Chapter 1638 It's Your Turn to Help Me
"Derek is really something," Rose sighed. "Later, Derek even helped us, the Miller family, secure that piece of land, allowing the Miller Group to establish a foothold in Whisperlyn City. He also recommended this villa."
"He's quite calculating," Luke remarked. "Derek truly is Carl's son."
"Men, when they pursue their love, it's normal to be calculating, as long as it's not with bad intentions," Rose said. "Besides, with someone like Michael, if it weren't for Derek's help, could Laura have left with Maeve unscathed? Don't be fooled by Caroline and the others being annoyed with Michael; after all, Michael is their biological son. Without Derek, the Jude family might have helped Michael."
Luke admitted that Rose was speaking the truth. "I just said, as long as Derek's parents agree, I have no objections. After all, it's just dating, not marriage."
Luke snorted, "Those people in Silverwood used to mock Laura behind her back for being divorced. So what if Laura is divorced? Even divorced, Laura can date the President's son."
Laura remained silent.
She thought it would be difficult to get her parents' approval.
Unexpectedly, her father was quite open-minded.
On the other side, not long after Derek left, he received a call from Carl.
"I'll give you an hour. No matter where you are, you must return to Whispering Pines Manor," Carl's voice was filled with coldness. "We're all waiting for you here."
Derek checked the time; it was 8 PM.
Most likely, Michael had gone to Whispering Pines Manor to talk about Derek and Laura.
"Okay." Derek responded in a low voice.
"You're smart. You should know what I want to ask. Think it over on your way here, and don't disappoint me," Carl said before hanging up.
Derek's expression turned serious.
The car drove for another twenty minutes on the night road when his phone rang again. This time, it was Julia calling.
"The family already knows about you and Laura."
Derek chuckled, "Even you, who are attending a conference abroad, are alarmed."
"My mom just told me," Julia paused for a moment and said, "It seems Michael discovered you two and even took photos. You don't seem like someone who would be so careless."
Derek had to admit that Julia probably knew him best in this world. "I let him see us on purpose."
"You want to use him to make it public?" Julia immediately understood.
"Laura and I can't keep sneaking around like this. Even if we're happy, it's only temporary. In secret, Laura feels uneasy and pressured. She doesn't want to face it, but I don't want to continue like this."
Julia laughed, "You're quite responsible. You're much more promising than Michael. What do you plan to do next? I can tell you, no one will support you. Even my parents are very angry. I don't know what Michael said, but they seem to want to take back Maeve's custody."
Derek laughed in anger, "Michael probably told them that Laura and I were involved before the divorce. He publicly accused Laura of betraying the marriage and called her a slut. He blamed our relationship for their divorce, making himself look like the victim."
"How did Michael become like this?" Julia was shocked. She couldn't believe the words coming out of Derek's mouth were about her brother, Michael.
"Julia, I've never hidden the situation between Laura and me from you. Laura has always been self-respecting," Derek said bluntly. "If he had any conscience left, I would always consider him my brother, my family. But now, I can't do that anymore."
After a long pause, Julia said, "Derek, others may not know you, but I do. Give Michael a way out. After all, Michael is my brother, and you and Michael are still relatives."
"You think too harshly of me. I've never thought of cutting off Michael's path. There's no deep hatred between us. He was never a stumbling block in my relationship with Laura, or rather, I never really had him on my mind at all."
Julia smiled bitterly. Maybe she was overthinking it.
To Derek, Michael was probably just a troublesome madman now.
"But Julia," Derek reminded in a low voice, "Michael is no longer the same. He's been influenced by Megan for too long. His behavior and thoughts have been affected, and Megan treats him like a fool, making his actions extreme. If this continues, and you don't use strong measures to discipline him. It's not surprising if he does something illegal. I'm not joking."
Julia was startled, her brows furrowed deeply.
"If you don't believe me, you can privately talk to him," Derek suggested.
"Okay," Julia pondered. "You're heading to Whispering Pines Manor now, right? How do you plan to confront them?"
Derek laughed, "Julia, I helped you become the head of the Jude Group. On the surface, Grandpa is still in charge of the Jude family, but that's because James and your dad listen to Grandpa. As for your dad, everyone knows we give him respect. You too, don't want to go against your father. But in reality, James has no real power or prestige in the Jude family. I helped you before; now it's your turn to help me."
"You want my support?" Julia thought for a moment. "That's not a problem, but going against your dad..."
"Julia, you owe me, not my dad," Derek reminded. "Why did I support you? Because we don't like being controlled by the family. Yes, my dad is the President now, but before and after he took office, I was the one networking. I'm even more connected than he is. As for the campaign funds, you provide them."
Julia said, "Derek, are you trying to remind me that your dad can't do anything to you?"
"I never fight a battle I'm not prepared for. We're in this together, and I won't let you suffer," Derek said gently. "Besides, my dad and Grandpa are quite similar. They both think women will eventually get married."
"Derek, you're indeed impressive, and you're still so young. I've bet on you."
"Thank you in advance."
With Julia's support, Derek felt more confident.
Growing up in the Jude family made him realize early on that the ones who have the right to speak are not the elderly but those who are most capable.
Derek walked into the hall of Whispering Pines Manor under the cover of darkness.
The elders of the Jude family were all present, even Carl and his wife had come from the Presidential Palace. Both of them looked very displeased.
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