Chapter 1426 Haven't You Ever Considered Laura?
"No way, Megan's not marrying into the Jude Family," Carl said, his voice heavy.
Violet nodded. "Someone like her would trash the Jude Family's reputation and could even bring hidden dangers."
"So, you're saying we should just ignore Michael, keep Laura as his wife, and if Megan's pregnant, let Michael keep her on the side?" Derek suddenly shot back.
The car went silent. Derek's anger was palpable. "Have you ever thought about Laura?"
Carl was quiet for a long time before he sighed deeply. "You can't have it both ways."
"What has Laura gained?" Derek turned to Carl. "Has she gained the status of your Goddaughter? You're the President; you should know people talk. Mom, you must hear the gossip at those banquets. In Whisperlyn, not many truly respect Laura."
"Even when Ralph was plotting rebellion, we didn't tell Laura the truth. We used her as bait to deceive Ralph, letting his people watch her constantly, making her live in fear during her pregnancy."
Carl was speechless, and Violet sighed. "Laura's been wronged, no doubt."
"Not just this," Derek's face showed a hint of mockery. "To separate Megan and Michael, you chose Laura and got her pregnant. Then you made her your Goddaughter to keep her around. Later, for the Jude Family's reputation, she married Michael. Now, you're scared of Megan marrying into the family and want Laura to sacrifice again."
Carl felt a bit embarrassed. "Derek, it's for the entire Jude Family. Do you get that?"
"I get it; that's why I'm talking to you in private," Derek said.
Violet looked puzzled. "Why are you defending Laura today? Did she say something to you?"
"If you were Laura, would you stay with Michael?" Derek asked suddenly.
Violet was silent. Of course, she wouldn't.
She'd probably make Michael and Megan's lives miserable.
Derek said sympathetically, "Laura can't compete with Megan. Megan's not planning to leave Madison. Once she's pregnant, she'll find ways to pull Michael to her side. When we confronted Michael earlier, it was obvious he wasn't thinking about Laura. Over time, Laura will be left alone with Maeve in the villa, and her best years will be wasted."
"What's worse is that Laura might lose her life over this. She hates Megan; she'll hate Michael too. Over time, she'll get depressed."
"That's very likely," Violet nodded. Sometimes, women understand each other better. "Did Laura talk to you about wanting a divorce?"
Derek nodded. "She's determined and desperate. She cried a lot this afternoon, but Michael didn't care; he was with Megan."
"Michael," Violet shook her head, clearly disappointed.
Derek jumped in, "Laura's at least your Goddaughter. If she ends up like that, won't you be ridiculed too?"
Carl frowned, looking conflicted.
Seeing this, Derek pressed on, "Dad, you're the person I admire most. Sometimes, can't we show a bit of humanity? You always said being in this position is to make life better for the people of Madison. Isn't Laura one of your people? Don't let power blind you."
Carl was visibly moved. He looked at Derek. "What I'm doing isn't just for me; it's also paving the way for you."
Derek shook his head calmly. "You're thinking too far ahead. The presidency isn't hereditary. Thinking like that just makes you seem like those ancient kings, greedy and selfish."
"Derek, how can you talk to your father like that?" Violet scolded, seeing Carl's darkened expression.
"I'm just being honest. People at the bottom always think the view from the top is better. They climb up, only to find there's always a higher mountain. Desire is a bottomless pit."
Derek's clear eyes met Carl's. "Now that you're in this position, do you feel unsatisfied?"
Carl was taken aback.
What Carl hadn't realized himself seemed to be suddenly pointed out by Derek.
"Dad, no family stays at the top forever. If I can't become President, it just means I don't have what it takes. Someone better will take the position, and I'll accept that. I believe they'll do better than me."
Derek smiled, calm and pure. "But I'll try my best. If I fail, so what? Why be so persistent?"
Carl looked at Derek, and the tranquility in Derek's eyes suddenly made Carl feel relieved.
"Maybe you're right," Carl sighed deeply and smiled. "I'm over forty now. Governing this country well and spending more time with you, I should be content."
"Yeah, you're destined to be remembered in history," Derek said sincerely with a smile.
"You," Carl shook his head helplessly. "Since Laura wants a divorce, I'll try to persuade your grandfather."
Violet nodded. "Indeed, there's no need to ruin Laura's life. The tricky part is Maeve."
"Maeve can't stay with Michael. If Michael and Megan get married, won't Megan abuse Michael's child?" Derek said quickly.
"That's true," Violet looked at her son and smiled. "So, what do you suggest?"
"It's simple. Let Laura move to the Presidential Palace, and Maeve will go to the Jude Family. Everyone will be at ease. If James and Caroline want to see her, they can take Maeve to their place when she's older, but they can't let Maeve contact Megan."
Derek shared his thoughts, and both Violet and Carl agreed.
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