The Billionaire's Unexpected Proposal by Samantha

Chapter

102

The moment Derek stepped into his suite, an uncontainable surge of joy overtook him. He flicked his finger in the air, a grin spreading across his face as he moved to the rhythm of the victory beating inside him.

Without thinking, he glided across the floor in a smooth moonwalk, followed by a jubilant Michael Jackson spin, laughing out loud. His laughter echoed in the spacious room, filling every corner with his euphoria. He was on top of the world.

Humming to himself, Derek began stripping off his clothes with the same excitement, eager to freshen up and head out. His shirt was the first to go, followed quickly by his trousers- until something small tumbled out of his pocket and hit the floor with a faint clink.

Derek paused, his brow furrowing in confusion. He stooped to retrieve the object, realizing it was a flash drive. His mind raced-how had it gotten there? Did someone slip it into his pocket? Who? When? A flood of curiosity washed over him. Shrugging, he walked over to his nightstand where his laptop sat and plugged the drive in, impatient to uncover its contents.

Derek's heart skipped a beat as the files loaded on his screen. His breath caught in his throat, and a slow smile crept across his face, growing wider and wider until his cheeks ached from the sheer joy of it. Pictures filled the screen-pictures of Samantha, his daughter. There she was, captured in precious moments frozen in time from birth to infanthood.

Every laugh, every tiny hand reaching out, every peaceful nap-it was all there. It was a treasure trove of memories he'd never seen yet missed.

He lowered himself onto the edge of his bed, all thoughts of meeting Ethan slipping away as he scrolled through the images. Each picture struck a chord deep within him. There she was, his little girl, growing up in front of his eyes, frame by frame. His fingers shook as they hovered over the keyboard, unable to tear himself away from the slideshow of her life.

His heart ached, both in sadness for the time he'd missed and in gratitude for the chance to see these moments now. His vision blurred as tears welled in his eyes, but a soft chuckle escaped him as one particularly goofy picture of baby Samantha popped up. Before he knew it, he was crying, laughing, and smiling all at once, emotions swirling through him like a storm he couldn't control.

He glanced at the time but didn't care about how much of it had passed. There was no rush. With newfound determination, Derek connected his phone to his laptop, transferring the pictures and videos. He needed them close, to carry with him wherever he went, so he could look at them whenever the longing hit. He would make up for the time he lost. He promised himself that.

His phone suddenly rang, pulling him out of the trance he'd been in. Ethan's name flashed on the screen. Realizing how long he had been caught up in the emotional whirlwind, he answered the call hastily.

you, man?" Ethan's voice asked, a

I'll be there in a bit," he said, glancing at his reflection in the mirror. His eyes were still wet, but he didn't care. This was joy, not sorrow. He moved quickly, setting his phone aside as he pulled on fresh clothes. Pocketing his phone and grabbing his wallet and car keys, Derek was halfway to the door before he froze. His laptop. The flash drive. He couldn't

drawer until he found an old pair of socks. Carefully, he tucked the drive inside the sock and pushed it deep into the drawer. It wasn't much of a hiding spot, but for now, it

as he made his way to the car. The drive to the lounge

seated at their usual table and waved him over. Derek grinned as he approached, signaling for the waiter. "Bring us the most expensive wine you've

mystery lady finally said yes," he teased, though a

that, man. She did more than just

and he leaned

did she do? Come

pulled out his phone and unlocked it, turning the

for a moment before looking back at Derek, his eyes wide. "Is this... what I think

whisper. "Her name is Samantha. She is

here!" Ethan said,

"I know, it's unreal. I still

really is your daughter? The mystery lady

spilling down his cheeks as he wiped them away with a shaky laugh. "Yes. Evelyn has my daughter. I found out

clapped Derek on the back. "I

before Evelyn introduced her to me, it would have been weirder. But I already knew and loved the kid

head in amazement. "You've been spending time with her and didn't even know she was yours?"

tale, and when Derek was done, he shook his head in amazement, "Wow! You both must have a

something to me, man. I can't explain it. It's the