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.

out between you two and that she would go as

know if Evelyn had recorded the conversation with Sandra or

idle threats or show her cards too soon. She's smarter than that," Derek said, and Michael

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

whatever personal relationship existed between the both of you, she's a very smart and calculated lady. I'm just saying it as it is. By the way, what

what. She even told Sandra that she chose to come to interview you so

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

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

with every word. "I don't know. Are you?" Derek leaned back, crossing his arms over his chest, his expression unreadable. "I'm not making this up. Evelyn

truth a little. Were you there? Did you hear any of this yourself? Or is it mere hearsay from Sandra?"

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

answered my question," Derek

lips pressed into a thin line.

it's all secondhand,

Evelyn to work with me for a month before granting

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

her close, and not just for business reasons. I asked her to do that because I'm really into her. I fell in love with her at first sight. That was the same reason I shared personal stuff with her and took her on that trip. I wanted to get to know her. I wanted her close

with her? How can you say that to me after everything she did

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 from Sandra? Evelyn didn't

her time. Maybe

head, grinning. "I'm over her. I no longer care about her. It is Sandra I'm

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

should ask Sandra to forget about her sister and focus on me now," Derek teased, watching