Chapter 1494 Derek Likes Laura
It wasn't quite mealtime yet, and Laura, still on the mend, was just chilling in the lounge, watching Derek and Aaron shoot some pool with a few buddies.
As it got closer to dinner, Julia showed up. She had on some lipstick, pearl earrings, and a long coat. Her tall, slender frame gave off this cold, aloof vibe, but she also looked pretty mature and sexy.
The restaurant went dead silent for a sec. Everyone knew the Jude Group had been through some stuff lately. Eric had pretty much been strong-armed by Julia into handing over control.
"Laura, I got a little something for Maeve," Julia said, handing over a neatly wrapped box. "It's a little robot, kinda fun."
"Thanks a lot." Laura was genuinely grateful. "Julia, take a seat."
"Julia, you're really turning into a powerhouse. But hey, while work's important, don't forget about your personal life. Want me to set you up with someone?" a relative nearby teased with a smile.
"I just want to run the Jude Group well. Not really into relationships right now," Julia replied coolly.
Laura couldn't help but steal a few glances at Julia.
Honestly, Julia was pretty stunning, and a lot of guys probably had a thing for her. But since her husband passed, she hadn't found anyone new.
Elliott hadn't found anyone either.
Was there some hidden story between those two?
"I'll stash the toy and bring it back later." Derek suddenly grabbed the box from her, snapping Laura out of her thoughts.
The servants started bringing out the food.
Laura picked up her fork, ready to dig in.
Just then, a tall figure walked in, rocking a light gray leather jacket, jeans, and boots. He looked a bit thin, but his features were still as handsome as ever, though his eyes had gotten a lot colder.
When Michael suddenly showed up, the room went eerily quiet again.
It was different from when Julia arrived.
When Julia came in, people were mostly worried about Eric feeling awkward, but they knew he had caved and accepted the situation.
Plus, friends and family actually liked Julia.
But Michael's sudden appearance was a whole different story. The relatives had been told not to mention this to Michael, mainly to avoid any awkward run-ins between Laura and him.
Despite Caroline's careful planning, Michael still showed up.
Lately, Michael hadn't been around much. After Megan got out of the hospital, knowing the Jude Family wasn't fond of her, he had been staying with her in a private villa.
This was Michael's first visit in a while.
Everyone looked at Michael, then at Laura, making the atmosphere super weird.
Finally, James cleared his throat and asked, "Why are you here?"
"What, have I been kicked out of the Jude Group, and now I can't even come back to Whispering Pines Manor?" Michael's gaze landed on Laura. She was still in a wheelchair, wearing a goose-yellow sweater that made her skin glow.
Derek sat quietly beside her, like a knight guarding his princess.
Michael was fuming, nostrils dilating.
James spoke up, his voice low and serious, "We never said you couldn't come back."
"If I wasn't banned, then why was everyone else told about today, but as Maeve's dad, I got no heads-up?" Michael's voice rose, his eyes blazing as he looked at Laura. "Laura, we're divorced, but Maeve's still my daughter. You can't just cut me off from seeing her."
Laura frowned, and Caroline quickly jumped in, "Laura didn't stop you from seeing Maeve. I just thought it might be awkward if you two ran into each other."
"So, because it's awkward, I can't see my own daughter?" Michael shot back at Caroline. "Mom, you miss Maeve, and so do I."
Michael's shouting made Caroline squirm.
Laura looked up, locking eyes with Michael. "I never stopped you from seeing Maeve. You can see her privately, but I don't agree with you taking her out without my say-so. I don't want my daughter around Megan."
"Who Maeve meets is my call. If you find a new guy, won't you let Maeve meet him?" Michael glanced at Derek beside her and suddenly laughed. "Or have you already been cozying up with your new man, and Maeve's all buddy-buddy with him now? Will she call him dad next time? Derek, what do you think?"
Everyone looked shocked.
Derek's face turned cold.
Laura's face flushed with anger. "Michael, you jerk."
"Can you honestly say there's nothing between you and Derek? He's had a thing for you forever. You two live together in the Presidential Palace every day. Who knows what's going on?" Michael huffed.
James slammed the table in anger. "Michael, are you out of your mind? Stop talking crap."
"Am I talking crap?" Michael laughed loudly. "Derek, do you dare to swear in front of everyone that you don't like Laura? If you don't like her, would you help her with the divorce, bring her into the Presidential Palace, and go against me? What does Laura have to do with the Presidential Palace? Laura's not related to you. You want to be Maeve's stepdad but don't have the guts to admit it. You're a coward."
Everyone was stunned, even the elders of the Jude Family looked serious.
Yeah, Derek and Laura weren't related, but Derek was super good to her.
If Derek liked Laura, it would be a messy situation, and it could turn into a scandal if it got out.
Eric's grip on his fork tightened unconsciously.
"So, was I wrong to help her?" Derek, the calmest one at the table, finally spoke up.
He slowly stood up. "Should I have not helped her with the divorce, not brought her into the Presidential Palace, not stood up to you? Should I have let you stay out with your side chick, making Laura suffer at home? Should I have let you take Maeve to meet Megan and let her be the kid's stepmom?"
Michael's handsome face twitched slightly. He glared at Derek with hatred. "I'm asking you, Derek, do you dare to admit that you like Laura?"
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