The CEO's Empathy Pregnancy Pains

Scarlett was caught off guard by Veda's sudden outburst.

Lately, Veda had been more obedient and sensible, so this was a real curveball for Scarlett.

But then it clicked for her. Veda was her daughter, after all, and she had inherited her fiery spirit.

She'd only been playing nice because of the situation, but deep down, she was still the same strong-willed, stubborn girl. Being overlooked in the Smith family made her competitive, especially for things that weren't hers to begin with.

Scarlett said, "When did I ever say men are more reliable than daughters?"

Veda shot back, "Don't twist my words. I'm talking about Michael. You think my brother is more reliable than me."

Scarlett replied, "That's nonsense. It's your grandfather who thinks that way. In old- school families, men are the heirs, and women are just for marriage, managing the house, and raising kids. Those are outdated ideas, Veda, you can't..."

"Mom." Veda cut her off before she could finish.

Her expression was sour, and her tone was dripping with sarcasm. "Michael and I are grown-ups now. We're not as gullible as before. You don't need to try so hard to shut me up. I know Grandpa wants Michael to be the heir."

"But I heard that you're still looking for a marriage partner for me, and you even went to the company to tell my brother to stop finding teachers for me, so I can't study for an MBA."

Scarlett was momentarily speechless, unable to deny it.

Seeing this, Veda smirked, put down her wine glass, and looked at Scarlett again. "Mom, everyone in this family knows what you're up to. You're our mom, and of course, we'll support and take care of you. But if you want to mess with our lives, sorry, you don't have that right."

Scarlett had always thought Michael was the tough one to handle.

But now, she realized her daughter was just as sharp-tongued and defiant. Not only that, but she seemed to be against her mother, even treating Emily better.

Scarlett couldn't accept this. She stood up, facing Veda angrily. "Is this how a daughter should talk? Veda, I carried you for ten months and gave birth to you, and this is how you repay me? If I had known, I would have..."

Veda interrupted, "If you had known, you would have what? Aborted me? You say these things to Michael, and now to me too? Sometimes I wonder if we're really your kids or just tools for you to use against the Smith family! Or are we just your meal tickets in the Smith family?"

Seeing Veda's cold expression, Scarlett shrank back, barely finishing her words. "You, you, you... Veda! I'm doing this for your own good! What do you understand? What's so great about an MBA? It's better to find a good marriage, marry into a wealthy family, and live a life of luxury. That would be easier!"

"If our family isn't well-off, you can still rely on your husband. But if you and your brother both work for Smith Corporation, there will be times when Smith Corporation struggles!"

Veda couldn't believe what she was hearing.

How could someone think like this?

Did her mom really believe Michael couldn't handle Smith Corporation? And that her

only role was to marry well to help the family?

It was clear to Veda that Scarlett still underestimated them.

Or maybe she was just scared of ending up poor and didn't want to suffer.

Thinking about this made Veda sad.

The more she saw Scarlett like this, the more determined she was to prove herself, to show that Smith Corporation would always thrive in Emerald City.

Michael drove fast.

So it only took ten minutes to reach Emerald Lake Manor.

At that time, Emily was making milk. She didn't have the energy to cook for Michael, so she focused on making milk to avoid having a dry mouth when asking for favors later.

As she was thinking, the door sounded, and Ava went to open it.

Emily continued her actions, only hearing the footsteps behind her getting closer until they stopped behind her.

Emily said, "You're back? Sit down."

Michael found it amusing to hear Emily speaking to him in a hostess tone.

He snorted and sat down. "Tell me, why did you call me back? What's so mysterious..."

Suddenly, Michael's peripheral vision caught sight of a gift bag on the sofa. He quickly grabbed it and asked urgently, "Is this from Mom?"

Taking out the contents, Michael realized it was a handmade, knitted scarf in his favorite white color.

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! Hearing Michael calling Isabella 'Mom', Emily felt an indescribable warmth.

She looked up at Michael and handed him a cup of milk.

Michael couldn't wait to ask again, "Speak up? Isabella woke up? Why didn't you tell me? So... you've been going to the hospital these past few days because Isabella woke up, not because of Daniel?"

Emily didn't understand what Michael was talking about, so she simply replied, "Mom woke up. I've been taking care of her at the hospital these past few days and didn't have time to tell you. But actually, there's a reason, Michael. Besides, mom wants to ask you for a favor."

Seeing Emily suddenly become serious, Michael frown and sit up straight.

After a while, Michael finally understood Isabella's intentions.

He couldn't help but marvel; Isabella's strategy left the Brown family with nowhere to hide.

Michael said, "When I was young, I only heard about the Taylor family's business strategies, but I didn't expect that Isabella can still strategize from her sickbed, it's unimaginable how impressive she is!"

Seeing Michael in the mood to joke, Emily thought the matter was almost settled. She tilted her head and asked, "So, you agree to help?"

Michael chuckled, put down the milk cup, and looked at the exquisite white scarf. He replied, "I'm agreeing for the sake of Isabella. Tell Isabella that as her son-in-law, I'll definitely help. Besides, there are some things I need to settle with the Brown family. I can't let Isabella think I'm still entangled with them."

With that, Michael stood up, holding the scarf lovingly, and walked to the mirror to try it on.