Chapter 1586 Don't Tempt Me
"Good you know," Laura felt a sweetness in her heart and leaned in to kiss his cheek.
His hand on the steering wheel trembled, and he helplessly patted her small hand. "Sweetie, I'm driving. Don't tempt me."
Laura blinked innocently, "It was just a kiss."
"I just can't resist you." Derek chuckled, his voice full of affection.
Laura's lips curved into a smile.
Having gone through two failed relationships, she had always lacked confidence in herself. Now, she was slowly regaining that confidence through Derek.
After returning to the Presidential Palace, Laura immediately found Maeve, who was being held by Arabella.
After two months' apart, Maeve had grown a lot and had become even cuter and more beautiful.
It was clear that Maeve had been doing well during Laura's absence.
Laura felt both heartache and relief.
"Maeve, do you remember me? I'm Mommy." Laura gave Maeve a big kiss.
Maeve blinked her big eyes in confusion, seemingly finding Laura familiar but unable to recall.
However, it didn't stop Maeve from naturally liking Laura.
Maeve curiously tugged at Laura's hair.
"Sweetie, don't pull Mommy's hair," Arabella said anxiously.
"It's okay," Laura said, feeling a bit of pain but just wanting Maeve to be happy. "Maeve, Mommy bought you lots of toys, formula, and clothes."
Actually, these things could be bought domestically, but Laura had gone on a shopping spree at a baby store in Selaestan before coming back. The suitcase couldn't fit everything, so some items were mailed back.
Just then, Derek came in pushing a suitcase, and Laura quickly asked him to open it.
The suitcase was filled entirely with things for Maeve.
Maeve's eyes lit up at the sight of so many colorful items and she clamored to see them.
Laura unpacked all the toys for Maeve, and the mother and daughter slowly became more familiar with each other.
In the evening, Carl and Violet returned.
Laura quickly handed over the gifts she had prepared abroad. "These are the latest handbags and high heels I bought for you. You often attend various banquets, so you'll definitely find them useful."
"How thoughtful," Violet nodded appreciatively. The items seemed expensive but were not luxury brands, likely high-end yet understated foreign brands.
For someone with Violet's status as the First Lady, such brands were most suitable.
Carl also smiled and said, "This sweater is quite nice. It's perfect for the current weather."
Laura grinned and agreed, "It's my honor that the President and First Lady of Madison can wear the clothes I bought."
"You are always considerate," Violet teased with a smile. "So, how was your training? Did you meet any handsome guys during your two months abroad? You didn't just focus on work and forget about romance, did you?"
Laura felt awkward and instinctively glanced at Derek. He said, "Mom, you're quite open-minded. Dad, you better keep an eye on Mom and not let her go abroad alone."
Carl pretended to be angry and snorted, "Your mom might just be tired of me."
"I'm asking Laura," Violet glared at Carl. "I just hope she can start a new relationship soon. Girls never give up the romance."
Laura felt a bit guilty. She hadn't missed out and was already dating Derek.
Carl nodded, "That's right. If you meet someone you love, go ahead and date. Don't be like Derek."
He then cast a disdainful look at Derek, "If you ever bring a man home, I swear I'll teach you a lesson."
"Dad, I've been either at work or at Whispering Pines Manor every day. How could I be available to bring a man home?" Derek said sulkily.
Carl slammed his fork down. "Now that Laura is back, you don't need to take care of Maeve anymore. I don't want you hanging out with those people. I'll have you transferred to the Presidential Palace as the Chief Secretary for Future Strategy tomorrow."
Laura was taken aback.
Derek paused for a few seconds before smiling, "Dad, I'm doing well at the grassroots level. Besides, you promised that if I don't get married and have kids, you'd make me work at the grassroots level for life."
Carl lost his composure and looked displeased. "Do you think I want to? Keeping you at the grassroots level, idling around, and being criticized by others? If I have you by my side, at least I can keep an eye on you. Pack your things and move over tomorrow."
"Got it," Derek frowned, reluctantly agreeing.
"What's with that attitude?" Carl said unhappily, "Many people would be mad for the position of Chief Secretary."
"I was wrong, Dad. I'll work hard by your side." Derek quickly responded obediently.
Carl quickly finished his dinner and left with a stern face to handle official business.
Violet sighed and said, "Derek, you're not young anymore. Be more mature. Even if you can't be the President, you should at least achieve something noteworthy after your dad retires."
"I understand." Derek replied with his head down.
After dinner, Laura stayed to chat with Violet for a while before returning to her place.
Maeve was still awake.
Laura took the gifts and pushed Maeve next door to find Derek.
After ringing the doorbell for a while with no answer, Laura was about to call when the door suddenly opened.
Derek stood at the door in a dark blue bathrobe, his short hair still damp, looking like he had just hurriedly finished a shower. The bathrobe was tightly secured, which somehow made Laura want to see him with his chest half-exposed.
Realizing she had such a ridiculous thought, Laura flushed with embarrassment.
It wasn't her fault; Derek looked even more attractive after a shower.
Maeve saw Derek and immediately waved her little hands for a hug.
"Missed me?" Derek bent down to pick Maeve up from the stroller. "Come in, it's chilly outside."
He led the way inside with Maeve in his arms.
Laura clumsily pushed the stroller in, hesitated for a moment, and weakly asked, "Close the door?"
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