The Billionaire's Unexpected Proposal by Samantha

Chapter

103

Derek walked into the hotel with a spring in his step, the high from the day's events still coursing through him. He pushed through the doors of the lounge, scanning the room before spotting Michael seated at the bar, swirling a glass of dark liquor in his hand.

Michael looked up, and his eyes narrowed when he saw that Derek seemed to be in an excellent mood. He couldn't help but wonder what could have happened to put him in such a good mood, considering what had happened with Sandra and his mother.

"What's up, Mike?" Derek asked as he slid into the seat next to Michael.

"I should be asking you. You look so excited," Michael noted, taking a slow sip from his glass. The suspicion in his voice was hard to miss.

Derek chuckled, "What can I say? Life's good today," he replied, waving the bartender over with a carefree hand. "The usual, please."

Derek was too happy to be upset or irritated by Michael's schemes. He could go back to being wary tomorrow, but for today, he just wanted to bask in his euphoria.

Michael cocked his head to the side, scrutinizing his friend. "Really?"

"Yeah. And I'm happy to see you," Derek said easily, and Michael chuckled.

Michael's frown deepened, the cautious expression never leaving his face. "Well, I'm glad you're happy. I thought you'd be upset considering everything that's been going on," he said, and Derek raised a brow. "Why should I be upset?" He asked as the bartender set down his glass in front of him.

Michael raised a brow, still suspicious. "Well, I'd have thought Evelyn losing her job because of you might bother you. I know you care about her. And you know, the whole... situation with my mom and Sandra." Derek laughed lightly, leaning back in his chair, "Oh, that. Well, I guess it was bound to happen. I try not to stress over things that I can't control. Everything happens for a reason, after all," Derek said dismissively as he took a long, satisfying sip of his Negroni.

Michael nodded in agreement, glad that Derek wasn't making a big deal out of it. "So, did Evelyn tell you anything else?" Michael asked, and Derek raised a brow.

"Anything? Like what?" Derek's voice was casual, but his eyes gleamed with amusement as he took another sip.

"Well, she told Sandra that she was going to make sure things don't work out between you two and that she would go as far as telling you that Sandra and I are lovers,"

know if Evelyn had recorded the conversation with Sandra

"The Evelyn I know isn't the type to make idle threats or show her cards too soon. She's smarter than that," Derek said, and Michael stiffened, not expecting

around his glass. "The Evelyn you know?" He asked,

I'm just saying it as it is. By the way, what was that

to get you no matter what. She even told Sandra that she chose to come to interview you so she could seduce you and that neither Sandra nor I could stop

doesn't sound like something Evelyn would say," Derek

that? Do you think I'm making this

let out a soft laugh, enjoying the way Michael's unease grew with every word. "I don't know. Are you?" Derek leaned back, crossing his arms over his chest, his expression

Were you there? Did you hear any of this yourself?

asking me that?" He asked, unable to understand why Derek sounded like he was

haven't answered my question," Derek

lips pressed into a thin line. "No,

secondhand, isn't it?" Derek

why I asked Evelyn to work with me for a month

unconventional arrangement?" Derek asked since he knew that Michael was bound to hear from his Mom sooner or later that he was in love with

fell in love with her at first sight. That was the

How can you say that to me after everything she did

I found out about your history with her. I had to let go of her because you're like my little brother, and I care about you," Derek said, slapping Michael's back fondly, "Do you see now why I don't believe the story you just claimed you heard

time. Maybe she

shook his head, grinning. "I'm over her. I no longer care about her. It

easing. "Sandra, huh? Well, that's more like it. I knew you had good taste. Well,

to forget about her sister and focus on