The CEO's Empathy Pregnancy Pains

'What does Mason mean by that? Could it be that he knows who poisoned him?' Emily wondered.

Emily had heard Isabella mention that it was all Scarlett's doing. But Isabella also pointed out that the Smith family was a nest of vipers, and that keeping the peace was more important than justice.

That's why Scarlett and Veda got away with so much-Mason and Michael turned a blind eye to it all.

Isabella had said that if she had known the true nature of the Smith family, she would never have let Emily marry into it.

But Emily didn't know how to explain it to Isabella.

She loved Michael.

She loved Michael more than she loved herself, and she didn't care about these things.

But back then, she was young and didn't understand how suffocating this cage could be. Now, trying to escape it had nearly cost her her life.

Mason observed Emily's contemplation and her shock.

He continued to explain, "Scarlett wanted me dead. She started by poisoning my food, but your mother caught on. I pretended not to believe it, but I had Benjamin investigate."

"After that, I acted like nothing happened. A few days later, Scarlett couldn't hold back anymore. I decided to take a risk and drank the poisoned soup.

"I only drank a little, so the poisoning wasn't severe, and I could be saved. But this incident exposed Scarlett. As expected, Benjamin told me everything.

"Scarlett dismissed all my loyal servants and sent Benjamin to the backyard to pull weeds. She even wanted to use my study for a birthday party. Veda tried to stop her, but it was you who finally convinced her."

Mason knew even this.

Emily was shocked and couldn't help but admire Mason's bravery and his foresight in planting a spy before the incident.

"Grandpa, that was too dangerous. How could you drink the soup knowing it was poisoned..."

Before Emily could finish, Mason waved his hand dismissively.

"I'm old. How many years do I have left? I didn't do this for fun, Emily. Rest assured, I've thought it through."

Emily saw a moment of emotion in Mason's eyes, tears welling up.

He went on, "I used to put the Smith family's reputation and honor first, at least to ensure it didn't decline in my generation. But now I realize I was wrong, completely wrong.

"I initially opposed Michael's father, Alexander Smith, marrying Scarlett because I looked down on her. Scarlett wasn't always this unreasonable when she first came to the family.

"I wanted Alexander to marry someone more suitable for the Smith family. My stubbornness twisted Scarlett's heart, and she resented me.

"Even though I later agreed to their marriage, it was too late. My initial mistake led to years of wrongdoings, and I protected her because she became part of the Smith family.

"She represented the Smith family's honor, and that was what I cared about most... Emily, it was my indulgence that led Scarlett to try to kill me. It's my fault, and the Smith family's fault."

Seeing Mason's deep remorse, Emily felt a pang of sadness.

Watching Mason, exhausted and teary-eyed, she nodded repeatedly.

"Grandpa, it's not your fault. You did it for the good of the Smith family. It's Scarlett..." Emily hesitated to speak ill of Scarlett, but she couldn't tolerate her actions any longer. Mason surely couldn't tolerate such a vile person remaining in the Smith family.

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As expected, the next moment, Mason said, "I've decided to send Scarlett abroad. She's still the mother of two children, and removing her from the family records would be too harsh. Veda still needs to get married, and Michael will inherit my position..."

"Honestly, if it weren't for them, for the Smith family's reputation, and for Alexander, I would have locked her up at home long ago, never letting her harm anyone else!"

Mason then looked at Emily with a tender expression. "Emily, in the end, it's you who has been wronged."

Emily smiled and shook her head.

"I called you here today to ask you to help me with a little act," Mason said.

"An act?"

"Yes, an act. I need a reason to send her abroad, to make her leave willingly."

After Mason finished, his eyes showed a moment of determination.

Emily could see that Scarlett's good days were numbered.

Leaving Mason's room, Emily exchanged a look with Benjamin. He nodded at her and then entered the room.

Daniel was still in the hallway, looking busy as always.

But whenever he saw Emily, he seemed to become idle, showing a worried expression, clearly wanting to check on her.

Daniel couldn't control his feelings for Emily.

Even though he repeatedly told himself he could let go, could he really?

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you might be missing out on the complete story. Head over there to dive into the next chapter-it's all free!

Every time he saw Emily, his resolve vanished.

"Are you okay?" Daniel asked.

Emily was tired.

She shook her head, but her mind was filled with worries.

Seeing this, Daniel frowned.

Honestly, he didn't agree with Mason's approach.

Emily and Michael were on the verge of divorce, practically strangers.

But the Smith family's issues clung to her like a curse.noveldrama

Daniel felt indignant for Emily and frustrated on her behalf, so he voiced his thoughts.

"Emily, you don't have to get involved in the Smith family's affairs. You're divorcing Michael. If you don't want to say it, I can talk to Mason for you."

Seeing Emily remain silent, Daniel continued, "Sorry, I shouldn't interfere, but I just feel..."

Before Daniel could finish, Emily interrupted, "It's okay. This might be the last thing Mason asks me to do."

She smiled faintly, her exhaustion evident. Daniel could see she was forcing a smile.

"Daniel, I know you mean well. Don't worry, once this is over, I'll cut ties with the Smith family. I have my plans. I won't be a lamb to the slaughter forever."