so don't make a scene." Emily was trying to be considerate, but Michael misunderstood.

One second he was joking enthusiastically, and the next, he changed his tone and said to her, "Emily, we're not divorced yet. How much do you know about Bryan and me? How long have you known him? What gives you the right to interfere? And what gives you the right to lecture me?"

With that, Michael's good mood was instantly ruined. He threw down the suit he was holding and turned to leave the dressing room.

Suddenly, Michael's mind flashed back to the scene at Mabel's birthday party where Bryan and Emily had a brief conversation, and he felt a surge of jealousy.

Then, Michael pointed to the white dress Emily had just organized in the closet and said directly, "You're wearing this tomorrow, to match me." Emily said, "I..."

Before Emily could argue, Michael cut her off. "I'm not asking for your opinion, I'm telling you. Emily, this is Emerald Lake Manor, the Smith family's turf. You can only agree with me; you have no other choice."

With that, a sinister glint flashed in Michael's eyes. He turned and left without looking back, leaving the atmosphere between them icy cold once again.

Emily never expected that just mentioning Bryan would make Michael act like a completely different person. No, maybe he had never changed. She had just been too optimistic about everything.

From the start, Michael was always the same. He had no love for her and only saw her as useful. Emily, living under someone else's roof, even if she occasionally made a small request, would be openly and secretly mocked by Michael, even ordered around like a servant. Yes, she could only agree, she had no other choice.

Thinking of this, the very aggrieved Emily once again shed tears, which fell and stained the pink dress she had just picked out from the closet. The day felt endless.

Michael went to Smith Corporation, and it was Andrew who informed Emily that she didn't need to come to the secretary's office today.

Now it seemed, Michael was really angry. He didn't even want to talk to her and specifically called Andrew, who was on vacation, to notify her. Thinking of this, Emily's mood became even more depressed.

Fortunately, she went to the Smith Mansion at noon. Veda and Mason were very warm to her, which lifted her spirits a lot.

Veda said, "Emily, Daniel invited me to the jewelry exhibition tonight, but I'm really conflicted."

Emily said, "What's there to be conflicted about? Daniel asking you out is a good thing!"

In the afternoon, the sunlight was particularly nice in the garden. The servants brought two cups of hot coffee, and the two of them sat together, having a long, happy talk.

But when it came to the jewelry exhibition, Emily asked, "The exhibition he invited you to, could it be the one organized by Penelope?"

Hearing Penelope's name, Veda was also surprised. "Emily, you know Penelope? Do you know she's Bryan's mother?"

Although Veda had been through some trauma recently, her mind was still very sharp, especially when it came to matters concerning the Smith family and Michael.

Veda continued to ask, "So, have you met Bryan?"

The series of questions left Emily stunned. She nodded repeatedly, thought for a while, and then shook her head.

She then recounted the events of Mabel's birthday party to Veda. "I know there's a conflict between Bryan and Michael, but I heard from Jessica that it's all old news, it's over. Michael keeps holding onto it, and when I told him to be careful tonight, he got angry."

Hearing this, Veda immediately showed a very unpleasant expression. "No wonder!"

Emily asked, "Veda, no wonder what?"

Veda replied, "Emily, you only know part of it. No wonder Michael is angry with you. Besides, you could have asked me. I grew up with Michael, and I know a bit about Bryan. Jessica doesn't; she was abroad when Michael and Bryan were still getting along well!"

Hearing Veda say this, Emily was dumbfounded.

Could it be that the issues between Michael and Bryan were far more complicated than Jessica had said? What hidden stories were there behind these two friends that she didn't know about?