Chapter 1464 He's Here
Michael spun around and barked, "Call the cops and get Laura arrested. Take her to the station."
After giving the order, he quickly scooped up Megan and rushed out.
He took a few steps, then turned back to glare at Laura. "You did this to yourself. You broke the law, now face the consequences. You better hope Megan isn't dead, or you'll pay with your life."
With that, Michael really left.
Laura groggily got up, but before she could steady herself, her arms were grabbed on both sides.
They were dragging her outside, and with each step, her abdomen, where Michael had kicked her, throbbed with pain. Even her ribs hurt, making her face pale and her steps wobbly.
The people escorting her didn't care about her condition. Seeing her struggle, they just dragged her towards the car.
Just as they were about to shove her into the car, a black SUV screeched to a stop, and Derek jumped out.
The moment Laura saw Derek, it was like a lifeline, and tears welled up in her eyes.
He was here.
She didn't know why, but every time she was at her lowest, Derek would show up like a guardian angel.
Derek's eyes locked onto the hands gripping her arms, and anger flashed in his eyes. He walked over, his usually handsome face now stern. "Let her go."
The guys holding Laura were from EchoReach and knew Derek.
They exchanged glances, and the biggest one, Asher Holden, said, "Mr. Derek Jude, we can't let her go. Mr. Michael Jude ordered us to take her to the police station."
Derek's sharp eyes fixed on him. "Asher, you're from EchoReach, trained by the Jude Family. You're not just Michael's. Even if my grandfather and uncle were here, they wouldn't let you take her. Laura is still part of the Jude Family and the President's Goddaughter."
Asher stayed silent.
Another guy hesitantly said, "But she nearly killed Megan. Mr. Michael Jude is furious. If we let you take her, Mr. Michael Jude won't spare us."
"The Jude Family's current status isn't because of Michael," Derek said coldly. "I get that you've been following Michael's orders lately, and it seems like EchoReach is his alone. But let me remind you, without my father, EchoReach wouldn't be what it is today. If the experts we trained end up serving only Michael, there's no point in their existence."
"And even if there will be a split in the future, it won't be today," he added.
Derek, usually gentle, now had an aura similar to Carl's when angry, making the EchoReach members tremble.
Derek reached out and pulled Laura into his arms.
Laura was so weak she could barely stand, her beautiful face twisted in pain.
Derek picked her up, gently placed her in the passenger seat, and fastened her seatbelt before turning to the EchoReach members. "No need to call the cops. This ends here."
With that, Derek got into the driver's seat, started the engine, and sped away.
In the car, Laura clutched her aching stomach and said weakly, "Can you call Joseph? He and Cassie are on their way here."
Derek frowned at her, then dialed Joseph's number. "You don't need to come. I've taken her away, but I think she needs to go to the hospital. Not Nelson Hospital, but the military one."
After notifying them, Derek's hand moved to Laura's stomach.
Normally, Laura would have pushed him away, but she was in too much pain to care, so she let his fingers press on her abdomen.
"What happened?" Derek asked, frowning. "Did someone kick you?"
Laura didn't speak, just hung her head, her eyelashes casting shadows under her eyes. Soon, tears glistened on her lashes.
"Who did this?" Derek asked coldly, "Michael?"
Laura bit her lip. It seemed all her pain and grievances were caused by Michael. She felt an urge to cry but held back. When she finally spoke, her voice was hoarse. "Megan is seriously injured, so Michael kicked me twice. Do you think I'm cruel?"
"You wouldn't do such a thing," Derek said without hesitation. "We've been living in the Presidential Palace, seeing each other every day. You don't have the mind or the guts to plan a kidnapping. Although I don't understand why you're here, we can find evidence to clear your name."
Despite her physical pain, Laura didn't cry. But hearing Derek's unwavering trust made her break down in tears.
She hadn't spent much time with Derek, but he understood her better than Michael.
Derek was so sure of Laura's character.
But Michael thought Laura was malicious.
Derek didn't expect Laura to cry so hard suddenly. He quickly stopped the car and took out tissues to wipe her tears. "Don't cry. Your tears aren't worth it for someone who doesn't trust you."
"You're right." Laura sobbed, looking at him through her tears. "I'm just touched that you believe in me so much."
Her face was tear-streaked, her hair messy, and her clothes dirty, but Derek's heart softened completely, and his tone became even gentler. "Of course, I believe you."
"Thank you." Laura sniffled. "But I have my reasons. I have to take the blame for this."
Derek fell silent, looking at her for a long time before saying, "If Megan is seriously injured, Michael won't let this go easily."
"Then let him send me to jail," Laura said despairingly.
Derek sighed. "Don't say that. No matter your reasons, I'll help you."
Laura was moved, her throat tight. "Derek, I'm sorry for causing you trouble again."
"I don't mind being troubled by you," Derek said softly.
The air was filled with a strange silence for a few seconds.
Laura's heart inexplicably sped up. She wanted to look at Derek, but a sharp pain in her ribs made her forehead break out in sweat.
"Don't move. I'll get you to the hospital right away," Derek said, starting the car and pressing the gas pedal harder.
When they arrived at the hospital, Laura was in so much pain she could barely move, just like when she was giving birth.
Derek hurriedly carried her into the emergency room.
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