Brendan sighed and rubbed his temples, unable to hide his disappointment. "It has been a long time since we last saw each other. You seem to be very busy," he said, masking his dejection.

Emily smiled with pride, making excuses to reject Brendan's offers to meet up. She preferred to focus on her career in medical aesthetics rather than waste her time and effort on an incapable man.

"You know that my new company is growing, and I have to handle matters at Collins Pharmaceuticals. So, I don't have time for anything else," Emily replied softly. "Brendan, I want to work hard on my own to prove that I am worthy of being with you, not just someone who relies on your support, as others have suggested."

"You're not someone who relies on me," Brendan said firmly. "It's only natural for me to help you because that's what we do in a relationship."

Tears welled up in Emily's eyes. "But I can sense that many people around you have their opinions about me."

"Who?" Brendan asked.

"Forget it," E