Chapter 1480 You Like Laura, Don't You?
"Uncle James, I talked to my dad about Julia's plans, and both my parents think it's best for Julia to take your spot." Derek grinned and said, "If you're not ready to step down, that's cool. Just have Grandpa temporarily hand over 50% of the shares to Julia. I get your worries, so here's the deal: if Julia remarries, the kid who takes over the Jude Group has to be from the Jude Family. If Julia's kid can't handle it, we can pick from Aaron's future kids. As for Michael's kids, only Maeve is an option; forget about the rest."
Julia pressed her lips together and stayed quiet, but she nodded in agreement.
James, looking shocked, finally gave a bitter smile. "No wonder Julia came to me so confidently. You guys already planned this. Derek, why are you doing this?"
Derek smiled slightly, "It's for my future. My dad's the president. Even if I don't become president, I'll still have a lot of power. The Jude Group is my main support. Michael's personal life is a mess; he believes whatever Megan says. He's too easily influenced. They say behind every successful man is a strong woman. I can't have a weak link. If Michael drags me down, it's bad news, so I need to fix this fast."
Derek paused for a second and continued, "As for Aaron, he's not mature or sharp enough. So, I think Julia is the best choice. My dad and I just want the Jude Family to have a strong future. Michael likes Megan, so let them be together. He's already divorced and plans to marry Megan. Uncle James, it's a new era. Some of your and Grandpa's ideas are outdated. Honestly, my dad wouldn't be president without Julia and me,"
"Alright, alright, it's your world now. I'm old, and I won't interfere anymore." James waved his hand and gave a bitter smile.
He finally got it—Michael was useless and dragged down by Megan.
But Derek had a point. Megan wasn't good for Michael, and he believed everything she said, which was bad for the future.
"Uncle James, relax. They're all your kids anyway." Derek squinted and smiled. "You should be proud you raised such a capable daughter like Julia."
James was silent.
Yeah, James should be happy, but he also felt like crying.
After leaving the office, Derek extended his hand. "Julia, congrats. Everything's in your control. Even if Grandpa doesn't like it, he has to give you the shares."
"Thanks." Julia shook his hand and suddenly asked, "Are you helping me just because I can be a good assistant to you?"
Derek smiled but didn't answer. He just pulled out a box of medicine from his pocket and handed it over. "I got this on the way. Clean up your face. You're the president now; don't let people laugh at you."
"You really are something." Julia took the medicine and sighed. "Michael probably doesn't realize he lost not because of me but because he shouldn't have opposed you. You like Laura, don't you?"
Derek raised an eyebrow. "Julia, you're sharp."
"Right back at you," she replied.
Julia gave him a curious look, then suddenly remembered something and laughed. "Do you know why my parents, even Grandpa, wanted Michael to marry Laura? Despite her status and good character, she's just a socialite from a small place and even had a scandal."
"Is there more to it?" Derek showed a rare hint of curiosity.
Julia looked out the window in the hallway, saying, "Last year, my mom went to a fortune teller about Laura. The fortune teller said Laura was born into wealth and love but had a rocky love life. However, after overcoming these obstacles, she would be favored by God. In simple terms, Laura has the potential to become the First Lady, and she would bring luck to her husband and family. I didn't believe it before, but the older generation does."
She paused and looked at Derek with a smile. "We thought Laura's rocky love life referred to her past relationship and the issues with Nathan and Megan. After Megan left, we thought Laura and Michael could finally be happy together. My parents believed they were destined by God to be together. Now, it seems they were wrong."
"I see." Derek was surprised for a moment, then laughed softly. "I believe it. Look how successful Michael's career was after marrying Laura. Actually, I liked Laura a long time ago, but I showed up a bit late. I never thought about competing for Laura because Michael and Laura have a child. Liking someone means wanting to see them happy. Unfortunately, Michael can't make Laura happy, so I decided to make her happy myself."
"Probably no one will agree with you, not even Laura. She might find it absurd." Julia shook her head.
"I'll make Laura unable to leave me first, then let her slowly fall for me. By the time she realizes it, I'll already be the indispensable person in her life."
Derek was full of confidence. "When I like someone, I don't care about others' opinions. To be honest, I don't care much about power. But in our family, some things are unavoidable. Just like you, do you really care about the Jude Group? With your ability, you could create a second or third Jude Group. You're just unwilling to give up."
Julia couldn't help but laugh.
She was indeed unwilling to give up.
She never expected that the one who understood her in the end would be Derek.
"Derek, I wish you success in advance," Julia said.
Derek took the elevator to the parking lot.
As he walked out and headed towards his car, a white sports car suddenly stopped in front of him.
The door opened upwards, and Michael stepped out with his long legs. "You really came today. When did you and Julia conspire?"
"Michael, why are you still here? I thought you went to the police station to report."
Derek smiled and said, "It was my understanding that you said you would report Laura for kidnapping if Laura didn't give Maeve today. What stopped you? But the Jude Group has already publicly announced the cancellation of all your positions. I don't think the police will pay attention to you."
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