The CEO's Empathy Pregnancy Pains

"Is it that model? Or the mixed-race teacher you were into before?"

"Patrick, man, you really need to find someone to settle down with. Look at me, I've got kids already, and you're still out there playing the field..."

When people hit a certain age, they start doing things they never understood before, like pushing others to get married.

They might even brag about their kids.

But Patrick just raised an eyebrow, sighed, and finally spoke, "It's all because of that phone call yesterday!"

Michael didn't need any more explanation to get the gist. The current girlfriend candidate was Candice.

He was really curious, though. How could they establish a relationship over just one phone call? And from across the ocean, no less? It seemed too hasty.

Seeing Michael still curious, Patrick decided to lay it all out and explain, "Actually, Candice has been planning to come back to the States for a while. We had a great conversation on the phone yesterday, and we just naturally decided to be together. Michael, doesn't this just show how charming I am?"

Michael shook his head, thinking how quickly things change. Patrick had previously said Candice was like an unreachable star, and now she was his girlfriend.

But then again, poor Luna.

This all had to do with the Ward family's strict upbringing. Their control over their children's marriages was particularly harsh, and Luna's situation was just the tip of the iceberg.

Leo was especially to blame!

Michael shared his thoughts with Patrick, whose expression grew darker.

"Michael, you're absolutely right. When I was with Luna, I knew her family was very strict. Leo would monitor her every move. And that was just the surface; the more twisted stuff was yet to come..."

Before Patrick could finish, his phone rang. Seeing it was Candice, he immediately brightened up, looking quite silly.

"Hey, Candice, are you off the plane yet? Great, I'll come get you right away. Okay, okay, I'll hang up now!"

Seeing Patrick so happy, Michael didn't say much more. But he couldn't shake a lingering doubt about Candice.

From Patrick's description at the bar last night, this woman seemed to have an unusual hold on him. Yet Candice didn't seem to have any special feelings for Patrick. She hadn't even answered his calls before last night, and now they were suddenly together?

Michael thought to himself that Candice wasn't the type to act impulsively. There had to be more to the story.

Just as he was thinking this, Patrick was about to leave.

"Wait, Patrick." Michael called out suddenly.

Patrick turned back, looking puzzled.

"Luna needs your help."

Michael wasn't sure how to ask for Patrick's help, but it was important.

Even if Michael didn't say anything, how could Patrick forget about it so quickly?

He thought for a moment, his expression turning serious. "Alright, I understand."

Candice stood at the airport in a black and gray coat, looking around with a mix of anticipation and anxiety.

The last time she came to Emerald City, it was for an arranged marriage.

But this time, she was determined to make a name for herself.

Candice knew it wouldn't be easy. In Emerald City, where business elites thrived, she was just a nobody. And with rivals like Michael, it would be even tougher.

But Patrick might be an asset.

He was Michael's good friend and a wealthy heir.

Through him, Candice thought she might quickly integrate into this circle and even gather some crucial information about Emerald City's financial world. She was willing to do whatever it took to get close to Patrick.

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It was 3:30 PM. Patrick arrived right on time.

He walked quickly towards Candice, his face beaming with joy.

Candice smiled slightly, but inside, she was calculating.

From Patrick's behavior, it was clear he was happy to be with her. He was so caught up in the sweetness of new love that he forgot they had only talked on the phone before becoming a couple.

This was perfect. He wouldn't be suspicious, and she wouldn't have to explain. "You're right on time." As Patrick got closer, Candice put on a gentle demeanor, smiling warmly. "I thought you might be late!"

Patrick had always been infatuated with Candice. Now that his dream had come true, he was over the moon, completely immersed in the sweet atmosphere.

"How could I be late to pick up my girlfriend?"

With that, Patrick took Candice's suitcase, and she followed him, listening to his chatter. "Have you eaten?"

"Yes."

"How long are you planning to stay in Emerald City this time?"

"At least three months. My father has entrusted me with all the domestic projects."

Candice answered all of Patrick's questions. Only she knew which parts were true and which were not.

The Gonzalez family didn't have any significant projects back home.

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Candice's goal this time was to find new investment opportunities within three months to turn her family's fortunes around.

She knew every step had to be cautious; one wrong move could ruin everything.

And she was the Gonzalez family's only hope.

Though Candice was deep in thought, she kept a gentle smile on her face.

She was waiting for Patrick to ask more questions when she suddenly felt a warm hand take hers.

Surprised, Candice looked up to see Patrick gazing at her with deep affection. He held her hand, his expression turning serious.

Candice thought she had been found out.

After all, Patrick had been in many relationships. How could he not notice something was off?

Had she underestimated him?noveldrama

Candice regretted it, thinking the game was over before it even began.

But then Patrick spoke softly, "Candice, are you tired? Can you come with me to

Emerald City Harmony Hospital to see my ex-girlfriend?"

The weight of his request was immense.

Candice was momentarily stunned, her emotions in turmoil, her eyelids fluttering.

But she quickly composed herself, afraid she had misheard.

"What did you say? Are you sure?"