The CEO's Empathy Pregnancy Pains

Chapter 270 Recalling the Past

"Emily, the servants will take care of buying everything on schedule, so you really didn't have to go through all this trouble. Plus, you've got so much on your plate, and your mom just got out of the hospital. It's really not fair for the Smith family to burden you like this," Mason said, trying to be polite but with a hint of gratitude in his eyes.

Emily replied, "Grandpa, this is what family does. Why are you being so formal with me? Stuff bought by outsiders never feels as homey as what family arranges. Besides, we should all be together for New Year. Aren't uncles and aunts coming back to see you?"

"We can't let them think we, the younger generation, aren't taking good care of you. What if they get mad and take you abroad? Then the Smith Mansion would lose its heart and soul."

Mason had two sons and a daughter. Unlike other big families, his love life was pretty straightforward. All three kids were with his wife, and the eldest son was Michael and Veda's dad.

But everyone had their own way of seeing things.

Mason treated all his kids well, but he had a soft spot for Michael's dad. He stuck to the tradition of passing the company to the eldest son and made Michael's dad the president of Smith Corporation.

Sadly, even though Michael's dad was the eldest, he was also the most rebellious.

He married Scarlett and had a son and a daughter, but their marriage was rocky. The stress got to him, and he fell ill, spending his days between the hospital and home until he eventually passed away.

And what about Michael's uncle and aunt?

Michael's aunt, Faye Smith, loved her freedom and didn't want to get tangled up in the Smith family drama, especially with Scarlett. Growing up in that environment, she felt there was nothing worth fighting over.

Faye knew that no matter how much they bickered in private, they'd still have to put on a show of family unity, which was exhausting.

Michael's uncle, Peter Smith, rarely came home. After the presidency went to Michael's dad, there wasn't much for him to do around here. So Peter moved abroad, running a small business and staying out of the Smith family's affairs.

back regularly, thinking of it as Mason's retirement

wasn't money. And no one could give him what he

both Peter and Faye

the Smith Mansion. After all, appearances had to be kept up. Who knew if Peter

already had enough on his

Emily's polite and careful response, Mason nodded and then went quiet for a bit, like

heaviness. "Emily, I know about you and Michael, and I get your

heart skipped a beat. She hadn't expected Mason to bring

today to tell you that

took

agreed to her divorce from Michael, he had said

story. Share the joy of reading with

looked up at Mason, her eyes showing a mix of gratitude

cared the most about the Smith family's reputation, why would he bring this up during a family reunion? Emily had always thought

finish, Mason interrupted her with a chuckle, a hint of relief in his voice. "Emily, you're a good girl. I see your character. You're kind and have your own opinions. Plus, your life is getting better. Ms. Blair likes you and values you. Your

So, Emily, you have the right to pursue your own happiness. You shouldn't be tied down by the past, nor should you be...

this,

feel that besides love and understanding, Mason's tone carried a lot of regret and reluctance. For a

knew that Mason's words were not just support but

all else to say such words to her was not easy

Grandpa." Emily's voice was a bit choked up. She knew that at this moment, the knot in her heart seemed