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

you getting back at me

for the milk. I'll crash on the

she could finish, her

tune. "I

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. I didn't know you'd

working. Emily decided not to bother Abigail. "I'm fine, just called because... I missed you. I'm already

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

she was,

milk just now. I'm crashing at a friend's place tonight.

an eyebrow but kept his face

why does he always upset you! It makes me so mad. Emily, you rest early, leave

Abigail's personality, Emily had a bad feeling. "Abigail, what are

can I do? You go to sleep,

question and

would have to deal with it. She no longer wanted to protect him. She was starting to realize he wasn't worth it. Suddenly, Bryan spoke from behind. "Is your

smiled bitterly and shook

returned to Emerald Lake Manor, exhausted. Facing the empty villa and