Chapter 1496 Get Out, I Don't Want to See You
James kept his mouth shut.
With all the family around today, word would definitely get back to Carl and Violet overseas.
Michael had already ticked them off, and this mess would just make things worse. Derek was their only kid, and they adored him. But tonight, Michael had really humiliated Derek.
After a long pause, Eric finally spoke up, "Maybe handing the Jude Group to Julia is the best move. I've thought it over. If we give it to Michael, he might wreck it. He's too hot-headed. Remember what Laura said, don't let him take Maeve to see Megan. Michael's already been messed up by Megan, and I don't want Maeve to go down the same path."
James and Caroline nodded.
They could see Eric was totally fed up with Michael.
And it wasn't just Eric; they were disappointed in Michael too.
The business car rolled down the road.
Laura kept staring out the window, not saying a word.
She realized that every time she saw Michael, it just ruined her mood.
She didn't know how other divorced couples felt, but she and Michael were definitely enemies.
The car pulled into the parking lot of the Presidential Palace.
After getting out, Derek helped Laura into the house. Laura turned and politely said to Derek, "You should get some rest. It's been a long day. We'll put Maeve to bed tonight; she can't always rely on you."
"I don't plan on Maeve always relying on me. This is just temporary. Once you're better, you'll naturally be able to put Maeve to bed."
Derek locked eyes with her. "You're not still upset about what Michael said tonight, are you?"
Laura stayed quiet.
Of course, she was upset. On the way back, she even wondered if Derek might have some feelings for her.
"You're not overthinking this, are you?"
Derek's lips curled into a playful smile. "Think back to when I first met you."
Laura was taken aback. Of course, she remembered. It was the day she was recognized as the President's goddaughter. Carl and Violet had brought Derek over, and she had held a cup and called out "Godfather" and "Godmother." Derek had stood beside them, looking at her curiously.
Derek said in an annoying tone, "After you got pregnant, you didn't wear any makeup, and you didn't look too good. Later, when you were pregnant, your belly was big, and your face was as round as a plate. After you gave birth to Maeve, you looked even worse. How could I possibly like you? Don't overthink it."
Derek's words instantly set Laura on fire and she said crossly, "Derek, was it that exaggerated? Who doesn't gain weight after having a baby?"
"I'm just telling the truth, and you're getting mad. Can you only listen to nice things?" Derek teased.
"That's right. Even if I gained a little weight, my features are still beautiful. I'm still a big beauty. Get out, I don't want to see you."
Laura threw a tantrum at him.
"Alright, alright, I'm leaving."
Derek walked away with a look of helplessness.
It wasn't until he left the villa that his handsome face turned somber.
If he could, he really wanted to tell Laura that he liked her.
Derek didn't care what those relatives would say.
But if Derek said it, Laura would avoid him, and they could never be the same as before.
That wasn't what Derek wanted.
At least for now, it wasn't the right time.
A few days later, Carl and Violet came back from their trip abroad.
They'd been at some international conference, and the global scene had shifted a bit.
But that stuff was way over Laura's head; she didn't get it anyway.
The day they got back, during dinner, Carl blew up at the table. "Michael's getting dumber by the day. Doesn't he think about the consequences? Have I been too soft on him? Or has he just lost his mind?"
Violet frowned too. Even though she was older, she still had that elegant vibe, but her face showed she was seriously pissed. "I heard the Ocean Blue group is tanking lately, all caught up in bad press. But as for Michael, we should just wash our hands of him."
"I'm done with Michael. He's got nothing to do with me from now on. He better not use my name to show off." After his rant, Carl started eating.
Laura and Derek stayed quiet.
After dinner, Violet brought out some gifts she’d picked up for Laura. They chatted until about eight before Laura headed back to her place.
Derek was about to leave too, but Violet stopped him.
She gave him a long look and suddenly asked, "Derek, be straight with me. Do you like Laura?"
"Mom, are you buying into Michael's nonsense?" Derek was caught off guard, then laughed. "Any time Laura gets close to a guy, Michael thinks she's up to something."
"Good to hear. You two aren't blood-related and are about the same age."
Violet didn't push it further but added, "Laura's a good girl. I like her too. If she hadn't married Michael and was with someone totally outside the Jude Family, even if she was divorced, I wouldn't be against you two. But she married Michael and is our recognized goddaughter. That means you and she can never get married."
"You're overthinking it, mom." Derek smiled faintly.
He got where Violet was coming from.
Without solid proof, arguing wasn't worth it and would only hurt Laura.
Seeing Derek so calm, Violet relaxed a bit.
"Derek, your dad's the President, and we have to set an example for the people of Madison. As the President's family, we have to watch what we say and do while your dad's in office."
Violet sighed, "You're not getting any younger. I'll set you up with some girls soon. You can't just hang around Laura."
"Mom, you're blowing this out of proportion. There are plenty of women at my job. Besides, I don't want to. They're always clinging to me, and it's annoying," Derek said, clearly irritated.
Violet was at a loss for words. "That's because you're a catch, and they find you attractive."
"Alright, that's settled then," Violet decided. "Go to bed."
Derek turned and left.
Meeting new girls didn't matter.
He wouldn't like them anyway.
But he couldn't refuse. If he did, Violet might suspect he liked Laura.
How annoying!
Who was the genius in the Jude Family that suggested Carl and Violet take Laura as their goddaughter?
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