Chapter 1646 Confidants and Friends
"When did you owe Laura anything?" Carl asked, puzzled.
Julia's fingers tightened. "Have you forgotten? I switched Laura's birth control pills back then. Otherwise, she wouldn't have gotten pregnant and wouldn't have married into our Jude family."
Carl fell silent.
If Julia hadn't mentioned it, he would have almost forgotten about it.
"Julia, this doesn't seem like your style." In his memory, Julia had always been a decisive and ruthless person, even more so than himself.
If Carl were facing Julia right now, he would definitely see the person on the other end of the phone with a mocking expression.
"Do you and the Jude family think I've done so many despicable things that I should be numb and unfeeling? That I wouldn't feel guilt or compassion, like a robot?" Julia said.
"That's not what I meant."
"Don't be so quick to deny it. Over the years, I've never once complained of pain, so you've all gotten used to it. I understand, in a place like the Jude family, if a woman doesn't have absolute power, she's at the mercy of others. If I resist, I'll be labeled as betraying the Jude family's careful cultivation, as if without the Jude family, I wouldn't be where I am today."
Carl was speechless, his face a bit flushed.
Today, he had been repeatedly rebuffed.
First by Derek, then by Violet, and now by Julia.
Julia continued, "I have to admit, the Jude family has indeed invested a lot in me. I've enjoyed this position, living a life of luxury since childhood. My life's starting point was higher than others, so since I matured, I've been doing my best to give back to the Jude family. Over the years, I've given back almost enough. Now, I have my own ideas. I have no obligation to unconditionally obey you all the time."
"Alright, Julia." Carl's chest heaved with anger. "Have you ever thought that without my support, could the Jude family have been so successful in Madison?"
"Without the Jude Group, do you think you could be re-elected? Would the elite team under you still listen to you?" Julia kindly reminded him, "Sometimes money may seem vulgar, but many things can't be done without it. Our relationship is mutually beneficial; no one solely relies on the other."
"Very well, Julia. I never expected this," Carl said, having not been challenged by a junior like this since he took his position.
"I am willing to help Derek, not just because he helped me get into the Jude Group, but because he understands me the most in the entire Jude family. We are not just family; we are confidants and friends. That's my stance."
Julia hung up the phone.
Carl immediately slammed his phone onto the table in anger.
Violet came out after her bath and saw Carl with a stern face. Based on her past experience, Carl was definitely very angry now. He probably didn't have a pleasant conversation with Julia.
Sure enough, Carl pointed at the phone and complained to her, "Julia doesn't respect me at all. She even threatened me. I haven't retired yet. What will happen if I retire?"
"Julia is not an impolite person." Violet calmly applied skincare products to her face. "Honey, sometimes you need to see things more openly. Being President isn't that easy; there are many constraints. Have you ever thought that you not only can't break ties with Julia, but you also can't break ties with the top ten major companies in Madison? Every year, you have to find ways to get them to invest heavily in Madison, create more jobs, and pay more taxes."
Carl was stunned, unable to respond.
"People should be more easygoing. Don't let your attitude change just because your status has changed." After saying this, Violet turned around and seriously continued her skincare routine.
After thinking for a long time, Carl gently placed his hand on her shoulder from behind. "Honey, I think the luckiest thing in my life was marrying you. My dad was wrong about some things. I have many shortcomings, and it's only because we complement each other that I am where I am today. Even my temper isn't that good."
Violet listened and looked at Carl seriously. "Honey, don't be fooled by our current high status. Many people are cautious around us, but after you retire, won't we be just like ordinary people, occasionally shopping at the supermarket or taking walks in the park?
"If you do well as President, future generations will often mention you. If you do an average job, your name will just be a footnote in political history. I'm telling you this so you always remember your original intentions."
Carl nodded as if enlightened.
Violet straightened his pajamas. "I'll go talk to Laura tomorrow. You don't need to worry about this."
On the other side
After returning home, Derek opened his phone and saw several Facebook messages from Laura: [Did Michael tell your family about it? Are you okay?]
Derek: [What could happen to me?]
Laura relaxed: [Can you take a call now?]
Just after sending the message, Derek called. "I just got back from Whispering Pines Manor."
"Did they all scold you?" Laura tensed up. She could imagine the scene. If it were her, she might not be able to withstand their disdainful looks.
"Only Michael scolded me. The others didn't." Derek snorted. "Luckily, my mom is tough and gave Michael a good scolding."
"Godmother?" Laura was surprised. "Shouldn't she be very angry too?"
"My mom isn't confused. Michael accused us of adultery, which would be a big deal if it got out. My mom was very angry and said he had no proof." Derek laughed. "They don't agree now, but they can't do anything about it."
Laura wasn't comforted at all and instead gave a bitter smile. "Your parents definitely won't agree. I'm a divorced woman."
"Laura," Derek said sternly, "it's one thing for others to say that, but how can you have so little confidence in yourself? Do you know how many good things I said about you tonight? You need to have confidence in yourself. Many older men can marry women who have never been married. Why can't women find men who have never been married?"
Laura laughed, and after laughing, she felt warm inside. "You're a man, always standing up for us women. If those misogynistic men heard you, they'd probably curse you to death."
"Laura, you're the woman I love. I want you to have confidence in yourself. I'm not as good as you think; I have many flaws too," Derek said seriously.
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