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.

to make sure things don't work out between you two and that she would go as far

Evelyn had recorded the conversation with Sandra or said anything to Derek

threats or show her cards too soon. She's smarter than that," Derek said, and Michael stiffened, not expecting Derek's

glass. "The Evelyn you know?" He asked, not

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

even told Sandra that she chose to come to interview you so she could seduce you and that neither Sandra nor I could stop her,"

also doesn't sound like something Evelyn would say," Derek said, and Michael's

that? Do you think I'm making

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 unreadable.

Maybe Sandra's twisting the truth a little. Were you there? Did you hear any of this yourself? Or is it mere hearsay from

me that?" He asked, unable to understand why

answered my question,"

a thin

all secondhand, isn't it?" Derek

ever wonder why I asked Evelyn to work with me for a month before granting her the

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

That was the same reason I shared personal stuff with

love with her? How can you

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 from Sandra? Evelyn didn't come to seduce me. If she wanted to, she would have

she was taking her time. Maybe

head, grinning. "I'm over her. I no longer care

the sound of Sandra's name, his suspicion easing. "Sandra, huh? Well, that's more like it. I knew

sister and focus on me now," Derek teased, watching as Michael's tension