The CEO's Empathy Pregnancy Pains

Chapter 5 Affected Emotions

The two of them chatted for a bit longer, and just as Abigail was about to leave, she remembered the main reason she came over. "Hey, don't worry, your secret's safe with me. Oh, and there's something else. Moonlit Treasures wants you to design their fall and winter jewelry collection. Got any ideas?"

Moonlit Treasures was a brand under the Smith Corporation. Emily had always dreamed of becoming a jewelry designer, partly to fulfill Isabella's unachieved dream. But back in college, Sophia framed her in a plagiarism scandal, and she lost her shot. Following Abigail's advice, she took a different route. She started submitting her designs under the pseudonym "Ella Garcia" to various companies after graduation. Luckily, her designs caught some eyes.

In the years since graduation, no one knew Emily, but everyone in the industry knew Ella. Even though she never showed up in person or entered competitions, her designs were still admired for their spirit and stories. "Did my design submission get accepted?" Finally, some good news.

"Yep, Moonlit Treasures is teaming up with Phantom Beauty, so they're taking this seriously. I heard the design department went through several rounds of changes, and their design director called me directly," Abigail said, grinning. Emily was surprised. "Wait, you mean the international luxury brand Phantom Beauty? Are they entering the domestic market?" This brand wasn't just about money; you needed influence too. Emily was impressed by Michael's capabilities, realizing the Smith Corporation could pull this off.

"Yeah," Abigail replied. "According to some insider info, Phantom Beauty's general agency Novaria is coming to the domestic market to pick a jewelry brand to collaborate with. Besides Moonlit Treasures, all the major brands are gearing up for this. Emily, several companies have already contacted me. What do you think? How will you choose?"

Abigail had a point. Given her situation with Michael, Abigail worried that sticking with Moonlit Treasures might be a compromise.

"It's okay, Abigail. Right now, Moonlit Treasures has the biggest market share and platform. For a small, unknown designer like me, it's not a bad choice," Emily said.

Abigail frowned and got a bit angry. "What do you mean 'unknown'? You're just keeping a sense of mystery; it's a marketing strategy."

you say. I'll rely on

Emily handled the designs behind the scenes, while Abigail took care of everything else.

really needed to think it over. She thought Michael wouldn't come back tonight, but to her surprise, he got home earlier than she did. Emerald Lake Manor, with the sea on one side and mountains on the other three, was a stunning place. In Emerald City, owning a villa there was a big deal, a real status symbol. This fancy area was developed by Michael,

is your face swollen? Let me get you

I'm fine. You can go about your business; don't worry about me," Emily said softly, then walked past Ava towards the

She had been sent to take care of Michael since he got married, but she could see that Michael didn't treat Emily well. There wasn't much

been?" Michael sat on the sofa with a

in the afternoon vanished. "Mr. Smith, I think it's none of your business." She wanted to say, "Why aren't you at the hospital with Sophia instead

the hospital to apologize to Sophia." Michael's tone was firm,

your dad hit you?" Michael couldn't describe his feelings at that moment-discomfort, chest tightness, and a slight sting, as if the slap mark on her face was hurting

still want me to go to the hospital to apologize to her? Or maybe you can slap me too, so I don't have to go to the hospital." Emily's words were full of

over.

act? Is it your first day knowing about my relationship with Sophia? Don't forget why we got married in

Michael loved Sophia? Am I throwing a fit just because Michael doesn't love me? But wasn't that a