The CEO's Empathy Pregnancy Pains

Emily treated Alice with the same politeness she showed to Penelope's business partners.

In truth, she wasn't sure how she should feel about Alice.

Were they close sisters?

Emily was reluctant to admit it.

After all, Isabella had never lived a day with the Ward family, nor had she ever been treated kindly by them. Emily herself had experienced the same, and Isabella's death was caused by Alice's father.

How was she supposed to face the daughter of a murderer?

Being this polite was the most respect she could muster.

Seeing Emily's faint smile, Alice's own smile froze. She was at a loss and could only bite her lip awkwardly. Bryan noticed and quickly stepped in to speak to Emily.

"Hey, you seem to be doing well today. How's the baby?"

Emily looked at Bryan.

She had noticed Bryan's occasional glances at Archibald. She knew what Bryan wanted to ask, but she didn't feel the need to explain.

"He's doing fine," she replied.

"When's the due date? You should start getting ready soon. It's not easy handling everything on your own." Bryan continued, hands in his pockets, seemingly inquiring about the baby but actually looking for an opportunity to ask about Michael or the man suddenly appearing by her side.

"It's still a while away. Don't worry, I can take care of him. How about you two? Everything okay?" Emily turned the tables, taking control of the conversation.

Now it was Bryan and Alice's turn to be at a loss for words.

Their relationship was well-known, but how they would proceed was something even they couldn't answer.

The Ward family was in chaos, and the Watson family wasn't pleased with them. The Watsons looked down on the Wards, and neither family approved of their relationship. Even if they liked each other, what good was it if they couldn't be together openly? But Bryan didn't care much about that.

He had always been independent, and Alice was the girl he genuinely wanted to be with.

Even if his family disapproved, he had his ways to keep the relationship going.

So, facing Emily, he responded calmly, "We're fine, but there's someone who isn't." Alice quickly tried to stop Bryan.

She knew he wanted to bring up Michael, but Emily had moved on with her life and new friends, clearly ignoring Michael's existence. Mentioning him now wouldn't be good.

But Bryan had already spoken, and everyone heard it, including Archibald, who glanced over while mingling with others.

Seeing Emily's slightly unnatural expression, Archibald found an excuse to leave the group and walked over to Emily, addressing Bryan.

"Mr. Watson, I thought it was you but wasn't sure. Just wanted to say hello. Hope you don't mind?"

Bryan understood Archibald's intention.

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His expression and tone were indifferent. "Not at all. Mr. Lancaster, how are you finding Emerald City?"

Archibald put on a businesslike smile facing Bryan. Alice watched, sensing that Michael might not be a match for Archibald.

"It's fine. I like the food and the people here."

Hearing this, the two women didn't react much, but Bryan's expression darkened slightly.

Despite this, Archibald maintained his friendly demeanor.

"Mr. Lancaster, I've been busy lately and haven't had time to visit my mother or ask you

about some jewelry issues. I'll be taking over JM Jewelry Company eventually, so it's good to learn early. Can you spare some time to help me out?"

"Of course," Archibald agreed readily.

The two men walked aside, leaving Alice and Emily awkwardly facing each other.

Emily had nothing to say to Alice.

Being with her only reminded her of Isabella and the painful past.

"Alice, you sit here. I need to find Ms. Blair to discuss something." Emily found an excuse to leave.

Alice thought, 'Do we have to stay distant because of past grudges, even though we're family?'

Alice felt anxious. She understood Emily's feelings but still wanted to say something. "Emily, I want to talk to you. I know you don't want to talk to me, but Grandpa misses you. He also misses Isabella. The Ward family wronged you and your mother. We want to make amends."

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Emily had hoped that avoiding Alice would help her forget the past and maintain a calm demeanor. But it wasn't that simple.noveldrama

It was Penelope's party, and Emily didn't want to ruin it. She lowered her voice to respond to Alice. "What is there to talk about? Alice, I don't want to get angry with you. I'm trying to be polite because of Bryan and Ms. Blair, not because of any family ties.

"I never considered the Ward family my home. Don't forget, your father killed my mother. That's something you can't make up for.

"And tell your grandpa this: trying to hold a funeral for my mother? Is he not satisfied with the scandal in Emerald City?"

With that, Emily's long lashes flickered with a hint of coldness. She turned and left without looking back.

In the large venue, she moved like a shining, graceful spirit, quickly disappearing from sight.

Alice's eyes blurred with tears. She didn't want to show it in front of everyone, so she turned to a corner to compose herself.

Meanwhile, Bryan and Archibald's subtle confrontation had begun.

Bryan didn't need to clash with Archibald, but for his best friend Michael, he had to do something. He couldn't just stand by.

Even if he didn't admit it, Michael was facing a strong opponent, and Bryan had to

help.

Besides, no one else could help Michael now.

"Mr. Watson, I think what you want to discuss isn't just about the project, right?"

To Bryan's surprise, Archibald was the first to reveal his thoughts.