The CEO's Empathy Pregnancy Pains

On the way to the studio, Dean was visibly tense. To make matters worse, Sophia kept calling him. There was no way he could answer, so he just hung up every time.

Celeste, of course, noticed something was off.

She raised an eyebrow and said to Dean in the passenger seat, "Why don't you just answer it? Is it one of your little girlfriends?"

Celeste's tone was teasing, but it was clear she was mocking him.

Dean could tell and it made him even more frustrated. He turned around to face Celeste in the back seat. "That's ridiculous! It's just a work call. How does that make it a girlfriend? Do you think so little of me?"

Dean was furious, which to Celeste, was a clear sign he was embarrassed and angry.

Celeste didn't say anything, but Archibald stepped in calmly. "Alright, Aunt Celeste was just joking. Why are you getting so worked up?"

The car was speeding down the highway, and Dean felt trapped. If he could, he would have jumped out of the car to avoid the humiliation.

Frustrated, Dean sat in the passenger seat, fuming silently. His heavy breathing was audible even to the driver, who wisely kept quiet given Dean's status.

In his anger, Dean completely forgot about Sophia's calls and didn't think to send her a message explaining the situation.

Sophia, on the other hand, was getting increasingly worried. Her mind raced with different bad scenarios, most involving Emily and Michael.

After Michael's outburst at the Emerald City police station, Sophia had been on edge for days, unable to sleep.

To be safe, Sophia decided to head to the studio herself to check things out. Meanwhile Dean oblivious to the impending trouble was lounging with one lea crossed over the other, an earbud playing loud rock music in one ear, while he half- listened to Archibald and Celeste's conversation with the other.

They were discussing the differences between the design industries in Emerald City and Everglade City, and a few famous designers.

"I've seen some works by Emerald City jewelry designers online. I picked out a few that I really liked," Celeste said, showing some design pictures on her phone to Archibald.

Archibald's eyes lit up immediately. "Aunt Celeste, you like her too."

Celeste didn't catch the double meaning in Archibald's words and thought he simply admired the designer as well.

"This designer is a friend of mine. What a coincidence! Dean asked me to help him collaborate with her this morning!" Archibald explained.

Hearing his name, Dean perked up and turned around, looking surprised. "Aunt Celeste, you like Emily's designs too?"

Celeste nodded and smiled. "So she's Emily. It seems you all have a good relationship with her. That puts me at ease. Maybe you can introduce me."

Archibald was delighted to agree, but Dean felt a strange sense of irritation.

He had met Emily a few times, but they didn't really know each other, and every encounter had been unpleasant.

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Yet, Emily was the designer he admired the most.

Thinking about how to collaborate smoothly with Emily gave Dean a headache, and he completely forgot about Sophia.

Soon, they arrived at the jewelry studio.

Located on the bustling main street of Emerald City, the studio was teeming with visitors, some even taking photos at the entrance. Celeste was immediately energized and praised Dean repeatedly.

But just as they got out of the car, an unexpected guest rushed up to Dean.

The weather was hot, and Sophia, having searched the studio twice without finding Dean, was getting more and more agitated. She was also dressed in a casual outfit she had thrown on before leaving: a black rhinestone tank top and short shorts.

It was an embarrassing sight in front of Celeste!

Celeste was used to seeing such revealing outfits on the youngsters and didn't mind. But Sophia clung to Dean's arm, calling him "honey" repeatedly, which Celeste couldn't tolerate.

And how could Archibald tolerate it?

Sophia had been so anxious she hadn't even noticed Archibald and a strange woman were there.

Sophia was startled, and Dean and Archibald were equally shocked.

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Celeste's face showed a flash of anger, but seeing the guests around them, some even greeting Dean and Archibald, she had no choice but to lower her voice and say to Dean.

"Who is this unruly woman? Get rid of her immediately and then come to the office to see me and Archibald!"

With that, Celeste's face returned to a smile as she walked gracefully into the studio with Archibald, not even glancing back at Dean.

This made Dean feel even more inferior to Archibald.

And now, Sophia was causing trouble!

"You idiot, calling me 'honey' in front of my aunt and Archibald! Do you think I'm living too comfortably in the Lancaster family? Do you want me dead?"

Archibald raised a finger and poked Sophia's forehead hard.

Sophia knew she had messed up and caused trouble. She had no excuse to argue with Dean and could only apologize meekly. "I'm sorry, I was just worried about you. How was I supposed to know your aunt would be here... Besides, you didn't message me." Just as Dean was about to roll up his sleeves and give Sophia a piece of his mind, another guest greeted him.noveldrama

Even Dean knew better than to cause a scene in front of everyone.

Frustrated, he told Sophia to leave quickly so he could think of a way to explain things to Celeste.

"Find somewhere to lay low for a few days. Don't go back to the hotel, and don't come looking for me! My aunt is staying in Emerald City for a while, and she hates it when I get involved with women. She's very powerful, you know. With just a flick of her fingers, I could be sent back to Everglade City for good, never to return!"