The Billionaire's Unexpected Proposal by Samantha

Chapter 113

Before heading to his office, Derek found himself driving toward his parents' home. Because he had been very busy at the office the previous day, he had been unable to visit his father and tell him about Samantha.

Now, he wanted to do that before going to work since he knew he had another busy day ahead of him.

As much as he would have loved to tell his mother about Samantha, he knew he couldn't do that. At least not yet. She didn't like Evelyn enough yet to want to accept anything that came from Evelyn, and she might just extend her anger at Evelyn to Samantha.

That was something he didn't want since he wouldn't forgive her for it if she tried it.

He still felt a bit anxious over the lingering tension with his mother. He wasn't sure what to expect when he arrived, but he knew he couldn't keep the news of his daughter from his father any longer.

As he pulled into the driveway, the mansion loomed before him, reminding him of the legacy his family held. Derek parked and took a deep breath before stepping out of the car. The air was cool, a slight breeze rustling the leaves of the oak trees lining the property.

With determined steps, he approached the front door.

The door swung open before he could knock, and his mother stepped outside in her gardening clothes with the butler beside her.

Seeing him, her expression was a mask of cold indifference. She glanced at him briefly before turning away, her lack of a greeting stinging more than he cared to admit. The tension between them was evident, but Derek forced himself to remain calm, determined not to let her icy behavior affect him.

"Good morning, Mom," Derek greeted her pleasantly.

She didn't respond. Instead she headed in the direction of the garden without a word.

Derek watched her retreating figure for a moment, the silence between them thick with unresolved issues.

But he pushed it aside, focusing on why he was here. If she was going to be this way, then he was going to let her be. Without another glance at her, he made his way toward the study where he knew his father would be.

Expecting him to stop her or try to beg her, his mother turned when she didn't hear him following her, and she scowled when she realized he had ignored her, too.

It was all Evelyn's fault that wretched golddigger, she reasoned.

door to the study was slightly ajar, and Derek knocked lightly before pushing it open. His father, who was seated behind his massive mahogany desk, looked up from the papers on his desk, surprise flickering across his features as

morning, Dad. Do you have

unexpected," he said, leaning back in his chair.

the door behind him, a smile tugging at the corners of his lips and his eyes gleaming with excitement as he approached the desk. "No problem, Dad. Actually, I've got some good news." His father's eyes softened as he noticed the eager look on Derek's face. "Good news, you say?" he asked, a smile spreading across his face. "Well, you look like you're about

across his face as he reached into his pocket and pulled out his phone. "First, I wanted to let you know that I've made some progress concerning our last conversation. I've

Derek. I didn't expect you to move so

rather, someone new. I discovered something." He paused for dramatic effect, then pulled

asked when

furrowing in confusion as he studied the image. "Who is this pretty little girl?" he asked, looking

the photo and Derek. "My granddaughter?" he repeated, incredulous. "Are you pulling my leg, Derek?" Derek chuckled, shaking his head. "No, Dad. I'm serious. I found out about her two days ago. I wanted to tell you sooner, but I've been swamped at work and didn't want to share the news over the phone." His father stared

mother,

back to have the child. She

as he asked the following question. "Are

even open to the idea of a paternity test if it makes you

"A granddaughter!" he exclaimed, shaking his head in amazement. "You know, I've always wanted a daughter, and now I have a granddaughter. This is wonderful news,

help but boast a little as he

know what the best part is? We've got a strong bond, Dad. I'd already been interacting with Samantha long before knowing she was Evelyn's daughter. I met her at the hotel the first day they got into the country, and we've been good friends since

happy about being a father,"

am, Dad. I'm even more happy about being Samantha's father. She's

beamed, his pride evident. "I'm not interested in hearing all those details from you right now, Derek. I want to see this child with my

laughed, nodding. "We'll have

meeting Evelyn's parents

said Evelyn's parents do not talk to her,

father who cut her off. But they resolved things last night," Derek said and then told his

didn't tell them about hacking Michael's phone, did

them. The fewer people that

could continue their conversation, the door to the study creaked open, and Derek's mother walked in. Both men stopped talking, their