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.

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

had recorded the conversation with Sandra or

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

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

calculated lady. I'm just saying it as it is. By the way, what was that you mentioned earlier on the phone about Evelyn saying she wants me?" Derek asked, trying not to grin as

told Sandra that she chose to come to interview you so she could seduce you and that neither Sandra nor

Derek

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

way Michael's unease grew with every word. "I don't know. Are you?" Derek leaned back, crossing

Did you hear any of this yourself?

you asking me that?" He asked, unable to understand why Derek sounded

haven't answered my

pressed into a thin line.

all secondhand, isn't it?" Derek

to work with me for a month

hear from his Mom sooner or later that he was in love with Evelyn. Michael blinked, caught off guard. "What are

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 enough so

love with her? How can

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 come to seduce me. If she wanted to, she would have gotten me without trying, and she knows it," Derek said, wanting to plant a seed of doubt in

time. Maybe she wants you

her. I no longer care about her. It is Sandra

Well, that's more like it.

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