Chapter: 1540

Her vulnerability and tearful expression softened Derek's heart. He protectively held Marlene by the shoulders and frowned at Madeline.

“Madeline, when did you become so unreasonable? You're acting out of control, and it's disappointing. This isn't like you."

Madeline responded with a bitter laugh, "I've always been Like this. I just hid it well. Seems I fooled you completely, didn't I?"

She had sensed Derek's affection waning. She had tried to endure, hoping their deep past connection would salvage their relationship.

"Oh, no, I should say you have poor taste in women." Madeline's eyes then shot a piercing look at Marlene, who was quivering in Derek's embrace.

"This is all my fault. Marlene is innocent." Derek sighed.

Hearing this, Madeline's disappointment reached its peak. “Then let's proceed as we agreed and get a divorce."

Sharon was so agitated that she stamped her foot in frustration. "You can't get divorced, Madeline. Don't blame Derek; he made a mistake that any man might make.”

“But Sean would never do such a thing!" Madeline countered loudly.

“He has always been loyal to Norah."

The room fell silent at the mention of these familiar names. Norah and Sean were regarded as unattainable by them.

Adrian said calmly, "So what if Sean is loyal? Didn't he seek Marlene as a stand-in when Norah went missing?"

Marlene, feeling the weight of everyone's stares, spoke up weakly.

"Sean was just helping me. He didn't take advantage of the situation."

Derek knew what Marlene had said was true. After all, Marlene's first time had been with him.

Thinking of Norah, that beautiful and dignified woman, he clenched his fists, his eyes burning with a mix of anger and regret.

No one knew that he had once harbored hopes of reuniting with Norah.

Madeline sneered, “Do you see the difference now? That's the gap between you and Sean. You're nothing but a jerk, Derek. We'd be better off divorced and parting ways amicably."

Sharon screamed again, "You can't get divorced!"

Despite Sharon's disdain, Madeline was still a Powell, far more prestigious than Marlene, who came from no significant background.

Sharon's main concern was maintaining the advantages Madeline brought to the Carter family.

Facing the current predicament, Sharon knew Derek wouldn't easily find another woman of Madeline's standing.

Derek gritted his teeth as Madeline insisted on a divorce. "Fine, let's divorce."

"Since you cheated on me, half of the Carter family's assets should come to me." Madeline slapped the pre-prepared divorce agreement on the table in front of Derek.