The CEO's Empathy Pregnancy Pains

Chapter 555 Struggle for Shares

Michael picked up his coffee again, then set it down, his lips pressed together as he fell into deep thought.

The aroma of the coffee swirled around them, rising slowly with the steam. Candice couldn't hold back any longer. Seeing that he hadn't spoken for a while, she decided to break the silence. "Michael, what's on your mind? If you have something to say, just say it. We're already talking, so let's be real with each other. I know you don't like my methods, but I..."

Before Candice could finish, Michael interrupted her. "Your methods are your business, not mine. You're a woman, but business is a different matter. I'm more concerned with results, not the process. Your schemes might be clever, but if they don't benefit the bigger picture, they're just clownish antics."

"Besides, I don't care what methods you use or on whom, but you should never have used them on Emily. I hate it when people use her or hurt her. That's my bottom line."

Michael's words were soft, but his tone was firm. Candice could hear the anger hidden in his voice.

So that was what this was about.

"That's not all. I shouldn't have to say this, but Candice, if you want to break into the Emerald City business circle, you could have come to me directly instead of hurting someone who genuinely cares about you, like Patrick. He's my good friend.

"I admit, he used to play with a lot of girls' feelings, which is why I can see he's serious about you. He should pay for what he did before, but not to you." Michael spoke calmly, but every word hit Candice like a hammer, leaving her speechless. She bit her lip, her face turning pale.

Seeing her reaction, Michael knew he had guessed right, but he didn't want to embarrass her too much. He changed the subject, pulling out some cash from his wallet.

"Today's coffee is on me, as a gesture of hospitality."

With that, Michael stood up, buttoned his coat, and added, "Welcome back to Emerald City."

Then, under Candice's gaze, Michael walked out of the café and disappeared.

Candice felt a mix of emotions. She clenched her fists, replaying everything that had

just happened.

tell Emily and

Candice didn't care.

that was Michael's bottom line, and

got into his car, where Andrew

Smith, the company meeting is about to start. Ms.

such a rush.

waved his hand, signaling to start

conversation, Michael was satisfied. He knew he had

would make the

thinking that business was like

when Emily was

Monday at Smith Corporation, and even busier at smaller

for a chance to collaborate with Smith Corporation, so he kept a close eye on Michael and Emily, often sending Emily friendly

Emily was cold but soft-hearted, which could

his secretary rushed in, looking troubled. "Mr. Brown, he's here

was none other than

Hayden's face turned grim

lot of gambling debts and now had his eyes on Brown Corporation's shares, claiming he was fighting for Evelyn's rights. But those shares were just a

had already lost a lot

to give some to the Thomas

Tom out when Tom strolled in, hands in his

"Hayden!