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

the conversation

help but chuckle. "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

his glass. "The Evelyn you know?" He asked, not liking the sound

of you, she's a very smart and calculated lady. I'm just saying it as it is. By the way, what was

and she was going 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

Derek said, and Michael's frown deepened.

that? Do you think I'm making this up?" He asked in

you?" Derek leaned back, crossing his

sound like Evelyn. Maybe Sandra's twisting the truth a little. Were you there? Did you

He asked, unable to understand why Derek sounded like he was making fun

haven't answered my question,"

into a thin line. "No,

secondhand,

ever wonder why I asked Evelyn to work with

you think it was an unconventional arrangement?" Derek asked since he knew that Michael was bound to hear from his Mom sooner or later that he was in

first sight. That was the same reason I shared personal stuff with her and

twisted into a scowl. "You're in love with her? How can you

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

time.

over her. I no longer care about

lit up at the sound of Sandra's name, his suspicion easing. "Sandra, huh? Well, that's more like it. I knew you had good taste. Well, I just thought I should warn

you should ask Sandra to forget about her sister and focus on me now," Derek teased, watching as Michael's tension melted