Chapter 1665 A Complete Defeat
Hung up the phone.
Laura's anxious heart, which had been restless since last night, finally calmed down.
Thinking back, a lot had happened since she came to Whisperlyn City.
During the divorce, she had seriously doubted whether she was a terrible woman.
She had felt despair, resentment, and sorrow, but up until today, when internet users stood by her side, when many former classmates who weren't very familiar with her spoke up for her, and even Benjamin publicly supported her.
She suddenly felt that she wasn't such a failure after all.
Life always had its ups and downs.
There were good times and bad times.
As long as you sticked to your principles, the world was still fair.
Falsehoods remained false, and things you haven't done can't be turned into truth.
In Rolf's villa.
When Michael saw that most of the online comments were criticizing him, his handsome face twisted, and he smashed his phone on the spot.
He never expected Benjamin to stand up for Laura.
The Hayes family had been tormented to the brink of collapse, and Benjamin had long fallen out with Laura. Didn't he hate Laura?
Now Benjamin was publicly admitting his wrongdoings to highlight Laura's plight. Benjamin must be crazy. Does he think he's not being criticized enough?
And then there's Derek.
Weren't those two videos supposed to be deleted in advance, leaving no trace?
How did Derek manage to find the full versions of the videos?
Could Derek have anticipated this?
Moreover, Derek publicly resigned from his position as the President's Secretary.
Derek must be out of his mind.
Would someone as shrewd and calculating as Derek really give up so much for love?
Does Derek like Laura that much?
"Michael, it looks like you're beyond saving."
Rolf came over after finishing breakfast in the dining room, a faint impatience showing on his deep-set face. "The public doesn't believe a word you say anymore, and even the hired trolls are useless."
Michael felt a surge of anxiety and unwillingly said, "Rolf, give me another chance."
Rolf raised his hand indifferently. "Enough. We've wasted an entire night. Not only did I gain nothing, but after all your fuss, you've only enhanced Carl's reputation. You are no match for Carl and his son."
Michael's fists clenched tightly, veins bulging on his forehead.
Why? Why does Rolf look down on him too?
Seeing Michael's angry expression, Rolf sneered, "Don't you get it yet? When the online sentiment started favoring the Presidential Palace, Derek still chose to resign. From a public perspective, people will see the President as selfless. On a personal level, Carl didn't stop Derek from pursuing his feelings, making him appear as an enlightened and kind father. What kind of President do internet users want? Enlightened, fair. And young citizens? They yearn for the freedom to pursue love. Such a President is the ideal father figure for every young person."
After a pause, Rolf laughed. "So, after a whole night, you and I gained nothing. In fact, every step you took was thoroughly calculated by Derek."
Michael's pupils dilated, and his handsome face gradually turned pale.
Michael felt as if his soul and strength had been drained. He took two steps back and stumbled onto the sofa.
Rolf looked down at him. "As long as Carl doesn't make any mistakes, his re-election is assured. So what if Derek resigns? He can go back to school for a few years, get a higher degree, and Carl's position will be even more secure. When Derek returns, he'll be even more solid. Derek hasn't lost anything. In fact, he's gained public support. Everyone supports him and Laura. He's gained everything."
The more Rolf spoke, the more he marveled.
Although he had always known Derek was no simple character, he hadn't expected Derek to be so astute at such a young age.
Every step was calculated.
Derek might go even further than Carl in the future.
Michael stared blankly at the ground.
Michael couldn't believe it. After all his efforts, not only did he fail to destroy Laura and Derek, but he also made the public support them being together?
How could this happen?
What makes those two worthy of blessings?
"Rolf, our Mr. Michael Jude disturbed you last night. We apologize."
Footsteps approached, and a deep voice came from the doorway.
Michael looked up sharply. It was Daron Bales, the head of EchoReach, accompanied by several subordinates.
"I should be the one apologizing for making you wait outside all night." Rolf smiled lightly, holding a teacup. "Consider this cup of tea my apology."
"You're too kind."
Daron quickly bowed. "But our Mrs. Julia Jude asked me to take him back immediately."
"Feel free." Rolf shrugged.
Michael stood up in a panic. "Rolf, you promised me. You said..."
"What did I say?"
Rolf smiled slyly in front of Daron. "Sorry, Michael seems to have misunderstood. I've always been loyal to the President."
"I understand. Young people can be immature and cause trouble when they have conflicts with their families."
Daron signaled to his men, and two of them stepped forward. Michael tried to resist, but they were too strong, and he was quickly subdued.
"Let go, Daron. I'm the eldest son of the Jude family. How dare you treat me like this?" Michael struggled fiercely.
Daron waved his hand, and the two men took Michael out first.
"Rolf, sorry to bother you," Daron nodded and was about to leave.
Rolf lifted the lid of his teacup and suddenly said, "Last night, Michael incited me to seek outside forces."
Daron's body stiffened, and he turned back with cold eyes.
"I'm not lying." Rolf spread his hands. "Michael is of no use to me now. I'm just giving the Jude family a heads-up. Eric really didn't teach Michael well."
"Thanks."
Daron nodded slightly and turned to leave.
After leaving, Daron got into a car and called Julia. "We've captured Michael, but Rolf said Michael incited him to seek outside forces."
There was a long silence on the other end before Julia's voice came through. "Understood. Find a place to keep him locked up. Don't let him contact the outside world."
"I understand."
Michael being taken away by EchoReach quickly reached Whispering Pines Manor.
James and his wife hurriedly called Julia back.
"Julia, did you really get Michael back from Rolf?" Eric seemed to have aged a lot overnight. He couldn't understand how his once beloved Michael had turned out this way.
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