Chapter 1642 Sowing Discord
"Violet, don't talk like that," Eric said sternly. "We're discussing Derek right now."
"Fine, let's talk about Derek," Violet nodded, her back straight. "As a mother, I just want my son to be happy and safe. I don't have the high expectations you do. Even if he ends up as a small-time employee, as long as he's happy and safe, I'm satisfied. Maybe he can climb higher on his own. As a mother, I would be pleased. I won't impose my ideas on my son."
Eric's face changed, and he asked in a deep voice, "So you think I'm wrong too?"
"Violet," Carl gave her a warning look and shook his head at her.
Violet pretended not to see. "Eric, your life is already legendary. One son is a business genius, and the other is the President. What more could you want? Even after you die, you will have honored the Jude family ancestors. If you're not satisfied, you can force Derek and Julia. I have no objections, as long as you have the ability."
Eric felt deeply uncomfortable.
He thought Violet was clearly mocking him.
Everyone knew that in the Jude family, his influence now came from his seniority and from Carl and James.
But in reality, Julia was often on business trips, and even when she was back, they barely spoke. Julia never discussed company matters with him.
He had no control over Julia.
As for Derek, he had even less influence, unless Carl could control Derek.
James noticed Eric's embarrassment and quickly said, "Today's focus is not Derek's future but the matter between Laura and Derek."
"Right, how do you plan to handle it?" Eric nodded, regaining his authoritative demeanor.
"Dad, Carl and I will handle it," Violet said lightly. "It's just a relationship, not a marriage."
Eric laughed coldly, "What, are you going to wait until they're getting married?"
"Dad, that's not what Violet meant," Carl quickly reassured.
Eric angrily said, "I see she doesn't respect me anymore. She should remember that without the Jude family, she wouldn't be in this position."
"Yes, everything is thanks to the Jude family. I married Carl, but hasn't the Miller family also provided any help? All my socializing is just for fun, all thanks to the Jude family and your son."
"You," Eric glared at her, feeling utterly humiliated.
"Violet, apologize to Dad," Carl signaled her, never expecting things to escalate this far.
"Dad, I'm very busy. I have to meet with the First Lady of Selaestan early tomorrow, so I'll head back now."
Violet checked the time and turned to leave.
"Mom, wait for me," Derek quickly followed.
"Dad, I'll go talk to her," Carl also hurried out.
"You all," Eric angrily pounded his cane.
Michael said, "Grandpa, they don't respect you anymore. One is Violet, and the other is the President. The whole of Madison listens to them, so why should they listen to you?"
Eric was stunned and then frowned deeply.
Aaron frowned and said, "Michael, it's very late. Carl and Violet are very busy every day."
"Michael, come out with me. Don't disturb your grandpa's rest." James glanced at his son and then walked out of the hall.
Michael followed him until they reached the Jude family memorial hall.
"Kneel," James pointed to the prayer mat.
"Dad," Michael was stunned.
James turned and looked seriously at Michael. The memorial hall was dark, with only moonlight illuminating Michael's handsome face. It was still the familiar face, but it felt strange to James.
"Are you happy stirring up trouble between your grandpa and your uncle's family?" James asked disappointedly.
Michael's body tensed, "I didn't."
"No, you did," James said. "You know your grandpa has been strong-willed all his life. He's old now, and your uncle and his family are somewhat disobedient. He must feel uncomfortable. If someone stirs things up, your grandpa will pressure your uncle to discipline Violet. Violet is also strong-willed. What would be the result? A rift between husband and wife. If they have problems, some people will take advantage, not just those eyeing the presidency, but you too. Isn't it an opportunity for you?"
"Dad, what are you talking about?" Michael's expression grew more angry and severe.
"Michael, sometimes you're impulsive, but you're not hopelessly stupid." James pointed to his head, "You've been ignored, looked down upon, even ridiculed as a failure. It must be hard, especially seeing Derek and Laura together. Your hatred has reached its peak. Do you resent Derek's current status?"
Michael clenched his fists tightly, then slowly lowered his head, trembling all over. "Dad, I do resent it, but I didn't."
"You didn't, or you don't dare to face it?" James unhesitatingly exposed him.
Michael stiffened.
James patted his shoulder, "My son should never be a schemer. You can be deceived by a woman, fooled, it's okay. Many men have been deceived by women. Everyone has foolish moments, but you can't hurt your family. Tell me, where is your sincerity, your kindness?"
"Kindness?" Michael laughed lowly, "I used to be too kind. But what was the result? You always told me that sometimes success requires necessary means. So what if I schemed? Dad, you're nothing in the Jude family now. I've dragged you down. Do you think Uncle still respects you? He's the President, and you're nothing."
"So, I should bring my own brother down from the presidency, make him like me, so I feel better?"
James frowned deeply, unable to believe Michael had become so extreme. "Haven't you heard of 'united we stand, divided we fall'? If your uncle steps down, what good does it do the Jude family? No matter what, the Jude family is still under your sister's control. It's still our Jude family."
"Julia is still young. Do you think she won't get married?" Michael laughed coldly. "Once she has children and gets married, the Jude family will belong to someone else. Dad, you're too naive. Besides, she and Derek are in cahoots. They want to marginalize you."
Log in with Google Account
Chapters
Favorite
Settings
