Chapter 1503 Strategy
"Yeah, if Laura knew Derek liked her, she'd probably freak out and move out of the Presidential Palace," Joseph chuckled. "But right now, she's kinda being forced to get used to Derek being around. She probably hasn't even realized it yet."
Cassie looked puzzled. So, Laura was already in such a tricky situation?
Joseph broke it down, "Think about it. Laura's just been betrayed by her husband, got divorced, and had a failed first love. Her friends are all busy, some are in relationships. She hasn't said it, but she must be feeling super lonely and empty. She's probably doubting her own attractiveness and maybe thinking about starting something new."
"But Laura's got a kid to look after, and she's not big on trusting relationships anymore. Then, out of nowhere, this handsome, gentle, considerate, and funny guy shows up, a hoot who loves to hang out with her. They don't talk about feelings, just share everyday stuff, often eating and drinking together. What do you think's gonna happen?" Joseph added.
Cassie was quiet for a bit and then said, "Laura's gonna start depending on him."
"Exactly." Joseph nodded. "Derek's slowly filling the gaps in Laura's life, from meals and chats to the kid. Laura might not have noticed it yet. If one day, Derek suddenly stops talking to her or ignores her, she's definitely gonna feel weird. She might even reach out to him first."
"Shit." Cassie couldn't help but curse, "I didn't think Derek was so strategic."
"He's definitely got a plan, but this is the only way Derek can play it. If he just told Laura he liked her out of the blue, she'd be scared off." Joseph laughed. "But hey, at least Derek's a responsible guy. I've never heard of him having a girlfriend. A guy like Derek, when he falls in love, he's serious about it."
"Should I tell Laura?" Cassie, stumped, said uncertainly, "I don't really want Laura to marry into the Jude Family again, especially since Derek's situation is even more complicated than Michael's. The Jude Family would never agree to Derek marrying Laura. They have no future together."
Joseph patted her head. "Derek's been so good to Laura, and she hasn't even noticed. It means he's playing it smart. If you tell her, she might not believe you."
Cassie weighed Laura's situation. Laura definitely wouldn't believe it. "Why does it have to be like this?"
"Just let it be. Don't overthink it. Derek's more strategic than Carl. He won't do anything unless he's sure about it. He must've thought about the obstacles he and Laura would face. If he's going after her, it means he's confident and determined to handle it. Plus, he's pretty capable. Look at the changes in the Jude Family recently. Eric's power has been cut down. It looks like Julia's behind it, but how do you know it's not Derek pulling the strings?"
Cassie was shocked. "Really?"
"I'm just guessing." Joseph said with a knowing look, "Julia hasn't shown any interest in competing for the Jude Family for years. Why now, all of a sudden? It means Julia and Derek have secretly teamed up. Do you know what that means?"
Cassie, not really into politics, got even more confused. "What does it mean?"
Joseph looked dead serious. "It means Derek's actually running the whole Jude Family now."
"No way," Cassie said, totally floored.
"Think about it. To become president and stay in power, you need a ton of cash. Where's that money coming from? Carl's in politics, James is in business. They need each other. But now, Julia's taken James' place. If Julia stops listening to Carl, how's Carl gonna get re-elected or even keep his current spot?"
Joseph grinned and nudged the still-confused Cassie. "Julia's definitely Derek's close ally. She listens to Derek, not Carl."
Cassie, awestruck by the whole story, felt Joseph's explanation made much sense. "Do you think Carl knows?"
Joseph shook his head. "No way. First off, Carl still sees Derek as a kid. Second, Derek's his son. He'd never think Derek would betray him. And Derek won't betray him, but he might not follow Carl's orders. If they clash, Carl can't control Derek."
Cassie mumbled, "The first time I saw Derek, he seemed so innocent and kind. I didn't see this coming."
"Derek's strength is that innocent, harmless look. Everyone, from his elders to his friends, thinks he's humble and polite. Over the years, he's probably built his own power base in secret. He hasn't shown his true colors yet because he hasn't had to. But with Laura, he's starting to reveal a bit of his strength. Only Lucas and I have noticed," Joseph explained.
Cassie blurted out, "Lately, the Ocean Blue Group's been hit with bad press, and Lucas didn't help. Did he see it too?"
Joseph nodded. "Lucas doesn't want to help Michael now. First, because of Megan. Second, because of our relationship. Third, Lucas doesn't want to piss off Derek. Who knows what Derek might do if Lucas helps Michael? The scariest thing about Derek is that he never shows his cards. No one knows what he's really up to."
Cassie, nonplussed, remained silent for a long time, then gave a bitter smile. "Laura would be amazed to find out the true color of Derek."
"In a way, Derek can protect Laura," Joseph said softly. "It's good for her to have someone around right now. If she finds out Michael and Megan are getting married, she'll be crushed."
"What?" Cassie was furious. "Michael's marrying Megan? Laura had his kid, and they never had a wedding."
"Their wedding's set for after the New Year. Michael didn't invite me. I heard from a friend who owns a hotel that Michael booked a banquet and hired a wedding planner." Joseph sighed, hating to believe his old friend had turned out like this. "Laura's gonna find out sooner or later."
"Jerk, total jerk," Cassie muttered.
Cassie had learnt better than to drop a bombshell in front of a woman under these circumstances.
But the next morning, when Cassie went to the office, she bumped into Laura in the elevator.
Cassie thought it over and decided to spill the beans. "I have something to tell you. Don't get too upset. I didn't want to say it, but you'll find out sooner or later."
The smile on Laura's face faded, and she asked, a bit disappointed, "Are you gonna tell me you and Joseph are leaving me to get married alone?"
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