The CEO's Empathy Pregnancy Pains

Michael picked up his coffee again, then set it down, his lips pressed together as he fell into deep thought.

The aroma of the coffee swirled around them, rising slowly with the steam. Candice couldn't hold back any longer. Seeing that he hadn't spoken for a while, she decided to break the silence. "Michael, what's on your mind? If you have something to say, just say it. We're already talking, so let's be real with each other. I know you don't like my methods, but I..."

Before Candice could finish, Michael interrupted her. "Your methods are your business, not mine. You're a woman, but business is a different matter. I'm more concerned with results, not the process. Your schemes might be clever, but if they don't benefit the bigger picture, they're just clownish antics."

"Besides, I don't care what methods you use or on whom, but you should never have used them on Emily. I hate it when people use her or hurt her. That's my bottom line."

Michael's words were soft, but his tone was firm. Candice could hear the anger hidden in his voice.

So that was what this was about.

"That's not all. I shouldn't have to say this, but Candice, if you want to break into the Emerald City business circle, you could have come to me directly instead of hurting someone who genuinely cares about you, like Patrick. He's my good friend.

"I admit, he used to play with a lot of girls' feelings, which is why I can see he's serious about you. He should pay for what he did before, but not to you." Michael spoke calmly, but every word hit Candice like a hammer, leaving her speechless. She bit her lip, her face turning pale.

Seeing her reaction, Michael knew he had guessed right, but he didn't want to embarrass her too much. He changed the subject, pulling out some cash from his wallet.

"Today's coffee is on me, as a gesture of hospitality."

With that, Michael stood up, buttoned his coat, and added, "Welcome back to Emerald City."

Then, under Candice's gaze, Michael walked out of the café and disappeared.

Candice felt a mix of emotions. She clenched her fists, replaying everything that had

just happened.

Would Michael tell Emily and Patrick?

Candice didn't care.

But she knew that she could never use them again, because that was Michael's bottom line, and it was the key to her staying in Emerald City.

Meanwhile, Michael got into his car, where Andrew was waiting.

"Mr. Smith, the company meeting is about to start. Ms. Smith has already called to remind you."

Michael looked unhurried. "Veda is always in such a rush. I wonder if she's eager to meet Daniel."

With that, Michael waved his hand, signaling to start the car.

Reflecting on the coffee conversation, Michael was satisfied. He knew he had made his stance clear. Candice was smart; she would understand the stakes.

Michael hoped she would make the right choice.

He closed his eyes to rest, thinking that business was like a battlefield, but one must never lose their humanity.

The Gonzalez family had fallen, but he hadn't forgotten Candice's composure when Emily was giving birth. He admired that and hoped to work with her again.

It was a busy Monday at Smith Corporation, and even busier at smaller companies like Hayden's.

Hayden always hoped for a chance to collaborate with Smith Corporation, so he kept a close eye on Michael and Emily, often sending Emily friendly messages.noveldrama

He knew Emily was cold but soft-hearted, which could benefit him.

Just as Hayden was deep in thought, his secretary rushed in, looking troubled. "Mr. Brown, he's here again."

The "he" she referred to was none other than Evelyn's brother, Tom Thomas.

Tom's arrival made Hayden's face turned grim immediately.

The only purpose he had was money.Tom had racked up a lot of gambling debts and now had his eyes on Brown Corporation's shares, claiming he was fighting for Evelyn's rights. But those shares were just a small amount of money.

Hayden had already lost a lot in the lawsuit with Emily!

Now he had to give some to the Thomas family? No way!

Hayden was about to order his secretary to kick Tom out when Tom strolled in, hands in his pockets.

Ignoring the curious employees, Tom shouted, "Hayden! Sorry to bother you so early!"

Lost in the world of this story? Make sure you're on Ñe5s.com to catch every twist

and turn. The next chapter awaits, exclusively on our site. Dive in now! Seeing Tom, Hayden's anger flared, his face livid.

Seeing his secretary standing there, hesitant and useless, Hayden made a mental note

to replace her with a male secretary who could handle tough situations.

"You know you're bothering me? You know you're not welcome here!"

Having already fallen out with Evelyn, there was nothing left to say to Tom.

Hayden decided to be blunt. "Tom, if you keep coming here, I'll have you charged with harassment!"

Tom didn't care. He sat on the couch, legs crossed, smiling. "Charge me? For what? Maybe I should charge you first! Hayden, you're withholding Evelyn's shares. Those are rightfully hers after the divorce. What are you doing? You're infringing on her rights!" Tom used his sister Evelyn's shares to attack Hayden, showing no fear. He was well-prepared.

Determined to get the money, Tom pulled out a stack of documents, waving them in Hayden's face. "Look at this, all evidence! Should I read it to you? No need, right? You have a copy of the agreement. Evelyn was smart enough to prepare for this!"

Hayden smirked and had expected this move from Tom.

He stood up confidently, ready to argue with Tom.

"Tom, Evelyn is entitled to some assets, I won't argue that. But they're not yours. Why

are you so invested?"