The CEO's Empathy Pregnancy Pains

Chapter 169 Manipulation Behind the Scenes

Bryan handed Emily a steaming cup of milk.

Emily was taken aback, not by the milk, but by the fact that Bryan's place was plastered with photos of him and Michael. It was obvious from the pictures that they used to be super tight. "Sorry, I didn't mean to..." Emily started to apologize for snooping around Bryan's house.

But Bryan didn't seem to care. He plopped down on the sofa, turned on his tablet, and asked, "So, what went down between you and Michael?"

Emily took a deep breath, thinking about all the fights with Michael. It felt like a never-ending cycle of frustration.

She said, "I guess Michael and I were never meant to be. Even if there's love, it can fade over time. I don't think I can keep going. Marrying into a rich family just isn't for me." Feeling really down, Emily chugged the milk.

Bryan paused for a second, then said, "That's milk, not booze. I'm glad I didn't let you go. If a girl like you went to the bar district, got drunk, and something happened, Michael would kill me." Emily laughed. "He wouldn't."

Bryan looked at her and said, "Ever heard the saying 'can't see the forest for the trees'?"

Emily looked confused and was about to ask when Bryan stood up with his tablet. "I'm not trying to lecture you, just saying. I've never seen Michael go out of his way for any woman. He's rich, not stupid. Maybe there's a misunderstanding between you two. Isn't it a bit early to give up on love?"

With that, Bryan headed to his room to sleep.

As he walked past Emily, she said, "I'll give you the same advice. You clearly don't want things to be tense with Michael, or your house wouldn't be full of photos of you two. If your friendship is that deep, don't let misunderstandings ruin it. Isn't it a bit childish for two grown men to be so stubborn?"

comeback caught Bryan off

you getting back at me now?"

"Thanks for the milk. I'll

could finish, her phone rang.

changed her tune. "I might be able to leave

the phone, and before she could say anything, she heard Abigail's urgent voice. "Emily, where are you? I've been swamped with work, my phone was on do-not-disturb.

Abigail. "I'm fine, just called because...

shot back. "Michael called me, he said he couldn't find you and asked if I took you home!

Did he really care where she was,

I'm crashing at a friend's place tonight. We'll talk tomorrow. I really don't want to fight with Michael anymore. It's ridiculous for a couple to end up like

raised an eyebrow but kept

"Alright, that annoying Michael, why does he always upset you! It makes me so mad.

Emily had a bad feeling.

replied, "What can I do? You go to sleep, don't you trust me?

the question and

protect him. She was starting to realize he wasn't worth it. Suddenly, Bryan spoke from behind.

realized he hadn't gone to his room and had been eavesdropping. She smiled bitterly and shook her head, hearing Bryan ask again, "Has Michael

Facing the empty villa and the missing Emily, he was