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.

lowering his voice. "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

wanted to know if Evelyn had recorded the conversation with Sandra or said

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

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

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

was going to get you no matter what. She even told Sandra that she chose to come to interview

like something Evelyn would say," Derek said, and Michael's frown deepened. He was irritated

mean by that? Do you think I'm making

every word. "I don't know. Are you?" Derek leaned back,

sound like Evelyn. Maybe Sandra's twisting the truth a little. Were you there? Did you hear any of this yourself? Or is it

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

haven't answered my

into a thin line. "No,

it's all secondhand,

ever wonder why I asked Evelyn to work with me for

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

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

with her? How can you say

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 wants you now

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

that's more like it. I knew you

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