Chapter 1474 Dependence
Laura looked into his gentle eyes, her heart finally finding a bit of peace. "I don't want this either. Michael said if things get bad, he'll blow it all up. He'd do anything for Megan."
"I've seen this coming, so I've got it covered. You just focus on getting better," Derek said, grabbing an orange from the bedside table and peeling it with his long fingers.
Laura was surprised. "You really have a plan? Can you tell me?"
"You'll find out soon enough." Derek gave a slight smile.
Laura was curious and confused, but she knew Derek wouldn't lie to her.
Derek was a few months younger than Laura, but he was way more composed when handling things.
"If he comes at you again, just tell him to meet you in civil court. The sooner you get divorced, the better for everyone," Derek said.
He stayed for about half an hour before heading out.
Cassie had planned to comfort Laura, but seeing her suddenly calm and not crying, she couldn't help but tease, "Derek's got some skills. He calmed you down with just a few words."
Laura was momentarily stunned.
She did trust Derek.
She hadn't believed in him before, but after getting to know him, Derek had always kept his promises.
Just like this time, Laura dared to take the blame for Bernice not because she thought Michael wouldn't harm her, but because she subconsciously believed Derek would help her.
Later, Derek did come through. When Laura was at her most helpless, he appeared and took her away from EchoReach's people.
Unknowingly, Laura seemed to have become somewhat dependent on Derek.
After leaving the hospital, Derek drove his black sedan to the Jude Group.
But he didn't go up. Instead, he called someone from downstairs. "Julia, are you busy? Got time for a coffee? I'm downstairs at your company."
Julia was silent for over ten seconds before saying, "Let's meet at the café across the street. Give me ten minutes."
Derek parked his car and went into the café.
He sat at the bar by the window, where he could see the traffic below and the towering Jude Group across the street.
He hadn't been sitting long when a brown Fendi bag was placed on the bar, followed by Julia, dressed in a beige suit, sitting on the high stool next to him.
"I already got you a coffee." Derek pushed a cup of cappuccino towards her.
"No private rooms? Why here?" Julia sipped her coffee, showing off a low-key yet luxurious Patek Philippe watch.
"So you can get a good look at the Jude Group across the street." Derek's clear eyes looked out the window. "It's forty-two stories, right? Julia, your office is on the fortieth floor, isn't it?"
"Yeah." Julia put down her coffee and followed Derek's gaze. After a moment, she said softly, "Derek, just spill it. Even though you're a few years younger than me, I know you're way more mature than Aaron and Michael."
"Julia, you're always so smart and calm." Derek smiled faintly.
"The reason I wanted you to take a good look at the Jude Group is to ask if you're really okay with playing a supporting role. Yes, you're a woman, but without you, the Jude Group wouldn't have stabilized and expanded so quickly, even doubling its market value. Uncle James may be the chairman, but many decisions were made by you. If it weren't for you sacrificing your own happiness for a strategic marriage, the Jude Group wouldn't be where it is today. My dad wouldn't have smoothly become president either," he said.
Julia lowered her eyes and asked, "Derek, are you trying to get me to go against Grandpa and my father?"
"Not at all. I just don't want Michael running the Jude Group," Derek shrugged, staying cool.
"First off, I gotta admit Michael's got a knack for business. He's smart, but he's a fool when it comes to love, easily swayed by a woman. I can't trust someone like that to have my back in the future," he added.
"Do you really think that, or is it because of Laura?" Julia's casual tone had a sharp edge.
"Both. My parents and I want to protect Laura, but Michael's using the kid as leverage. Megan can't have kids, so Michael wants Megan to raise Maeve. If Megan were a good person, we wouldn't have an issue, but we both know a rough childhood can mess up a kid's life."
Derek took another sip of his coffee. It was bitter but rich. "Since Laura is now part of the Presidential Palace, its reputation can't be tarnished by anyone. Plus, if Megan marries into the Jude Family, she won't be a peaceful presence."
"Seems like you really don't like Michael now. You two used to be pretty tight," Julia said with a bitter smile.
"People change as they grow up. Julia, haven't you changed?" Derek smiled. "You're technically the president of the Jude Group, but for big projects like new energy, Grandpa put Michael and Aaron in charge. Honestly, they see you as just a woman. The future of the Jude Group is Michael and Aaron. Once they nail the new energy project, it'll be time for Uncle James to step down. You'll still be president, but they'll be on the board."
Julia didn't say anything, but her fingers tightened around her coffee cup.
Derek spoke softly, "You see, EchoReach is the sharpest weapon of the entire Jude Family, but they never gave it to you. Everyone in the Jude Group knows you're just a support. Lately, haven't a lot of people at the company been disrespecting you?"
"Derek." Julia narrowed her eyes in warning.
"This person should be very familiar to you." Derek took out a photo and placed it on the table.
In the photo was a man in a sharp suit, with clean-cut short hair, sharp and serious eyebrows, and well-defined features. The crystal light fell on his broad shoulders and long legs, giving him an aura of coldness.
Julia's hand holding the coffee cup trembled slightly. After a long time, she asked, "How much do you know?"
"I know he was your boyfriend when you were studying abroad. You were in love for two years and planned to get married after graduation. But when you returned, the Jude Family was in a bad spot. Your family persuaded you, and at that time, he was just a minor figure from the Miller Family in Silverwood, unable to help you. For the future of the Jude Family, you had to break up with him and marry your husband, who was in poor health. Your marriage lasted only three years before your husband passed away."
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