?Chapter 274:


    It wasn’t until Derek’s grandmother’s call that he hastily whisked Madeline away. The Powell family set off to Carter Manor on short notice. Derek concurred with his grandmother’s urgency. The wedding should proceed swiftly, especially since Madeline’s pregnancy was still in its early stages.


    Yet, amidst the rush, Norah’s image flickered through Derek’s mind. Derek shook his head. What did he miss her for? “No, we can’t back out now. Your parents are en route,” Derek replied.


    Forfeiting attendance would cast Madeline and Derek as ying tricks in the eyes of both families’ elders. In that case, Madeline’s and Derek’s reputations wouldn’t remain untarnished.


    Grudgingly, Madeline trailed behind Derek into Carter Manor. Inside the living room, Sharon and Kathy upied adjacent seats, while Derek’s grandparents, Matthew and Juliana, sat in the prime spots on the sofa. Their faces were grim, tongues held by invisible reins.


    Opposite Sharon sat Derek’s father, Adrian, a figure with scant influence within the Carter family, relegated to a managerial role in the Carter Group. Adrian cast meful nces at Kathy, knowing full well her recklessness left unspoken.


    Soon after, Derek and Madeline made their entrance, breaking the somber spell that had gripped the room.


    “Derek, take a seat. Kathy, scoot over a bit and make room for your brother.” Sharon’s warmth toward Derek was palpable, but her reception of Madeline was marked by a disdainful snort. “Here you are.”


    With that, Sharonpsed into silence, turning her attention to Derek’s recent activities.


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    Though Juliana harbored a deep disdain for Madeline’s character, she masked it with forced civility for Derek’s sake. “Madeline, please, have a seat. We’ll wait for your parents before we proceed.” Juliana’s politeness thinly veiled her antipathy.


    Clutching Derek’s hand tightly, Madeline trembled behind him. “Hello, everyone.”


    The room’s tension was suffocating, leaving Madeline feeling unnerved. Her mind raced, pondering her escape from here. Guilt gnawed at her, fearing her inner turmoil might beid bare.


    Derek furrowed his brow, scrutinizing Madeline with a perplexed gaze. Wasn’t she once known for her graciousness toward others? How had she fallen shortpared to Norah?


    Norah’s visits to the Carter Manor were always marked by courtesy toward Sharon and Kathy. As for Juliana, Norah effortlessly charmed her on every asion.


    Soon, Coen and Rhoda showed up. Juliana rose, acknowledging them with a nod. “You’re aware of why Derek summoned you here, I presume? The Carter family is aware of Madeline’s pregnancy.”


    “We’ve convened to discuss Madeline and Derek’s future,” Juliana said, her voice cool and measured.


    Coen exchanged an imperceptible nce with Madeline before shing a polite smile. “We’ve just learned of it from Madeline. Her mother and I don’t have high expectations. Our only wish is for the couple’s happiness and well-being.”


    Juliana recognized Coen’s gambit, allowing the Carters to dictate terms first. She admitted, “The Carter family is facing trying times…”


    Juliana’s thoughts drifted to Norah. Despite knowing the Carter family’s financial constraints, Norahcked consideration and imed two-thirds of their wealth. Juliana felt her kindness to Norah was in vain.


    Rhoda interjected, “Juliana, you mentioned the Carter family’s difficulties. Can Derek provide Madeline with afortable life?” Sharon arched an eyebrow, her tone icy as it cut through the air. “Given the Carter family’s predicament, what if Derek can’t provide Madeline with luxury?”


    To Sharon, Madeline and Norah were both responsible for the Carter family’s downfall. Madeline was a shameless mistress whose interest was merely spending Derek’s money. Norah had taken away a major part of the Carter family fortune post-divorce. Neither could im moral superiority.


    Sharon’s words left Rhoda speechless. Though Rhoda’s expression soured, she remained silent.


    Derek shot Rhoda a cold nce, assuming that her priorities were solely fixated on extracting wealth from the Carter family, with little regard for Madeline’s well-being.


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