Chapter 1441 The Last Straw
Derek gave Laura a reassuring pat on the shoulder and said, "Yeah, maybe it was like that at first, but once my parents got to know Laura, they really liked her. They even took her in as their goddaughter. My mom's a big fan of Laura too. If they didn't like her, why would they all back her up in the end and not you?"
After a brief pause, Derek continued, "Michael, the reporters were asking the same stuff earlier, and people outside are spreading rumors. No wonder Laura doesn't get any respect when she's out. You, as her husband, think it's because of you that Laura has her status in Whisperlyn City today."
Laura silently agreed with Derek's words, feeling a sense of support from him.
In the past, her interactions with Derek were pretty surface-level. Deep down, she thought someone like Derek wouldn't really value her.
So she never tried to get close to him.
But now, things were different. She truly saw Derek as family.
Michael, on the other hand, was furious and embarrassed. "Derek, stop talking nonsense. I never thought that way. Why are you always trying to drive a wedge between us? Do you want us to divorce quickly so you can be with Laura? Dream on. The Jude Family would never agree, and neither would your parents."
"You're really crossing the line." Laura wished she could slap him. "There's nothing improper between Derek and me. Don't think everyone is as filthy as you."
"Filthy?" Michael clenched his fists tightly.
Laura couldn't be bothered to argue with him. "Michael, if I were you, I'd hurry up and finalize the divorce. I've made up my mind. If you want to drag this out, I'll have to go to court to file for divorce. I don't think you want Megan to end up with the reputation of being a homewrecker, do you?"
"Megan is not a homewrecker. How many times do I have to say it?" Michael retorted, "You can't just slander her without reason."
"Slander?" Laura laughed. "Then let's see what the public thinks. My husband spends money to hide his ex-girlfriend. Oh, and he plans to send her abroad and take care of her future, even giving her financial compensation. I bet no other divorced couple gets such a good deal. Let's see if other women will scold you or praise you for being so sentimental and righteous."
"That's because Megan sacrificed for me," Michael said.
"Did she start a business with you, suffer hardships, or give you shares?" Laura interrupted sharply, "None of that, right? Everything you have today is built on the foundation laid by your parents and grandparents. Instead of thanking them, you thank Megan. I say you're out of your mind, and you still won't admit it?"
Michael's lips moved, but for once, he was at a loss for words.
"I really hope Maeve won't turn out like you." With that, Laura grabbed Derek and got into the car.
"Wait." Michael chased after them.
Derek reacted quickly and stood in front of Laura.
Michael glared at Derek angrily. "Move aside, or do you want to get beaten up?"
"Michael, I was caught off guard earlier. If we really fight, I might not lose to you," Derek said calmly.
Michael was speechless.
Derek had always been a top student, getting into a world-renowned university and even earning international certificates in various martial arts competitions. Michael knew this all too well.
Michael, fuming, said, "Laura, if you want a divorce, I'll fight you for custody of Maeve. I don't care what my grandfather promised you; I'm not giving you Maeve."
For couples, the last straw is often the kid.
This completely enraged Laura. "When I was pregnant, you wanted me to get an abortion. Now you want to fight for custody? You're shameless. A few days ago, when Maeve was sick and crying, you spent the whole night with Megan. You have no right to take care of Maeve."
"Why don't I have the right? Maeve has my blood too. Besides that one night, I've been doing well. Maeve is very attached to me. I even put her to sleep most of the time. The nanny at home can testify to that."
Michael didn't want it to come to this, but he really didn't want a divorce. He could only use Maeve as leverage. "And my family is in Whisperlyn City. I have better financial conditions than you. If we go to court, I have a better chance of winning. You keep saying I betrayed the marriage, but you have no evidence."
Laura glared at him with pure hatred.
Maeve was Laura's bottom line. At this moment, there was no affection left between her and Michael, only hatred.
Michael felt a pang of sadness under her gaze. Even when they had their worst fights before, she never looked at him like this. He softened his tone and said, "Laura, why do this? As long as we don't divorce, Maeve is still yours. Maeve would definitely want her parents to be together."
Laura trembled all over.
She didn't hear Michael's last words at all.
She was thoroughly enraged.
In Laura's eyes, Michael was trying to take away the child she had given birth to with great effort.
What would happen to Maeve if Michael took her away? She would end up with Megan.
That vicious Megan could never be good to Maeve.
"Michael, don't speak so absolutely." Derek's voice suddenly rang out. "Even if we go to court, if we have the support of the Presidential Palace, the judge might not rule in your favor. Of course, you've been very careful. Megan isn't living in a property under your name. But in court, we can call your closest friends as witnesses, like Joseph and Lucas. And Laura's conditions are also very good. Actually, you don't have a winning chance."
As Derek finished speaking, Michael's handsome face twisted in anger. "Derek, do you have to go against me? Get this straight, even with your dad's support, if you want to advance further in the future, you can't do it without the backing of the Jude Group."
In the Jude Family, Carl's family held the power, and James's family held the money.
Now, the future development of the Jude Group was gradually being handed over to Michael, so he had the right to say such things.
Money and power had always complemented each other.
Derek smiled and said nothing. After letting Laura get in the car, he started the engine and drove away.
Laura sat in the passenger seat, looking through the rearview mirror at Michael, who was angrily kicking a lamppost.
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