?Chapter 275:
Derek gripped Madeline’s hand firmly. Seeing how Coen and the Powell family had pushed forward with that small project, Derek sensed their diminishing regard for the Carter family. Once, when the Carter Group held considerable influence, the Powell family had sought to establish a close rtionship for mutual development. Now, Derek realized, their respect had waned.
He assumed Madeline would only be truly cared for when she was by his side. Smiling at Derek, Madeline felt conflicted. Would shemit to marrying into the Carter family today? She hadn’t made up her mind yet. A part of her felt like saying no to themitment.
For an entire week, Derek had refrained from giving Madeline any money. He told her to avoid buying fancy things and even thought getting a manicure was too expensive. The Carter family’s living situation was truly struggling now.
“Derek, my mom meant no harm. She just worries about me,” Madeline defended her mother.
“I understand your mother’s intentions. Mrs. Powell, what more do you want to say?” Derek replied coldly.
Derek’s harsh words cast a shadow over Coen’s and Rhoda’s faces. They had looked down on Derek ever since his divorce, where he had lost the majority of his family’s wealth.
What was he capable of? Derek couldn’t even hold onto his family’s property. How could he possibly bring happiness to Madeline? How could he ensure that the child growing inside Madeline’s belly would have a secure and joyful home?
Coen only wanted his daughter to marry into one of Glophia’s prestigious families. In his eyes, Derek wasn’t worthy of Madeline.
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“You need to provide at least $660,000 worth of wedding gifts,” Coen demanded. “I want to ensure she livesfortably. Madeline is thest one in our family to get married. Her sisters received generous gifts when they married.”
Coen’s boastful words left the Carter family feeling quite ufortable. It seemed Coen believed they were eager for Madeline to marry Derek. Ironically, the Carter family thought that Madeline didn’t deserve Derek.
The whole Carter family didn’t hold Madeline in high regard. Although they felt this way privately, they still maintained appearances. Juliana and Sharon took charge of the discussion, with Coen and Rhoda mostly silent.
Yet, nobody was ready topromise.
Peeking from behind her mother, Kathy smirked at Madeline, thinking she was a maniptive woman who only knew how to act delicate and innocent in front of Derek. Noticing Kathy’s re, Madeline smiled gently at her. “Hey, Kathy, the Grace Cup is starting soon. Are you all set with your design?”
“Yes.” Rolling her eyes, Kathy responded, “I won’t show you, or else you’ll use me of copying.” Wasn’t Madeline fond of making baseless usations the most?
Madeline’s smile remained unchanged. “Kathy, you misunderstood. I’m just concerned you’re not keeping up.”
Derek snapped, “Kathy, how could you speak to Madeline in such a way?”
“Wasn’t I speaking normally?”
“Be careful how you speak next time. If I catch you speaking to Madeline like that again, don’t be surprised if I’m not polite,” Derek warned.
Observing Madeline leaning against Derek’s shoulder, Kathy boiled with frustration, knowing Madeline wasn’t as easy to push around as Norah. If Madeline had married Derek, she would have faced challenges ahead.
After talking for over an hour, both families finally reached a solution that made them happy.
“First, let’s wait for the couple to get the marriage license. Since Madeline hasn’t sported a baby bump yet, we can schedule the wedding this month or next. The Carter family will handle the wedding gifts and other needs ording to the Powell family’s instructions. Anything else you want to add?” Juliana asked.
Coen’s mood improved slightly, knowing that this marriage would bring benefits to the Powell family. “Sounds good to me. Madeline listens to us.” Blinded by his own satisfaction, Coen failed to notice the sorrow in Madeline’s eyes.
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