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?"

quick comeback caught Bryan off

back at me now?"

"Thanks for the milk. I'll crash

she could finish, her phone rang.

"I might

"Emily, where are you? I've been swamped with work, my phone was on do-not-disturb. I didn't know

decided not to bother Abigail. "I'm fine,

me, he said he couldn't find you and asked if

she was, or was he just worried

reassured her. "I'm really fine, I even had a cup of hot milk just now. I'm crashing at a friend's place tonight. We'll talk tomorrow. I really don't want to fight with

but kept his face

It makes me so mad. Emily,

a bad feeling. "Abigail, what are you going to

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

question and

care what she would do. Whatever happened, Michael would have to deal with it. She no longer wanted to protect him.

had been eavesdropping. She smiled bitterly and shook

Manor, exhausted. Facing the empty villa and the missing Emily, he was in a