The CEO's Empathy Pregnancy Pains

"I'll respect his decision."

With those words, Emily stood up, deciding to leave this place that had caused her so

much pain.

She needed time and space to calm her emotions.

Emily had had enough of being used as a pawn, and her heart had been hurt enough.

Sophia watched Emily's retreating figure, a smug smile playing on her lips.

She knew she had ultimately won in this love triangle.

As Emily walked toward the door, she bumped into Michael, who was storming in. Seeing her furious expression, Michael knew that Sophia had provoked her.

He immediately grabbed Emily and said, "Wait for me."

Then he let go of her.

But this time, Emily felt like she was under a spell. She stood rooted to the spot, unable to move, and even felt a bit of anticipation for what Michael would do next.

She had just made up her mind. She had decided not to give Michael another chance.

Thinking about this made Emily angry with herself, but before she could react, she heard a commotion on the stage.

"Everyone."

The microphone moved, followed by a burst of feedback.

Everyone's attention was drawn to the stage.

Emily turned to look and saw Michael striding onto the stage, with a bewildered Sophia beside him.

"Michael, it's not time for you to speak yet!"

Sophia was confused, but seeing Michael so proactive made her heart flutter with joy.

She looked around the room and saw Emily staring at them and looking lost.

At that moment, Sophia felt immensely satisfied, her smile widening.

She knew she had won.

She had won not just Michael's favor, but also Emily's pride and dignity.

The smile she wore as she linked arms with Michael was a calculated move, drawing everyone's attention.

Meanwhile, Michael stood on the stage, his gaze firm and intense.

He scanned the crowd as if searching for something.

His eyes finally locked onto Emily's, and in that moment, Emily's heart seemed to stop.

"Today, I have an announcement to make."

Michael's voice was steady and powerful, each word striking Emily's heart.

Emily had no idea what Michael was up to, and her eyes were filled not with anticipation, but with fear. She was terrified that Michael would play her again.

That feeling was unbearable.

"Sophia Brown, effective immediately, you are terminated from Smith Corporation's art department. The breach of contract penalty is $700,000. Please settle this amount promptly, Miss Brown."

The room erupted in shock.

"$700,000 penalty? What's Sophia thinking, quitting Smith Corporation at a time like this?"

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"Isn't she close with Mr. Smith? Why would he make her pay the penalty?"

"Yeah, $700,000! I heard Brown Corporation has been struggling since that lawsuit with the Taylor family. They probably don't have the money."

"Are you kidding me? If they're broke, why throw such a fancy party? $700,000 is chump change for them!"

"Man, you're clueless. Can't you see Sophia's just putting on a show? Look at her now —she's totally out of her league!"

The crowd, which had been on Sophia's side, quickly turned against her, spurred by Michael's stance. They began to criticize her relentlessly.

Some comments were loud, some were whispered.

But every word reached Sophia's ears.

Her face, which had been ready to break into a happy smile, turned pale as she heard

the news. She felt dizzy, as if her world was collapsing.

"Michael..."

Before Sophia could speak, Michael cut her off.

This time, his words were even more decisive.

"Furthermore, I will retain the right to pursue legal action against Miss Sophia Brown for any design work she submitted while employed at Smith Corporation. If necessary,

I will seek compensation for any plagiarism of my wife Emily's work."

The room exploded once more.

For designers like Sophia and Emily, plagiarism was a serious accusation. Everyone could feel the tension in the air, as if a battle was about to begin. Emily was stunned that Michael would publicly address this.

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She had long suspected Sophia of copying her work but had never had enough evidence to prove it. She had kept quiet, even from Isabella.

But she never expected that today, Michael would stand up for her in front of everyone.

Meanwhile, Sophia stood rigidly beside Michael, facing the crowd's scrutiny and gossip. Despite the turmoil inside her, she tried to remain calm and not lose control. She knew that silence was more powerful than any defense.

In other words, she had indeed plagiarized Emily's work. Although she had been exposed before, Emily's lack of credibility had allowed the scandal to blow over quickly. But Sophia had underestimated the power of public opinion.

For years, she had tried to manipulate public opinion against Emily, Veda, and Smith Corporation.

She never imagined that one day, the tables would turn, and she would be the one under scrutiny, especially at her own birthday party, with reporters she had paid to provoke Emily.

"Michael, what do you mean by this?"

Sophia's voice was weak but sharp, clearly reaching Michael's ears.

Her facade of innocence and gentleness vanished, replaced by a cold, fierce

expression. Her eyes glared at Michael.

"I just want to ensure that my wife and I's rights are protected, Miss Sophia Brown."

Michael's response was cold and firm, without a hint of hesitation.

"You and I both know how important originality is to a designer."

He raised an eyebrow and glanced at Emily before continuing.

"I will not tolerate anyone plagiarizing my wife's work, no matter who they are. Especially, you have used plagiarized works to benefit my company, Miss Sophia Brown. That's highly irresponsible."