Chapter: 500

Rhoda interjected, “Juliana, you mentioned the Carter family's difficulties. Can Derek provide Madeline with a comfortable life?"

Sharon arched an eyebrow, her tone icy 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 claim moral superiority.

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

Derek shot Rhoda a cold glance, assuming Rhoda's priorities were solely fixated on extracting wealth from the Carter family, neglecting Madeline's well-being entirely.

Derek gripped Madeline's hand firmly.

Seeing how Coen and the Carter Group had advanced that small project, Derek sensed the Powell family's diminishing regard for the Carter family.

Once, when the Carter Group held considerable influence, the Powell family sought to establish a close relationship with them for mutual development.

Derek assumed Madeline would only be truly cared about when she was by his side.

Smiling at Derek, Madeline felt conflicted. Would she commit to marrying into the Carter family today? But she hadn't made up her mind yet. A part of her felt like saying no to the commitment.

For a whole week, Derek hadn't given 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'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.

"You need to provide at least $660, 000 worth of wedding gifts. I want to ensure she lives comfortably. Madeline is the last one in our family to get married. Her sisters received generous gifts when they got married."

Coen's boastful words left the Carter family feeling quite unhappy.

It seemed Coen believed they were eager for Madeline to marry Derek.

Ironically enough, the Carter family supposed Madeline didn't deserve Derek. The whole Carter family didn't hold Madeline in high regard.

Although they felt this way inside, they still maintained appearances.

Juliana and Sharon took charge of the discussion with Coen and Rhoda mostly. Yet, nobody was ready to compromise.

Peeking from behind her mother, Kathy smirked at Madeline, thinking Madeline was a manipulative bitch who only knew how to act delicate and innocent in front of Derek.

Noticing Kathy's glare, Madeline smiled gently at her. “Hey, Kathy, the Grace Cup is starting soon. Are you all set with your design?"