The CEO's Empathy Pregnancy Pains

From Michael's perspective, there was absolutely no need for Patrick to act this way in front of him.

Patrick appeared completely indifferent to Candice's call, but inside, he was a bundle of

nerves.

Having been through similar situations, Michael understood exactly how Patrick felt.

The slight change in Patrick's expression was enough for Michael to guess that something was weighing heavily on his mind.

"Stay here for a bit. I'll go check things out," Michael said, trying to give Patrick an out.

Seeing this, Patrick quickly grabbed him. "Are you nuts? Going out now? What if Dean sees you?"

"Relax, I got this," Michael replied calmly.

Just then, one of Patrick's men burst in. "It's Mark! Dean wants to see Mark!"

Hearing this, Michael and Patrick exchanged glances, both understanding the gravity of the situation.

Meanwhile, in the next room, Dean sat upright, his gaze sharp as a knife, fixed on Mark.

The tension in the air was palpable, as if a battle could break out at any moment.

Mark, however, remained calm, a barely noticeable smirk on his lips. He leisurely poured himself a drink, thinking that since he was here for the free food and drink, he might as well enjoy it.

"Dean, you always know how to get things done. It's been less than two weeks!" Mark said, taking a sip. "Your influence is impressive. I can't compare. I'm just scraping by here in Emerald City," he added, his words dripping with sarcasm.

Dean's eves darkened his patience wearing thin. He decided to cut to the chase. "Sọ. you're saying you won't help me?"

Mark paused his drink, chuckling softly as he looked up. "I said it's about influence..."noveldrama

Before Mark could finish, Dean interrupted, slamming the table. "Don't give me that. You can't tell me you don't have a way.

"Don't think I don't know. Patrick hasn't been back to Emerald City for ages, yet you still have leverage over him, handling all his exes. And now, I'm just asking for a small favor. Is it really that hard?"

Mark remained unruffled, setting his glass down and meeting Dean's gaze. Indeed, he had been a notable figure in Emerald City's underworld for years and feared little.

But Dean was asking him to go up against Michael, a major player in Emerald City. Dean, having fallen from grace, couldn't offer him anything worthwhile. Even if he could, Mark wouldn't risk provoking Michael.

"Dean, you're overestimating me," Mark said. "A small favor? Who in Emerald City would dare touch Michael? People usually threaten him with his ex-wife."

Mark downed his drink, the liquid trailing down his chin, a complex look in his eyes. Watching Dean ponder, Mark thought to himself, 'You're the only one crazy enough to try this.'

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He decided to let Dean stew in his thoughts while he enjoyed the food and drink. Dean, however, found Mark's words enlightening. If Michael was too tough to handle, Emily might be an easier target. Although Archibald had lingering feelings for her, Dean no longer cared about Archibald's opinions. Using Emily could be the key to getting to Michael.

A determined look crossed Dean's face. 'If that's the case, then don't blame me for being ruthless.'

Seeing Dean's smirk, Mark raised an eyebrow. "What? Got a plan already?"

To Mark, Dean's actions were almost like digging his own grave. But he didn't bother to warn him. After all, they were just drinking buddies. Why should he go out of his way to help?

"I have a plan, but I'll need your help," Dean said. He wasn't stupid. He had called Mark here to drag him into this mess. Otherwise, why spend so much money on him? Dean, now cut off from the Lancaster family, was far from wealthy.

"Don't worry, you won't be working for free," Dean assured.

Mark, of course, wouldn't refuse any request in front of Dean. He had already decided not to get involved, but he had to keep up appearances.

"Let's hear your plan," Mark said, his eyes sharp.

Dean lit a cigarette, the smoke curling around him as he spoke. "Emily's weak spot is her son..."

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Mark's expression changed, a flash of coldness in his eyes. Dean was truly ruthless, even considering harming a newborn.

Mark was appalled but kept his face neutral. "What do you plan to do?"

'Surely not kill him,' Mark thought. The drink in his mouth suddenly burning his nose, making him shiver.

"Just scare his parents a bit. I don't intend to actually harm the kid. But..." Dean said nonchalantly, pausing to take a drag from his cigarette.

"It has to be convincing enough for Emily to pressure Michael. This time, I want to make sure Michael never forgets. He needs to know he was wrong to mess with me."

A dangerous glint appeared in Dean's eyes. He knew that only by making Michael feel real pain could he truly get his revenge. He could already picture Michael begging for mercy. The thought thrilled him.

Mark, however, felt conflicted. He knew Dean's plan could lead to unpredictable consequences. He didn't want to get involved, but it seemed inevitable.

Should he let things spiral out of control, or find a middle ground before it was too late?

Mark pondered for a long time until Dean handed him a glass. "To our successful partnership."

Mark clinked glasses with Dean, hiding his true feelings behind a smile.