The Billionaire's Unexpected Proposal by Samantha

Chapter 152

As Sandra sat in the back of the cab on her way to Michael's place, she rested her head against the cool window as her thoughts flitted back to the time she'd spent shopping with Derek's mother and how seamlessly she was fitting into the family.

Thinking about what Derek's mom had said about her parents being present at the birthday party and about it being a significant night, Sandra raised her hand to look at her finger, and she smiled as she imagined a diamond ring on it.

Thinking about Derek proposing to her on that night, she decided that even though Derek's mother had asked her to make the party an intimate affair, it wouldn't be a bad idea for the party to be covered and put on the front page of the magazine- that way news of her engagement to Derek would be made public faster.

She sighed dreamily at the thought of finally being Mrs. Stone.

Nothing and nobody could stop her now- not Evelyn, and definitely not Michael. She was going to take care of them.

Evelyn was always going to be a threat to her as long as Evelyn knew about her and Michael's affair. She couldn't have that.

After what Michael tried to do, she knew that he, too, was a threat.

He would always want to hold something over her, and she couldn't have anyone blackmailing her.

She might have failed the last time with the drugging incident, but she wouldn't fail again. She couldn't afford to. That was why she was planning something even bigger and better now for those two. A permanent way to get rid of them. She was going to use one stone to kill two birds.

Not wanting to dwell on that, she took her phone out of her purse and dialed Derek's number with a smile. The phone rang twice before Derek picked up.

Away from there, Derek was seated in the dining with Evelyn and Samantha, having dinner as Samantha told them all about school.

Derek's phone vibrated on the table, and he glanced at the screen.

"It's Sandra," he muttered under his breath, trying not to show his irritation.

"Shouldn't she be on her way to Michael's or with him already? You should answer it," Evelyn said, her voice gentle but firm.

Derek hesitated, his eyes darting to Samantha, who was happily nibbling on her pasta, unaware of the tension.

Evelyn chuckled at his reluctance, knowing why he didn't want to take it in front of her. "Go on. I don't mind," she said, waving him off with a smile. "Just don't take too long."

With a sigh, Derek got up from the table, shaking his head as he glanced at Samantha again. Evelyn laughed softly, amused by his internal struggle, as he excused himself from the table and walked into the hallway for some privacy.

He answered the call. "Hello, Sandra."

Sandra's pout was almost audible through the phone. "I always have to be the one calling you, Derek. Do you ever miss me?"

Derek rubbed his forehead, his patience thinning. "We've been over this several times, Sandra. You know I'm busy. Are you sure you want to be with someone who's always tied up with work? You might end up lonely. Maybe it's best we end things if you can't cope." There was a brief silence before Sandra quickly reassured him, her voice suddenly soft and eager. "I don't mind as long as you come back home to me every night. That's all that matters."

Derek leaned against the wall, staring at the ceiling. "If that's enough for you.." he said, trailing off. He could already feel the strings of Sandra's ambitions pulling at the edges of their nonexistent relationship.

I went shopping with your mother today," she said brightly, wanting to change the subject. "It was

"That's nice. I'm glad to hear you're getting along with her.

giggled, clearly trying to steer the conversation

she told me her birthday is in three weeks. Guess who's planning

chuckled, already seeing through her

invited. I want it to be special, Derek. So,

slightly. He knew exactly what she was fishing for. "If that's what you want, Sandra, go

through the phone now. "You don't mind?

laughed softly. "Sure, I've got a big announcement to make

was a gasp on the other end of the line. "A

Sandra, if I told you, it wouldn't be a surprise, would it? Don't ruin the surprise by asking too many

she was right, and he planned to propose.

of the charade. "I'm sure you'll look great. Now, I really have to get back

giddy. "I'll let you go. Just don't forget our plans for this weekend,

I haven't forgotten," Derek replied, and with that,

saw Evelyn standing in the doorway, leaning against the frame with her arms crossed

said, raising an eyebrow. "What was that

think I'm going to propose to her at my mother's birthday party. She's already planning to have reporters cover the whole thing. She's in for a surprise, just not the one she's expecting." Evelyn shook her head,

to expose herself to the world, that's on her. Besides, your parents did nothing wrong to feel

her arm and

as Sandra got

she took a deep breath, reminding herself that she had to

be over soon, and

tension rising as she walked up to the door

he was, standing in the doorway with a glass of wine in hand, a smirk playing on

I was beginning to think you wouldn't show up," Michael

wouldn't I? We've already resolved our differences." Her voice was calm, but she couldn't help glancing around the room, half-expecting some hidden camera to

her gaze, and he chuckled. "Looking for something?" he asked, taking a

him, her lips curving into a half-smile. "Just making sure you didn't set up any secret cameras," she said, her tone light but

no reason to do that, Sandy. You

there was always a small part of her that couldn't fully trust him anymore. "Good,"

you like a drink?" Michael asked, and she eyed the

I'm not in the mood

his expression playful but with an underlying intensity. "Fine," he said as he set down

leaned forward in her seat, "So,

didn't invite you

forced herself to smile. "Alright," she murmured, standing up slowly and walking toward the room. There was

her,