Chapter 1369 Coveting Laura, No Way
Michael stormed in, looking like he just bit into a lemon.
From where he stood, it seemed like Derek was all over Laura, his chin almost on her shoulder, his hand gripping her arm. They looked way too cozy.
Michael was fuming. He always knew Derek was tight with Laura, but this was next level.
"I was just showing her how to play pool," Derek said, cool as a cucumber, standing up straight.
"Move," Michael barked, shoving him aside. "You think I need you to teach her? I can do it myself."
"Michael, chill out," Laura snapped, not liking his tone with Derek.
"Me, chill?" Michael's face darkened, feeling the sting of Laura's words.
"Alright, alright," Derek cut in with a grin, trying to defuse the bomb. "Michael's just jealous 'cause he saw me getting close to you."
The tension in the room eased a bit thanks to Derek.
Michael suddenly looked like a deer caught in headlights. "Jealous? Seriously?"
Laura was surprised, but seeing Michael's reaction, she thought maybe she was overthinking it. "Derek, stop with the nonsense. Michael jealous? Nah, he probably just thinks I'm cheating on him. Michael might not like me much, but he's proud. To him, I'm just his wife on paper, and he doesn't want anyone else messing with what's his."
"Exactly," Michael jumped in, like he found a lifeline.
Laura sneered, her suspicions confirmed.
Derek was at a loss for words.
If Laura hadn't gotten pregnant back then, Michael would probably still be single.
Laura felt disrespected. Even though she said those things, his quick agreement stung.
She was a woman, after all. Did she have no charm?
"Derek, step aside. I'll show Laura," Michael said, clueless about how much he just hurt her. He grabbed Laura's arm and pulled her close.
It had been ages since Michael held Laura like this.
Her body was soft, like a cloud, and she smelled like vanilla, making him want to breathe her in.
Before Michael could enjoy the moment, Laura pushed him away.
"No, thanks. Go play by yourself. I'm out."
Laura turned and walked off.
Michael was instantly pissed. "Laura, what's your deal? I show up, and you bail. When I'm not here, you have a blast with Derek. You like hanging with him that much?"
"He's not like you. You always piss me off." Laura shot him a glare and left.
Any good vibes Laura had for Michael today were now totally gone.
With no way to vent his anger, Michael glared at Derek. "Derek, stay away from Laura from now on."
"If you keep treating Laura like trash, I might just step in," Derek said, raising an eyebrow.
"What the hell do you mean?" Michael grabbed Derek by the collar. "Don't forget, Laura's your sister-in-law."
"Yeah, it's a shame such a great girl ended up as my sister-in-law. But that can change," Derek said coolly, smiling. "With enough power and influence, anything's possible."
Michael knew Derek too well. He seemed all nice and polished, but deep down, he was just like their dad—friendly on the outside but always scheming. Otherwise, Derek wouldn't be killing it in politics.
"Try it, I dare you!" Michael's eyes blazed.
"Why so worked up? Didn't you just say you don't even like her? Sometimes you gotta drop the pride act."
Derek smirked. "Relax. If it's for the kid, she can marry me and still be part of the Jude Family. You can still be there for Maeve."
Michael was livid. He'd never found Derek so repulsive. He wanted to punch that smug grin off his face. "No way. Laura's my kid's mom, now and forever."
"Laura will always be your kid's mom, but whether she'll stay your wife is up in the air," Derek said, brushing off Michael's hand. "Maybe you see Laura as a pain, but when I'm with her, she's lively, beautiful, and sometimes a bit silly but super cute. She's like that with others too. A beautiful woman with a good personality will naturally attract men. You better get used to it."
"Are you nuts? How is her personality good?" Michael snapped.
"Maybe she's only different with you. I treat her well, respect her, and trust her."
Derek adjusted his shirt. "Michael, I'll give you six months. If you're still acting like this after six months, I'll go after Laura. Don't blame me then."
"You dare go after my wife? You bastard," Michael cursed.
"Come on, everyone knows your marriage is just for show. You've probably never even kissed her. You don't need to hold onto her just for your pride. Besides, plenty of divorced couples have happy kids," Derek said, leaving the pool room with a carefree smile.
He'd done all he could. He hoped Michael would wake up to his feelings for Laura soon. Otherwise, he wouldn't let Laura waste her time with him.
Inside, Michael kicked over a chair in front of him.
Damn Derek, thinking he could have Laura. No way.
Michael was fuming.
No, he had to make Laura see Derek's true colors.
He didn't believe that once Laura knew, she wouldn't stay away from that sleazeball.
With that thought, Michael stormed out to find Laura.
After searching for a while, Michael finally found Laura in the lounge, chatting with some of the older family members.
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