The CEO's Empathy Pregnancy Pains
Chapter 185 Win-Win Cooperation

The elevator doors slid open.

Everyone around turned to see what the fuss was about.

There she was, the superstar Jessica, rocking a tight golden dress, a black coat, and a beret. Her hair was styled in big waves, making a grand entrance at Smith Corporation.

Trailing behind her were four bodyguards and three assistants. And of course, where Jessica went, entertainment reporters were never far behind.

Jessica was at Smith Corporation to meet Michael.

Was it a friendly catch-up? Or maybe a business deal?

The news quickly blew up on social media, leaving many shareholders scratching their heads.

In the CEO's office.

Michael poured Jessica a cup of coffee and said, "Your appearance has really boosted Smith Corporation's image."

Jessica took off her sunglasses, her eyes sparkling as she looked at Michael seriously. "I haven't done anything for you. It's just a mutually beneficial relationship. If you hadn't made such an irresistible offer to Layla, I wouldn't be here today, Michael. It's you who respects me!"

She smiled, glancing at the steaming coffee on the table, the steam swirling and fading away.

Suddenly, Jessica seemed to remember something. She looked at Michael and added, "Speaking of help, it should be Emily who helped you."

Michael was puzzled. He asked why Emily was involved, but Jessica changed the subject again. "Isn't Emily your secretary? Of course, she's helped you a lot. Anyway, let's not dwell on that. When will the contract be ready? I have other things to do later!"

Jessica frowned slightly, secretly watching Michael's every move.

Michael replied, "Right away, I know you're very busy."

As soon as he finished speaking, the contract was handed over.

Andrew wasn't at work, and Michael had sent Emily away for some reason. Laura and Nola from the secretary's office were both fired, so this time it was a new face.

Jessica looked up and saw a pretty girl.

'Men are all the same,' Jessica thought, glancing at Michael and thinking of poor Emily. She could only shake her head helplessly.

"Once the contract is signed, you'll be the spokesperson for Smith Corporation. Jessica, I hope we have a great partnership and achieve mutual success." Michael reminded her as she started signing the contract. "Don't worry, we're old friends. There won't be any problems working together." Jessica's eyes sparkled as she continued casually, "So, what about that small request I mentioned before? Have you thought about it?" Michael smiled and responded directly, "You said it was a small request, so what's there to refuse? Just say it, I'll agree to anything."

With Michael's affirmative answer, Jessica didn't hold back. She smiled excitedly, "Alright, Michael, you're so generous! Then I'll say it directly!"

Seeing Michael nodding while signing the contract, Jessica revealed a triumphant smile and continued, "It's simple. I want Smith Corporation to cooperate with Watson Corporation. Only then will I agree to be the spokesperson for Smith Corporation."

As soon as she said this, the atmosphere in the office turned icy.

Seeing Michael freeze up, his smile turning stiff, Jessica frowned helplessly. "We've known each other since we were kids, but you act like we're lifelong enemies! Michael, why do you and Bryan have to be like this? For the sake of our old friendship, just agree this time. It's not easy for him either. We can't let our present be ruined by past grudges!"

Michael didn't brush off Jessica's words. Emily had also suggested the idea of Smith Corporation working with Watson Corporation before. But back then, Michael didn't see a good reason to agree.

Now that Jessica brought it up, it seemed more reasonable.

Michael said, "But I can't personally go to him to seek cooperation. You handle this."

Seeing Michael finally agree, Jessica smiled and immediately responded, "Deal!"

That evening, at Emerald Lake Manor.

As Emily had expected, Michael told her that Jessica had come to the office to sign the contract and mentioned a condition: for Smith Corporation to cooperate with Watson Corporation. Jessica wanted him to reconcile with Bryan. Emily couldn't tell Michael that she had asked Jessica to do this. But this way, the cooperation between the two companies, facilitated by the spokesperson, made it less important who brought it up and who executed it. Helping Michael with a bowl of soup, Emily quietly responded, "It's actually a good thing. Don't worry too much about it. Everything should be based on the company's interests. Whether it's with the Watson family or someone else, what difference does it make?"

Michael understood what Emily meant. Although he thought the same, he still felt that cooperating with Watson Corporation was a betrayal of himself from a few years ago.

Betrayal? Emily certainly understood the weight of that word. It was at this moment that Emily realized how difficult this was for Michael.

Emily said, "It's okay, I'm by your side. This time it's different."

Hearing this, Michael paused his action of drinking soup, looked up, and gazed at Emily with eyes full of starlight. They looked at each other for a long time, and an endless amount of strength was exchanged between them. In the following period, Smith Corporation, Jessica, and Watson Corporation officially signed a cooperation agreement.

Bryan didn't get the full picture, so when Jessica approached him, he agreed without much thought. It was only later that he realized it meant working with Michael, and by then, it was too late to back out.

Even with the help of Jessica and Smith Corporation, the Watson family's business in Emerald City remained lukewarm. Bryan had to travel abroad several times with Richard's assistant to learn.

Seeing this, Alice also followed Bryan. Although their relationship wasn't public, those with a keen eye could see it, but they kept it to themselves.

Emily continued to help Michael handle some of Smith Corporation's work. The two were inseparable every day, and gradually, the online rumors completely disappeared.

Smith Corporation held another shareholders' meeting, and Michael's actions shocked everyone. He redistributed all the shares, and Scarlett's 40% stake was entirely transferred to Michael. From then on, Michael became the complete controller of Smith Corporation and its sole major shareholder.

In short, he became the absolute authority that the minor shareholders had no right to question.

The Smith Corporation and the Smith family were both stabilizing. Just as Emily was struggling with whether to bring up the idea of leaving Emerald Lake Manor to Michael, Bryan suddenly came to her.