The CEO's Empathy Pregnancy Pains

Archibald lowered his head, feeling a mix of emotions.

He knew Celeste's anger wasn't without reason; the Smith family's influence was indeed formidable.

But Dean's impulsive actions had undoubtedly pushed the entire Lancaster family into a precarious situation, with consequences that were hard to imagine.

If it were just Dean's small studio at stake, it wouldn't be a big deal. But with Michael's relentless determination, it seemed only a matter of time before the Lancaster family would be swallowed up.

Thinking about this sent a chill down Archibald's spine. He slowly raised his head, a look of determination in his eyes.

"Aunt Celeste, please give me a little more time. I will find Dean and make sure he gives you and the Lancaster family an explanation."

Celeste had heard these words from Archibald many times before.

She let out a soft, contemptuous laugh and replied to Archibald with a hint of disdain.

"It's good that you think this way; it shows you're smarter than him. Archibald, time is of the essence. You need to handle this quickly. The most important thing isn't giving me or the Lancaster family an explanation, but the Smith family! That's not within our sphere of influence!

"Dean really messed up this time!" With that, Celeste turned and walked away, not wanting to say another word to Archibald. She had no interest in pretending to be a harmonious family.

Watching Celeste's resolute departure, Archibald felt an unprecedented sense of abandonment and loneliness.

He stood there, a wave of indescribable sorrow washing over him.

But despite this, he couldn't dwell on his feelings for too long. There were more important matters to address, and he needed to find Dean urgently.

Taking a deep breath, Archibald walked to the study and quickly dialed a number. Archibald was prepared for Dean to hang up on him again.

But to his surprise, this time, Dean didn't hang up.

Archibald's expression immediately turned serious as he spoke into the phone with a harsh tone. "You actually answered?"noveldrama

Dean responded with a muffled laugh.

He knew that answering the phone wouldn't bring concern or greetings, only blame.

Archibald hadn't even asked where Dean was when he heard a cacophony of car noises, wind, and ocean sounds, creating a chaotic noise in his ear.

"Where are you?" Archibald asked Dean.

"Archibald, why do you keep asking that? Do you want to catch me too?" Dean's voice sounded distant and uncertain amidst the wind.

Hearing this, Archibald wished he could fly to Dean's side and knock some sense into him.

"Don't be reckless, Dean! Do you know how much trouble you've caused? Get back to Emerald City now!"

After a pause, Archibald thought of something else and asked Dean, "Is that woman with you? Dean, how long are you going to be stubborn? That woman is trouble! Don't you want to know why things have come to this? We and the Smith family..."

"Archibald." Dean's lazy response instantly cut off Archibald's urgent questioning.

The contrast between the two was stark.

It was clear that Dean was unhurried, seemingly unaware of the precarious situation he was in.

"Archibald, are you seriously gonna tell me that by pissing off the Smith family, I'm not just risking trouble in Emerald City, but maybe even my life?"

Archibald was livid. "Dean! This is no time for jokes!" Archibald's voice was sharp and commanding. "Get back here now. I don't have time for your games. Aunt Celeste and I are trying to help you out of this mess!"

Dean scoffed, his tone dripping with disdain.

The more Archibald pushed, the less Dean cared.

Especially after his fight with Sophia, he was even less inclined to take Michael

seriously. Just hearing Michael's name stoked his anger and jealousy, clouding his judgment.

"Archibald, stop treating me like a kid. And where do you expect me to go? Emerald City? That place isn't my home. Why should I go back?"

With that, Dean hung up before Archibald could respond.

The line went dead, leaving Archibald seething.

When he tried calling again, he was met with a busy signal, his frustration mounting.

He knew Dean was deliberately defying him.

The next day at noon, Emily got a call from Benjamin.

Pregnancy had her sleeping more, and she answered groggily as Benjamin's voice came through.

"Miss Brown."

Emily immediately recognized Benjamin's voice, though the new title felt odd.

He used to call her "Mrs. Smith," and the change was unsettling.

But it was better this way; everyone could be more comfortable.

"Miss Brown, sorry to bother you. Mr. Mason Smith wants to see you at the Smith Mansion. He's not feeling well and can't get out of bed, so he asked me to call you." Mason's health had always been robust. He was never bedridden!

Emily's heart tightened, and she quickly asked, "Benjamin, what's wrong with Grandpa? Is it serious?"

Benjamin sighed, his tone heavy. "Mr. Michael Smith's situation has reached Mr. Mason Smith. Despite Mr. Michael Smith and Ms. Veda Smith's efforts to keep it quiet, too many people knew, and it couldn't be hidden. It might have come from the Smith Corporation.

"Mr. Mason Smith was so upset he nearly fainted. A private doctor has seen him, and Mr. Michael Smith and Ms. Veda Smith visited him, but they've gone back to work at the Smith Corporation."

"Don't worry, it's nothing serious. He took his medication and is resting, but he can't get out of bed. With no one at home, he wanted you to come by and talk."

Emily understood Mason's intentions.

Her mind was in turmoil, but she agreed immediately. Benjamin continued, "Mr. Mason Smith knows you're pregnant and it's inconvenient for you to move around, so he asked me to send a car to pick you up."

Warmth filled Emily's heart, her eyes moist.

Mason always thought of her, even when he was unwell.

Swallowing her emotions, Emily replied softly, "No need, Benjamin. I can manage. My

friend is off today and can accompany me."

Benjamin responded, "That's great."

Hanging up, Emily took a deep breath.

She didn't know what Mason wanted to discuss, but it likely involved the Smith family and the baby she was carrying.

Feeling helpless, Emily placed her hand on her belly, sensing the baby gently kicking, as if responding to her worries.