The CEO's Empathy Pregnancy Pains

So, just like that, Hayden totally blew the case.

Not only did he lose big time, but his reputation took a nosedive too.

The internet was buzzing with hate, and reporters were swarming the Brown Villa. Even Evelyn and Sophia couldn't catch a break when they got home.

If it weren't for the security guards stepping in, they might've been pelted with eggs.

To make matters worse, Brown Corporation's stock tanked, and public opinion was turning against them. Employees started quitting left and right, and several factories had to shut down.noveldrama

In short, Hayden got completely owned by Isabella this time.

Meanwhile, Isabella just made a brief appearance and totally crushed it. She knew that good always wins over evil, and she also knew Michael played a huge part in their victory.

If it weren't for him gaining the Brown family's trust and getting Hayden to spill the beans, the court wouldn't have ruled in their favor so quickly. Thinking about this, Isabella turned to Emily, who was resting against the car seat, and said, "Emily, today, we're heading to the Smith Mansion."

Emily thought she misheard. "Mom, aren't we just inviting Michael for a meal? Why are we going to the Smith Mansion together?"

Michael's absence from court wasn't about protecting Sophia's dignity.

It was Scarlett's birthday, and Michael and Veda were at home helping with the celebration, so they couldn't make it to court.

Emily got that, but now that they were suddenly going to the Smith Mansion, she worried Scarlett might be displeased and something unexpected might happen. She could handle it, but she didn't want Isabella to face any trouble with the Smith family.

But Isabella seemed to have it all figured out. She saw through Emily's worries and patiently explained, "We scored a big win today. The reporters definitely won't let this one slip by. The news has probably already reached Scarlett. Since it's her birthday today, as her in-law, I should visit her. Besides, it's a good opportunity to meet Michael's grandfather."

Seeing Isabella's confident demeanor, Emily couldn't find a reason to refuse.

Soon, she heard Isabella say again, "After all, it's the Smith family. The Smith family is still under Mason's control. Don't worry, Scarlett can't cause much trouble. Even if she could, she's no match for me."

Hearing this, Emily saw Isabella's confident smile.

She had always fought alone, but now, with her mom by her side, she felt a surge of confidence.

So, when the driver got in the car, Emily said directly, "To the Smith Mansion."

Then, the mother and daughter smiled at each other and held hands. The Smith Mansion

A gloomy atmosphere hung over the dining table. Apart from the sounds of eating, only the faint noise of the TV from the living room could be heard.

Mason, dressed in casual clothes, quietly ate the food in front of him. Michael wasn't feeling it. He just kept sipping his juice and messing with his phone, looking all serious like he was searching for something important.

Scarlett, on the other hand, was having a good time with her meal. It was her birthday, after all. She hadn't planned on celebrating, but the Smith family was all about tradition, and Mason, being the most traditional of them all, insisted on a birthday dinner for her, even if it was just a small one.

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Veda sat at the end of the table, quietly sipping her soup, her face cold. She occasionally glanced at Michael and then at Mason.

Suddenly, Veda stood up.

She was wearing a white short dress with pearl earrings, looking stunning, but her sour expression was hard to miss. "I'm done."

"Sit down," Mason commanded firmly as soon as Veda spoke.

The atmosphere instantly got tense.

Scarlett shot Veda a displeased look, and seeing her unmoved, Michael chimed in. "Veda, sit down."

Veda eventually sat back down.

But she couldn't eat anymore. She looked up, her eyes welling up with tears, at Michael and Mason, then glanced at her mother, who never showed her any love. She decided to speak her mind. "Why do we pretend to be a family? Grandpa, if we're not getting along, why force us to sit together for a meal? What's the point of celebrating my mom's birthday like this?"

Mason snapped, "Shut up!"

He knew it was pointless.

Michael and Veda weren't close to their mother. Veda used to be better, but lately, something had changed.

If you're loving the book, nel5s.com is where the adventure continues. Join us for the complete experience all for free. The next chapter is eagerly waiting for you! She seemed annoyed with everyone and always spoke with a hint of sarcasm.

In this family, it was unclear who had upset her.

Mason added, "Your mother is having a birthday. As her children, you should be here for her. Is that a problem?"

Hearing this, Veda couldn't help but laugh. "Mother? Children? Grandpa, do we even have a mother? She's always stuck in the Smith Mansion, and even when she goes out, she's monitored by your people. She can't make her own decisions, so she tries to make life difficult for me and Michael, too. Of course, we don't want to be her children."

Then, Veda's expression turned dark as she looked at Scarlett.

Scarlett, suddenly tense, shot back with a cold look. "Veda, what nonsense are you talking about? I don't want you to study MBA because I want you to have a good marriage. Do you have any conscience?"

Veda didn't want to argue with Scarlett anymore.

Only Michael understood her ambitions. She trembled slightly and looked at him. "Michael, you smile when Emily is around, but look at you now. How are you any different from a walking corpse? You keep saying you want to divorce her, but you always think about her."

"Sometimes I really don't get it. Do you like Emily or Sophia? You keep playing with the Brown sisters, but have you ever thought that one day you might regret it?"

"Enough!" Mason finally lost it.

He slammed the table and pointed at Veda. "Veda, I thought you'd matured after everything, but you're still the same, being so rude and unreasonable! Now, you've talked about your mother and your brother. Do you want to lecture me too?"