The CEO's Empathy Pregnancy Pains

At this point, Veda just couldn't hold back her feelings anymore.

To her, this family that looked so perfect on the outside was just a bunch of people

pretending to be happy.

Happiness? Fulfillment?

It was all a big lie.

Veda snapped, "Grandpa, you're no different! You've been guarded against Mom for ages. Everyone knows it, so why not just say it? You could just kick her out of the Smith family or make her live separately, but you still keep her around for the sake of the family's reputation and Dad's image! You question everything she does, investigate her every move! Is this fun for you?"

"And Mom, don't you feel like you've lost your freedom? Sure, you might be attached to the wealth and status of the Smith family, but you're also just hanging on, waiting to get money from me and Michael when you're old!"

"That's why you're so desperate to find me a husband-you're insecure, you don't trust Michael's abilities, and you don't believe Grandpa will share the inheritance with you, so you're in a rush to tie me down!"

Veda spilled all the Smith family's dirty secrets right then and there.

Everyone's faces turned dark.

Scarlett stared at Veda in shock, not expecting her to shatter the fragile peace between her and Mason.

Mason was so mad he could barely stand, and if Michael hadn't been holding him up, he might've collapsed right then.

Just then, the news on TV grabbed everyone's attention.

The dining room went silent as everyone turned to watch.

"Today, the family dispute case involving Brown Corporation Chairman Hayden Brown and his daughter Emily Brown went to court and ended with Emily winning. Our reporter at the scene reported that Emily provided physical evidence proving that Hayden lied in the initial trial and also brought witnesses to testify."

"The witnesses are Emily's mother, Hayden's first wife and the only survivor of the Taylor family, the founder of the Emerald City business empire, Isabella Taylor, and the personal assistant of Emily's husband Michael Smith, Mr. Andrew Anderson."

"From this, we can see that Michael Smith, the president of Smith Corporation, is on his wife's side, so it's no surprise that Hayden Brown lost this time. Now let's look at the frontline report."

The TV screen then switched to outside the courtroom.

The Smith family all turned to look at the screen, where Isabella flashed by, and Scarlett exclaimed, "Isabella? She's... she's awake?"

Mason also turned to look at Michael. "So you knew all along and kept it from the family."

Michael stayed quiet, but inside, he was thrilled, genuinely happy for Emily.

Soon, Benjamin walked quickly into the living room.

Emily had brought Isabella to visit.

Mason immediately invited them in and specifically told Scarlett to keep her mouth shut.

This was also the first time Michael had seen Isabella in months.

He rushed to the door, excitement all over his face. "Isabella, I should've visited you in the hospital earlier, but I didn't expect..."

Isabella cut him off, "Didn't expect what? Didn't expect me to come see you first? It doesn't matter. Today is your mother's birthday, and Emily and I are here to join the celebration."

Michael took the gifts from Isabella and Emily, greeting them with respect, dropping his usual presidential act. Isabella, pleased, started to gauge Emily's reaction.

In the living room, they all took their seats.

Mason sat at the head, with Scarlett and Isabella next to him.

As in-laws, Scarlett and Isabella should've been exchanging pleasantries, but Scarlett, still fuming from Veda's earlier outburst and her dislike for Emily, couldn't warm up to Isabella's proud demeanor.

Michael and Emily sat next.

Veda knew she had no place in this setting and didn't want to stick around, especially after her earlier outburst had chilled the atmosphere. She decided to leave. "Michael, Grandpa, I'll go back to my room to study."

Seeing Mason nod silently, Veda said goodbye to Isabella and headed upstairs alone. Emily could tell Veda was in a bad mood.noveldrama

Moreover, Veda didn't say goodbye to Scarlett, the only other elder in the house besides Mason. Scarlett felt slighted and was about to retort.

But Veda quickly went upstairs without looking back.

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! Isabella's visit had already caused a scene, making Scarlett feel very embarrassed, her cheeks turning red. She was afraid this would make her lose her dignity and status, so she tried to keep her cool.

Isabella, of course, noticed this. As a guest, she had no qualms about asking. "Veda is studying? What's she studying?"

Mason replied, "Some MBA courses, arranged by her brother. Since our family has been in business for generations, she needs to be prepared to help in the future."

Facing Isabella's visit, Mason's mood shifted naturally.

He chatted amiably with Isabella, completely different from his earlier angry demeanor. Isabella turned to Michael, "That's good. Michael, you're thoughtful. Veda will indeed be able to help you in the future. I can see she's a smart girl, and I like her." Seeing Isabella talk so confidently, unlike someone who had been bedridden, Scarlett couldn't help but laugh, drawing everyone's attention.

Seeing Isabella look over, Scarlett didn't avoid it and immediately mocked, "Ms. Taylor, you have recovered well. In just a few days, you can not only walk but also go to court to fight for property... and now you're here at the Smith Mansion for a chat! It seems you haven't been idle these days, making all the preparations for your precious daughter."

Scarlett's words were drawn out, and everyone could hear the underlying meaning. Mason's face turned ugly instantly, but he couldn't lose his temper in front of guests. Michael was used to this, as Scarlett often behaved this way. She would promise Mason not to say anything inappropriate but then say whatever she wanted in front of guests.

Despite this, Mason couldn't do anything about Scarlett because of what Veda had said earlier, that the Smith family's reputation and the appearance of peace and happiness must be maintained.