The CEO's Empathy Pregnancy Pains

"You..." Tiana was furious.

Emily held onto Michael before they left, still catching a glimpse of Tiana's face twisted in anger, paired with her bright green sequin dress, which was quite a sight.

"Why did you argue with her?" As soon as they sat in the lounge area, Emily instinctively began to scold Michael. "Today is Roger's event. How many times did I tell you before we came? He even invited the media. You are the highly regarded CEO of Smith Corporation. If someone takes a photo and posts it online, what if someone with ill intentions takes it out of context? Grandpa can't handle the shock, and the shareholders of Smith Corporation are already on edge..."

"I know." Michael said.

For a moment, Emily was so focused on blaming Michael that she didn't realize her words were a bit harsh.

As a result, Michael's face turned quite unpleasant.

Seeing this, Emily could only sigh and say to him. "Rest here for a bit, I'll go chat with them."

Michael looked up. "Didn't we just say we wouldn't separate?"

Emily frowned, looking helpless. "But this is a social event after all. If we keep to ourselves like this, it won't look good. We're both here for the reputation of the Smith family. Don't worry, I've heard plenty of harsh words before, I won't mind."

This response made Michael's heart ache.

Tiana's words earlier were already unpleasant enough.

But Emily could endure it all. Michael knew she must have heard a lot of harsh words before, so no matter how bad it was, it was just a small matter to her.

Michael suddenly felt useless for being unable to protect the person he loved the most.

As he was lost in thought, Emily had already lifted her dress and walked into the crowd. Sure enough, a group of people gathered around her, mostly wives of wealthy families. They had no jobs, no so-called connections, and came here just to accompany their husbands and chat about meaningless gossip.

Emily felt more at ease in such circles. Although most of the gossip didn't interest her, her years of chatting with Abigail had taught her how to respond appropriately. "Really?"

"What a coincidence?"

"Is that true?"

"I didn't know that!"

As long as she remembered these four phrases, Emily could join any conversation.

She thought she could get through the first half of the event and then act accordingly when Roger arrived.

But unexpectedly, another crisis soon arose.

"Mrs. Smith, this wine is quite good. Would you like to try some?" Suddenly, someone offered her a glass of red wine. Emily's smile froze for a moment, then she quickly declined.

After all, she was in her mid-pregnancy. Although her belly could be concealed with loose clothing, alcohol was a different matter. Michael might be puzzled why she refused.

To drink or not to drink?

Emily knew that if she drank this glass, there would be a second and third glass tonight, and it wouldn't be easy to refuse then.

So, Emily's smile shifted.

She first took the glass, then looked at the other person's dress, her eyes lighting up as she excitedly asked, "Mrs. Patel, your dress is beautiful. Is it a new design this year?"

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This distraction tactic had been perfected by Emily over the years.

As a daughter-in-law of a wealthy family, this was a necessary skill.

Mrs. Patel smiled. "This was designed by a friend of mine who recently started her own brand. Mrs. Smith, would you like me to recommend her to you?"

Emily's compliment put the other person in a good mood, and the topic naturally shifted to fashion and design. Emily was relieved, knowing that as long as sensitive topics were avoided, she could navigate this social game with ease.

Emily replied, "That would be wonderful. I really need it. I'm good at designing jewelry, but matching clothes is a headache for me. Mrs. Patel, you're a great help!"

Mrs. Patel said, "It's all about helping each other, Mrs. Smith. You're too kind!"

However, at that moment, an unwelcome voice suddenly interrupted. "Mrs. Smith, long time no see!"

Emily turned around to see Roger smiling at her.

'What a wolf in sheep's clothing,' Emily thought.

Emily said, "Hello, Mr. Ward. Please, call me Emily."

Roger was an elder, and proper etiquette had to be observed.

Emily bowed and greeted him, only to see Roger offering her one of the two glasses of wine he was holding.

She had already used the distraction tactic earlier.

Moreover, she wasn't familiar with Roger, having only met him once or twice at Smith family events. They had no common topics to divert attention to.

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And since Roger was the host of the event, Emily couldn't think of a reason to refuse

the drink. But if she didn't refuse, what would the consequences be?

Emily felt a headache coming on.

Why was Roger targeting her out of the blue?

As she hesitated, Emily felt guilty towards the baby in her belly.

The business world was ruthless, but she shouldn't put her child at risk to gain reputation for the Smith family.

Otherwise, how was she different from Scarlett, who used her child to make money? "Emily, what are you thinking? Hurry up and try this wine. I brought it especially for you!" Roger's voice interrupted Emily's thoughts. He was still smiling brightly, holding the glass towards her, while the surrounding wealthy wives watched with interest.

Helpless, Emily took the glass, her face still adorned with a bright smile. "Such a fine wine, I must try it!"

Just then, Michael appeared. "Emily, let me drink it first, okay?"

He took the glass from Emily's hand and clinked it with Roger's, downing it in one gulp. "This wine is excellent, Mr. Ward. You're too kind. If my father could see this from heaven, he would be grateful for your hospitality and for inviting me to such an interesting event."

Michael's words were clearly overpraising Roger.

Mentioning Michael's father made Roger's expression serious for a moment, but he quickly regained his smile and replied. "Michael, you're still so impatient, can't wait for anything."

Michael continued casually, "I can't help it. My wife often argues with me because of my childish temper!"

Saying this, Michael took Emily's hand, and they exchanged a loving look, displaying their affection in front of everyone, while exchanging a few more words with Roger.noveldrama

If Roger didn't have to go on stage to speak, this charade could have gone on forever.