Chapter 1549 Bad Woman
"Alright, fine, I won't argue with you. But why'd you have to go after her like that? Good thing she left early tonight."
Michael angrily threw his phone onto the couch, turned around, and stormed out into the night.
Aaron picked up the phone and sighed, "Mom, I swear, ever since he started dating Megan, he's been acting so weird. Sometimes I don't even want to talk to him."
Caroline stayed quiet, which pretty much said it all.
Even Caroline found it more and more draining to deal with Michael.
She used to hope he'd break up with Megan, but now she didn't even bother hoping.
Julia chimed in, "I heard ever since Cassie took over DreamDazzle Beauty Co., it's been blowing up. They even tried to squeeze out the Ocean Blue group with other cosmetic companies. Ocean Blue's market share in the country has already been cut by a third. The competition's gonna get even tougher next year, and if things get worse, Ocean Blue might even get bought out."
"Really?" Aaron was shocked, "Wasn't Michael always pretty capable?"
James scoffed, "A guy aiming for big success doesn't necessarily need a woman to help him, but he at least needs one who lets him focus on his career. Megan must be causing all sorts of trouble behind the scenes. Every time Michael comes over for a meal, Megan's blowing up his phone. How's he supposed to focus like that?"
Aaron mumbled, "Seems like the only company Michael can count on now is Ocean Blue. If that goes under, it could be a killer blow for him. Should we help him out? I mean, he's family, and if he loses everything..."
"Are you saying we should help Michael against Laura and Cassie?" Julia raised an eyebrow.
Aaron hesitated, "Not really, Laura's great too."
Julia said calmly, "Our Jude Family doesn't understand the cosmetics market at all. Even if we did, we shouldn't get involved. Cassie has Declan and his wife backing her. Because of them, top luxury brands and cutting-edge tech are lining up to work with Cassie. Of course, Cassie has turned some down. She and Laura genuinely want to create a national cosmetics brand, but they can't make things tough for others."
"Exactly," James agreed, "Plus, Michael's being stubborn. He used to be tight with Lucas. If he'd used Lucas's connections in the entertainment industry, he could've boosted Ocean Blue's reputation. But Michael pissed off Lucas because of Megan, and now all of Lucas's resources are going to Cassie. No wonder Michael's losing."
Caroline nodded, "All we can do is make sure that even if Michael loses everything, he won't starve."
"Michael never should've divorced Laura," Aaron grumbled.
"How do you know he doesn't regret it?" Julia said, with a knowing look.
Aaron was taken aback, remembering how Michael looked at his phone earlier, clearly jealous.
But what good was Michael's jealousy? He had his chance and didn't cherish it.
A few days later, Laura and Elliott flew back to Whisperlyn City.
Laura hadn't told anyone she was coming back.
But as soon as the plane landed and she wheeled her luggage out of the airport, there was Derek, waiting. He wasn't dressed to impress, but his model-like figure made him stand out to Laura immediately.
The last time they met was a week ago at a hotel in Silverwood, and Laura had left in a hurry.
Even though they had been chatting every day, Laura was still nervous about seeing him again.
Elliott spotted Derek too and, after a moment of surprise, walked over to greet him.
"Elliott, I'm here to pick up Laura and take her to the Presidential Palace," Derek said with a smile.
"Laura didn't mention she was coming back with you. I was planning to take her over myself. Since you're here, I'll leave it to you," Elliott said, "I also have a box of Silverwood specialties that my parents asked me to bring for your family."
"Thanks," Derek said, exchanging a few pleasantries with Elliott before naturally reaching out to take Maeve from Laura's arms. "I haven't seen Maeve in a while. Let me hold her."
Maeve wasn't shy at all when she saw Derek and seemed quite happy.
Laura, feeling a bit helpless, handed Maeve over since her arms were sore.
Ten minutes later, after Elliott helped load Laura's luggage into the car and left with his assistants,
Derek, who hadn't brought a driver, was left alone with Laura and Maeve.
"How did you know I was coming back today?" Laura finally asked, glancing at him.
"Because I care about you," Derek said with a smile, gently pinching her cheek.
The affectionate gesture made Laura blush immediately, and she quickly looked around the parking lot.
"Why are you so nervous? No one knows us here," Derek teased.
"Our relationship has to be kept secret," Laura said with a pout.
"I don't mind. I could take you to meet my parents today if you want," Derek said, "I'm confident I can get their approval for us to be together."
"Approval? More like you'd force and threaten them," Laura huffed, "Then everyone in the Jude family would hate me."
"They won't," Derek said firmly.
Laura puffed her cheeks, "I'm not arguing with you. Anyway, you're on probation. If you make me unhappy, I'll replace you."
"Alright. I'm just being cautious. Look, I came to pick you up as soon as you got back to Whisperlyn City."
Derek quickly opened the car door, "Please, get in."
Laura raised an eyebrow and got in.
Derek quickly placed Maeve back in her arms and, while bending down, stole a kiss on Laura's lips.
Laura looked up in frustration, only to see Derek's lips stained with her lipstick, which made her laugh, "Derek, your lips are covered in my lipstick."
"Really?" Derek touched his lips and, seeing the lipstick, frowned, "Don't women use those kiss-proof lipsticks?"
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