Chapter 1579 The Vicious Megan
Derek sighed deeply, "Caroline, have you understood why even my parents and I are helping Laura? Maeve's custody cannot go to Michael. You two might be able to take care of Maeve now, but given your age, if something happens in the future, Maeve will still end up with Michael. Megan is so cruel to animals; can you guarantee she won't be the same to Maeve?"
Caroline nodded, deeply aware of this possibility.
"You're right," James agreed, "I don't know much about psychology, but I can tell Megan definitely has some issues. Abusing animals gives her inner satisfaction. Over time, she won't just want to abuse cats and dogs; she might even want to abuse babies."
"Alright, Derek, James and Caroline are reasonable ," Eric said, handing the phone back to Derek. "We absolutely won't leave the custody to Michael anyway. Maeve will live with Laura, just as before."
"On behalf of Laura, thank you for your understanding," Derek said with a smile. "I also understand that you want to spend more time with Maeve. How about this: Since Laura is out of town, so Maeve can stay temporarily at Whispering Pines Manor. But Arabella has to take care of Maeve, and I'll stay here too. My parents are busy, and it's no fun living alone. When Laura returns, Maeve will go back with her."
Caroline was overjoyed. She had been upset with Derek for leaving her unknown about the matter, but now she liked him even more.
Derek, though younger than Michael by a few years, was much more mature. He handled things well and was considerate of the elders' feelings.
Derek was simply better than her own sons and daughter.
Eric also praised Derek, feeling more disappointed in Michael.
After dinner, Eric called James over. "Since Megan can abuse animals, she's definitely done more bad things. If Michael insists on being with her, there's nothing we can do. But Megan is a ticking time bomb. In the future, don't get involved in Michael's affairs. Be prepared to cut ties if necessary. We can't let him tarnish the Jude family's reputation."
James remained silent, looking troubled.
Eric sighed, "I understand; Michael is still your son. Think about the Jude Group, Aaron and Julia. If Michael ends up with nothing, let him work as a manager in one of the Jude family's small companies. But he can't be in the upper management."
"Dad, I get it." James knew that with Eric's words, Michael was completely abandoned by the Jude family.
On the other side. Caroline felt more and more guilty and called Laura after returning to her room.
"Caroline." Laura was anxious when she saw the call, worrying Caroline would cause trouble.
She had a good impression of Caroline and didn't want to have conflicts with her.
"Laura, I'm calling to apologize," Caroline said sincerely, "I must have worried you by taking Maeve this morning. I was too anxious then, but now I understand."
Laura was confused about what she understood.
Caroline continued, "Don't worry, the Jude family won't fight for Maeve's custody. It's the best for Maeve to grow up with you. Michael is not fit to be a father and won't fight for custody."
"Thank you," Laura said, still confused.
"Don't worry, I've talked to Derek. You can focus on your training. Even though you're divorced from Michael, I still see you as my daughter. I won't let Michael mistreat you and Maeve," Caroline comforted.
After a few minutes of conversation, Laura was still puzzled.
She sent Derek a message on Facebook: [Caroline called me and was very kind. What did you do?]
Derek: [I showed her the video of Megan abusing a cat. So they understood. For now, Arabella and I will stay with Maeve at Whispering Pines Manor. It's the best solution for both sides to meet each other halfway.]
Laura: [Maeve staying at Whispering Pines Manor is fine. I feel at ease with you there.]
Derek: [Good girl.]
Laura: [Love you, honey.]
Derek: [Kiss me when you get back.]
Laura: [Okay.]
She didn't need his reminder; she would definitely kiss Derek when she got back.
She looked at the calendar. Only twenty days had passed, and she realized she missed home, not just because of Maeve, but also because of Derek.
She really missed him.
The next day, Michael arrived at Whispering Pines Manor as soon as he got off the plane.
Seeing Caroline playing with Maeve in the yard, he felt warm inside.
His eyes fell on Maeve. Her face had grown a bit, her eyes were like Laura's, and her mouth and nose were like his. Maeve had inherited the best features of them.
"Maeve, did you miss me?" Michael reached out to hug Maeve, but Caroline quickly stepped back, handing Maeve to Arabella.
Arabella immediately took the child inside.
"Mom, why won't you let me hold Maeve?" Michael said, dissatisfied.
"Aren't you on a business trip abroad? Why are you back in such a hurry?" Caroline asked calmly.
"I want to spend time with Maeve," Michael said, frowning and making a decision. "And I think Laura is too focused on her career to take care of the child. I want to get custody."
Caroline's expression turned complex. What Derek had said was true.
"Laura won't agree," she said.
"I've decided to appeal," Michael said.
Before Michael could finish, James's mocking laughter came from the side.
"Dad, what are you laughing at?" Michael frowned, "You should support me."
James said nothing, just walked over with a stern face and slapped Michael hard.
"Appeal? Do you think you'll win?" James had never been so angry. "What qualifies you to raise a daughter?"
"Dad." Michael held his face, incredulous.
Caroline stood by, looking coldly.
"Look at the wife you chose," James opened a video file and threw the phone at him. "With such a vicious wife, you think a judge will grant you custody? You're a disgrace to us."
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