<h4>Chapter 175: Down and Out</h4>


    Waiting for Eric to dump E?


    During this time, Eric had been extremely busy, caught up with thepany and power struggles, and his influence was growing. However, the Grace and Nelson families remained firmly entrenched in their positions.


    Although E had only met Grace twice, she understood that Grace was not a foolish woman like Brianna. Grace was more shrewd and much harder to deal with, which is why Eric had been biding his time.


    Eric wouldn’t make a move until he had something that could deliver a fatal blow to Grace.


    On Christmas Eve, E went to Emily’s house to have dinner with Robert and the others. Robert was increasingly fond of E, seeing her as mature, sensible, and intelligent.


    Meanwhile, Hannah had been drinking herself into a stupor at home.


    After E left, Emily snuggled up to Robert and said with a smile, "Honey, E is getting smarter and smarter. If we hand over Davis Group to her in the future, I think it would be fine. Don’t think that only a son can carry on the family name. A son-inw willing to take on our name is just as good, right? After all, E has your blood running through her veins!"


    Robert pondered her words deeply.


    Emily lowered hershes sorrowfully. "The doctor... said it’s difficult for me to conceive. I’m sorry, honey! But I don’t want you to pass Davis Group to Kevin either. His character is unreliable, and giving him control of Davis Group would only ruin it, don’t you think?"


    Robert remained silent, carefully considering Emily’s words.


    Although he didn’t like the idea of a woman being involved in Davis Group’s affairs, he had to admit that Emily was right.


    How could someone with a bad temper and poor character manage argepany?


    Robert deeply desired a son to inherit thepany, but... that required Emily to be able to bear one!


    With Brianna in jail and their divorce not yet finalized, it was best to sort out those issues first.


    "Let’s not dwell on unpleasant things. Tomorrow is the Christmas, so you should be happy. Since I haven’t divorced Brianna yet, I won’t be able to spend the holiday with you," Robert said, feeling guilty. Emily pouted and yfully poked his head, "You’re always feeling guilty, but I think things are fine as they are. I’ll take the car home early tomorrow, so you take care of yourself!"


    Emily’s voice was already sweet and melodious, and now, with a touch of tenderness, it made Robert’s heart soar. "You’re so understanding, my dear. I hope we can have a big, healthy baby soon, and then Davis Group will be yours!"


    Emily’s mind stirred at his words, but thinking about spending the rest of her life with a man like him chilled her heart.


    On the surface, though, she smiled sweetly. "Of course, I’ll just have to keep taking my medication."


    "Thank you, my dear!" Robert’s heart was filled with sweetness,pletely unaware of how much Emily despised and loathed him in her heart.


    Yet, for the sake of money, Emily yed the role of the mistress to perfection.


    After leaving Emily’s house, E wrapped her ck coat tightly around her, her delicate cheeks turning rosy from the biting wind. The cold cut like a knife, making her shiver.


    Eric was waiting for E outside. When he saw her rushing over, he shed a wicked smile, his charm like that of a dark prince, radiating an alluring aura.


    E got into the car, rubbing her hands together. "It’s so cold tonight; I feel like I’m about to turn into an ice cube!"


    Eric pulled her close, his warm hand gently caressing her cold cheek, his eyes filled with tender affection. "Feeling better now? In a little while, we’ll head over to Richard’s ce for a barbecue, and at midnight, we can watch the fireworks."


    "By the riverside again?" E blinked, thinking of the cold weather.


    "Yes, another night cruise on the river. Do you like it?" Eric smiled as he pulled out a snow-white scarf from a gift bag and wrapped it around her neck himself.


    The warmth of the scarf enveloped her, and Eric cupped her chilled face in his hands. Her lips, lightly coated with a fragrant lip balm, looked soft and inviting, like delicate petals.


    The masculine scent surrounding her nearly took her breath away as he leaned in to kiss her, his teeth yfully nibbling at her lips. E felt a sweet intoxication, as if she had sipped the most exquisite wine.


    Her cold face quickly warmed up, and her icy hands were enclosed in his, all the chill vanishing as her whole body became enveloped in a cozy warmth.


    Eric’s intense passion nearly overwhelmed them in the car, and E, breathless, quickly pushed him away. "There are people around. Let’s get going!"


    Eric caught the yful glint in her eyes and chuckled mischievously. "Did you think I was going to do something naughty again? Sweetheart, even if I were, I wouldn’t embarrass you like that!"


    He wasn’t crazy enough to do something like that in public.


    "Who else ising to Richard’s barbecue tonight?" E asked, blinking. It was the Christmas, and she didn’t want to run into anyone she’d rather avoid.


    As he started the car, Ericughed. "Don’t worry, there won’t be anyone you dislike."


    E sighed in relief. It wasn’t that she was afraid of being set up; she just didn’t want anything to ruin her good mood.


    Eric was especially busy at the end of the year, and it wasn’t easy to find time to spend together. She didn’t want anything to spoil this rare chance to be with him.


    That night on the river was filled withughter, the aroma of grilled meat, and the scent of wine wafting through the air.


    There were no unpleasant people, no schemes, no stress.


    For E, it was the happiest and most romantic Christmas she had ever experienced. She had by her side the man who loved and cherished her the most. And what could be more fortunate than being loved by someone you love in return?


    Amelia was there too, and by now, she and E shared everything with each other.


    After the Christmas, E returned to school, and Eric became even busier, as if he had an endless list of things to do. The charismatic CEOs in novels always seemed to have time for romance, but E found it increasingly difficult to catch a moment with Eric.


    So whenever she could, she’d sneak over to his office just to steal a few moments together, easing the ache of missing him.


    Four months passed in a sh, and Brianna was released from prison. The real drama was about to begin!


    Hannah personally went to pick up Brianna. Six months in prison hadpletely transformed her. Her hair was a mess, her face sallow, and she was so thin she was practically skin and bones.


    Hannah could hardly recognize her at first nce!


    It wasn’t until Brianna threw herself into Hannah’s arms, sobbing uncontrobly, that she realized this emaciated woman was indeed her mother.


    "Hannah! My daughter..."


    "Mom!" Hannah broke down, and the two of them held each other tightly, crying their hearts out.


    Brianna had endured suffering in prison that she had never experienced in her entire life! Not only had she been brutally bullied by fellow inmates, but even her meals were stolen. She was constantly hungry, living in fear that she might not survive.