The CEO's Empathy Pregnancy Pains

Michael carefully opened the car door for Emily. They drove in silence, only occasionally talking about their child.

Despite the quiet, Michael felt content. A warm feeling spread through his heart. This at least proved that there was still a possibility between him and Emily. Even if there wasn't, they were still a close-knit family, especially because of Harry. That was an unchangeable fact.

Meanwhile, Emily gazed out the window at the picturesque night scene, her heart stirring. She knew exactly why Michael was making these efforts. She just didn't know when she could let go of the resentment in her heart. The past wounds had cast too deep a shadow over her. How could she forget three years of accumulated pain?

The silence in the car was suddenly broken by the ringing of Michael's phone. It was Patrick calling.

"Hey, Michael, where you at?"

"In the car."

Michael's response was terse. From the background noise, he could tell Patrick was probably partying at some bar again.

"In the car? Where you headed? Home? Why don't you come to Backstreet Bar?" Backstreet Bar was a place they frequented. Michael's response was a firm no. Patrick expected this. He didn't beat around the bush and got straight to the point. "Come on, you won't regret it. Guess who I ran into?"

Michael frowned, thinking. Who could Patrick have run into? Probably some hot DJ or

a glamorous karaoke bar owner.

Emily turned her head away, silently watching the bustling cityscape outside the window. She maintained her composed demeanor, not caring about Michael's personal matters. Whether he went to the bar or not was none of her business.

"I'm not interested. Do you have anything else? If not, I'm hanging up."

Emily felt a brief ripple in her heart but quickly calmed down.

"Wait!" Patrick's urgent voice came through. "It's Dean. I saw Dean at Backstreet Bar. I can't believe he got out so soon. Do you know about this? Does your wife know? Should we be careful? Or should I find out how he got out?"

Patrick's chatter continued, but Michael and Emily exchanged a complex look.

Michael decided to go to Backstreet Bar. He needed to find out why Dean was suddenly back, as it concerned Emily and their child's safety.

Patrick was waiting at the entrance. When Michael arrived, he quickly approached, speaking in a low voice. "Hey, I've been keeping a low profile. He didn't notice me. He's drinking alone on the second floor. I booked the room next to his. We can send someone in to ask a few questions and get some information."

Michael nodded, but his unease grew.

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They quietly went up to the second floor. Through the slightly open door, they saw Dean sitting alone in a corner.

"Why's he alone?" Michael asked, his eyes sharp.

"It's easier to approach him this way. Maybe he's drinking alone 'cause he's in a bad mood," Patrick said nonchalantly, pulling Michael into the next room to be cautious. Patrick continued, "Don't underestimate him. Remember, he was with Mark last time. This means he has some connections here, even if they're shady. In a place like this, those connections can be useful."noveldrama

Michael agreed with Patrick's analysis. Patrick was familiar with these places.

Soon, one of Patrick's men came in. "Dean seems to be waiting for someone. He's checking his watch a lot."

Patrick was more convinced of his theory. "See? He's not alone."

Michael's brow furrowed. "Find out who he's waiting for."

Patrick signaled his man to leave. He then turned to Michael, who was on high alert. He understood why Michael was so tense. Dean was an unstable factor, always lurking around Emerald City.

Still, the Emerald City was Michael's territory. Patrick always thought that no matter what Dean did, he couldn't beat Michael's influence. In the end, Dean would still lose.

"Relax. Let him mess around. We'll play along. I have nothing better to do since I came back. I'll keep him company."

Patrick's casual demeanor made Michael relax a bit, but he still worried about his married friend's reckless behavior.

"Patrick, what are your plans now that you're back? Are you just gonna keep wasting time?"

Michael suddenly remembered something and mentioned a name that made Patrick's face fall.

"Candice?" Patrick's eyes dimmed, and he forced a bitter smile. "She probably doesn't care about me. I text her good morning and good night every day, but she barely responds. I've never met a girl this hard to win over."

Michael chuckled. "You think she's like the other girls you can easily charm? Candice has a good background and personality. She's seen all kinds of men. Your usual tricks won't work on her. Try being sincere. Sincerity is the key to winning hearts." Michael thought about his own situation. If he had been more sincere and less suspicious with Emily, they could be happy now. He could protect her openly instead of living in constant fear that she might disappear again.

Sincerity was rare and precious.

Patrick fell silent, sighing inwardly. He didn't want to say too much to Michael, but he had put a lot of effort into Candice. Unfortunately, sincerity only worked if it was directed at the right person.