Chapter 1442 I Got Beaten Up Because of You
Laura just couldn't wrap her head around it.
Even when Michael was at his absolute worst, she still saw some good in him.
How did he end up like this?
"I'm sorry," she said, glancing at Derek. "If it really comes down to a divorce lawsuit, I'll handle it myself."
She didn't want Derek and Michael's relationship to get any worse, and she definitely didn't want to mess up Derek's future.
She knew Derek was capable; he could easily become the youngest president of Madison someday.
"It's nothing. Don't take his words to heart," Derek said casually.
"But..." Laura started to say more.
"Some things aren't that simple," Derek reminded her. "The Jude Group and my dad's side are different. James has three kids."
Laura mumbled, "But didn't you say the subsidiary Michael holds could be the biggest development project globally in the future?"
Derek was quiet for a moment, then looked at her. "So if you ever run into Julia, you might want to talk to her."
Laura got it instantly.
Even though she didn't want to admit it, she was impressed by Derek's shrewdness. People in his position never had simple thoughts.
"Of course, if you trust me, you don't have to worry about anything, whether it's the custody of the child or anything else," Derek said. "It's not really a difficult matter for me."
"Is it really not difficult?" Laura bit her lip, looking at him with a complicated expression. "Derek, why are you helping me so much?"
Derek cut her off, "Actually, everyone can see that Michael is in the wrong here. Even James and the others have compromised to let you take care of Maeve. Everyone's afraid that if Michael gets custody, he'll let Megan be Maeve's stepmother, and no one trusts Megan. Laura, maybe everyone in the Jude Family has their own agendas, but we all care about Maeve. Maeve is my niece, and one wrong step could ruin her life."
"One's life should have things to strive for and things to avoid," Derek added.
Laura was moved.
No matter what Derek was calculating, he had his principles.
"But if it weren't for me and Maeve, you and Michael wouldn't have to be at odds like this."
"You're my family. It's my duty to protect you," Derek interrupted her.
Looking at the young, handsome man driving, Laura felt touched and a bit shy. "But I haven't done anything to become your family."
Derek raised an eyebrow, saying, "That's true. Maybe I shouldn't consider you family then."
"Derek," Laura quickly interrupted him with a serious face, "You can't go back on your word, especially someone in your position. You have to keep your promises."
"Alright, since you put it that way, I have no choice but to accept it," Derek sighed.
Seeing his expression, Laura couldn't help but pinch his arm.
"Ouch," Derek immediately cried out.
"I pinched you very lightly," Laura was startled by his reaction.
"My mouth hurts," Derek said helplessly.
Laura smiled and said, "Oh, stop being a baby. I'll go buy you some medicine."
"I got beaten up because of you, you know," Derek said innocently.
Thinking about it, Laura felt a bit guilty and couldn't help but curse Michael again in her mind.
"Wait, there's a pharmacy up ahead. Stop for a moment," Laura quickly said.
Derek pulled over, and Laura dashed out. In just a few minutes, she was back with a bottle of medicine.
Derek started the car right away, and Laura complained, "Why are you in such a hurry to drive? I haven't even applied the medicine yet."
"Laura, we can't park here for long," Derek said, sounding a bit helpless.
Laura was taken aback. She hadn't noticed earlier. "So I made you get a parking ticket while I was buying the medicine?"
"Yep." Derek nodded.
Laura rolled her eyes and immediately shirked responsibility. "That's not my fault. You should have told me when you parked."
"You're right." Derek nodded honestly. "My mom taught me from a young age not to argue with women."
Laura was very satisfied and said, "Your mom's teaching is spot on. With that mindset, you'll find a girlfriend in no time."
A hint of a smile flashed in Derek's eyes, and he asked, "I need to drive. Can you apply the medicine for me? My mouth hurts."
Laura had no choice but to open the medicine bottle, dip a cotton swab in the liquid, and lean over to apply it to him.
It was the first time Laura had looked at him so closely. He was very handsome, but unfortunately, his delicate lips had a wound.
But after all, he was of the opposite sex, and being so close, Laura felt shy.
She applied a bit of the medicine, and one side of his lips immediately looked like it had lipstick on, all red.
She couldn't help but laugh.
While driving, Derek glanced at her and saw her face almost leaning on his shoulder, laughing like a mischievous little fox, beautiful and lively.
He was momentarily distracted, and when he came to his senses, he realized a bus had cut in front of him, and he almost crashed into it.
The car's automatic emergency brake kicked in.
But the sudden stop caused Laura to lurch forward.
He instinctively reached out his arm to block her.
When the car stopped, both of them were stunned.
Derek was because his hand had reached out too quickly, and his palm had landed right on her right breast, as if he was holding it.
When she was breastfeeding, he had sneaked a peek, but it was nothing compared to the feeling of actually touching it.
Laura was because the medicine she was holding had spilled all over his arm, staining his coat.
"Sorry."
"Sorry."
They both spoke at the same time. Derek quickly withdrew his hand, and Laura hurriedly grabbed a tissue to wipe his arm.
But the car behind them honked, urging them to move, so Derek had to start driving again.
Laura wiped while feeling annoyed. "Oh no, this medicine is so red, it probably won't come off."
Derek sighed in relief, glad she hadn't noticed.
It was a bit awkward.
Since Laura was still married, Derek wanted to take his time, and he wasn't the type to rush things. He just wanted her to get comfortable with him. Once she was divorced, he could gradually make his move. For now, he didn't want to startle her.
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