Chapter 1438 Inappropriate
The next morning, Laura got woken up by a phone call.
It was the consultant from the bridal photography shop. This guy had been super excited when he found out they were doing wedding photos for the President's goddaughter and nephew.
"Mrs. Jude, you and Mr. Jude have your wedding photoshoot scheduled for tomorrow. Don't forget to come," the consultant said. "We'll start at the beach in the morning."
Laura listened for a bit before it hit her—they had not only scheduled the photoshoot but also booked the wedding company and hotel.
This was really awkward.
"Sorry," Laura cut him off, "We need to cancel tomorrow's shoot."
"Is there an emergency?" the consultant asked, sounding worried. "Our photographer and team are already set up."
"We're not taking the wedding photos," Laura said bluntly. She and Michael were getting divorced, so there was no point in wasting their time. "Just list all the costs, and I'll cover the compensation."
The consultant was stunned. He had planned to use their photos for promotion, which would have been great for the company's reputation. "Why? Is it a timing issue? We can reschedule."
"We're not having a wedding," Laura interrupted.
"But every woman dreams of a romantic wedding," the consultant tried to argue.
Laura, getting impatient, said, "We're getting a divorce, so there's no need for a wedding. I'm sorry, I'll compensate you."
She hung up, not wanting to hear more.
This whole thing was a joke from the start. Laura should never have agreed to the wedding plans.
After getting up and washing, Kennedy came up and asked Laura to have breakfast with Carl's family.
Laura felt awkward. Facing Carl and Violet first thing in the morning was stressful.
Kennedy smiled and said, "Since you're staying at the Presidential Palace, you should get to know the President's family better. They're actually very friendly."
Laura thought for a moment and then took Maeve to the main building.
This was her first time having breakfast with Carl's family at the Presidential Palace.
It wasn't as stiff and formal as she'd expect from a meal with the elite, like on TV.
Carl told Laura to make herself at home and started chatting about her new company.
"Your idea of creating a local makeup brand for Madison is great," Carl said. "Madison has grown a lot recently, but there's still room for improvement for local brands. I hope you can make it happen."
"I'll do my best," Laura said, feeling encouraged by Carl.
Derek laughed. "No need to be so nervous. This isn't the office, and you're not my dad's employee. He won't bite."
Carl glared at Derek but then smiled at Laura. "Derek's right. Make yourself at home. Since you're staying here, we're family. Speak your mind."
Feeling a bit bolder, Laura blurted out, "Megan has done a lot of bad things. Is there really no way to catch her?"
Carl was quiet for a moment before saying, "I believe you, and I think Megan's a piece of work. But as President, I have to follow the law, and the law needs evidence. Without it, the police can't do anything."
Laura felt a wave of disappointment.
"And my dad can't just arrest people," Derek added. "It's unclear how far Michael will go to protect Megan. If she gets arrested and Michael starts saying my dad's abusing his power, it could ruin his career. When he runs for re-election, some politicians might use it against him."
Laura gripped her knife and fork tightly. Michael, always Michael.
"I'm sorry, Joseph has talked to me about this," Carl sighed. "But I told him I wouldn't get involved. However, I can look the other way and let Joseph handle it himself."
Laura felt a spark of hope. She got it.
After breakfast, Violet said, "Yesterday, Michael was causing a scene at the gate, trying to get in. I didn't let him. He might try again. You should stay here for the next few days."
Laura was torn. "But I need to go to the wedding company to cancel the arrangements."
Derek, who was about to leave, casually said while putting on his suit jacket, "No problem, I'll handle it for you."
"Let Derek take care of it," Violet nodded. "You're not great at dealing with these things. If it goes wrong, they might try to extort you."
Laura understood. If the company tried to demand a huge compensation, she'd be in a tough spot.
So, for the next few days, Laura stayed at the Presidential Palace with Maeve and didn't go anywhere.
The awkward part was that sometimes, while she was breastfeeding Maeve, she'd hear footsteps at the door.
At first, she thought it was Kennedy, since only she and Maeve lived in the building.
But when Laura turned around and saw Derek in a handmade suit, she was so embarrassed she instinctively wanted to cover herself. But as soon as she moved, Maeve, who hadn't finished eating, started crying.
She had no choice but to keep breastfeeding.
Derek walked over casually, placed a fancy little box on the coffee table in front of Laura, and glanced at her. "A colleague's wife owns a cake shop. I brought you a piece to try."
Laura's face turned red.
Apart from Michael, this was the first time she had breastfed in front of another man.
Laura tried to act calm and not let him think she was shy.
Plus, Derek was acting so natural, like she was just holding a baby. If she acted awkward, it would make things even weirder.
"Thanks, but I'm on a diet," Laura said reluctantly.
"Diet?" Derek didn't look away but scanned Laura from head to toe. "But you've been eating a lot these past two nights."
Laura was silent.
Wasn't it because the food at the Presidential Palace was too good?
And why did Derek have to stand in front of her?
"Could you move away a bit? This is really inappropriate," Laura finally said.
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