The Billionaire's Unexpected Proposal by Samantha

Chapter 193

The rest of the drive passed with Derek visibly more at ease, thanks to Evelyn's words. When they finally pulled into the driveway of his parent's home, the sight before them brought an instant smile to both their faces. Samantha, clad in overalls and wielding a tiny

watering can, was enthusiastically helping Derek's mother in the garden.

The moment Samantha spotted the car, she squealed in delight and abandoned her task, sprinting toward them. "Mommy! Daddy!" she yelled, her arms outstretched.

"Samantha, wait-" Evelyn began, but it was too late.

Samantha barreled into her, wrapping her small arms tightly around Evelyn's waist. The damp soil from Samantha's hands smeared across Evelyn's pristine white pants.

Evelyn groaned playfully, looking down at the brown stains. "Oh, Samantha..."

Derek chuckled as he stepped closer, lifting Samantha into his arms. "Guess what? I don't mind a little dirt," he said, touching a tiny smear of soil that adorned the tip of Samantha's nose with his finger.

She giggled, "I was helping Grandma! We planted flowers!" Samantha announced proudly, pointing

toward the garden.

"I see you've been busy," Derek said as he set

Samantha down. She hurried over to greet Maya, who laughed softly, brushing a stray curl out of Samantha's face as they chatted.

"She's been such a delightful companion"" Derek's mom said, wiping her hands on her apron as she approached them.

"She's always full of energy," Derek said with a grin,

"I'm not sure you've met Maya. This is Maya, Samantha's..." Derek trailed off since he could no longer refer to her as the nanny.

"Aunt. She is Samantha's aunt. She has been with me for years and has practically raised Samantha as her own daughter," Evelyn stepped in, and Derek's mom smiled at Maya.

"It's good to meet you, Maya. Let's head inside and cool off with my freshly prepared lemonade," Derek's mom suggested, gesturing toward the house.

Once inside, they settled in the cozy living room, sipping the chilled drinks the housekeeper brought in.

"Your father is inside. I'll quickly clean up Sam, and then we will join you after I freshen up," Derek's mom said and started to leave, but Derek held up a hand.

"Actually, Mom, could that wait for a moment? I need to talk to you and Dad. We don't have much time - we need to take Samantha to visit Evelyn's mom after this."

His mom looked curious but nodded. "Speaking about Evelyn's Mom. How is she? I was going to call you, but when you called earlier to say you were both coming, I decided to wait. Rumors of her dying and coming back to life have been all over social media," she said, and Evelyn nodded. "It's true. What happened was a miracle," Evelyn said, and they went ahead to give her the details.

"I'm glad she is alive. It would have been a great loss," Derek's mom said, and they all agreed.

"Let me get your father now," she said, and as she disappeared down the hall, Evelyn leaned toward Derek. "I will help Samantha clean up and keep her busy while you talk to them," she whispered. Derek glanced at her, gratitude evident in his eyes.

Leaning in, he gave her a quick kiss. "Thank you."

Evelyn smiled, holding out her hand for Samantha.

"Come on, sweetheart. Let's get you cleaned up."

When Derek's parents returned together, Derek introduced Maya to him. Then, they left her in the living room and headed for the study so they could

speak privately.

his father looked at him with curiosity. "What did you

spoke briefly with Michael," he began. His father nodded, gesturing for him to continue.

unexpected," Derek added.

say to you?" His

adoption and tried to find

to believe the extent to which

slightly as he explained what Michael had revealed about him having a younger

expressions unreadable as they listened to him.

you sure this is not another one of his attempts to steal

us who will search for the girl. We can always confirm with a DNA test when we find her," Derek's father

you have a sister, we should

aback. "You

she said, reaching for his hand. "Why wouldn't we? If she's your family, she's

sure how you'd feel about it. I didn't want you to think I'm not content with having you or that finding her would change things between us,

on his hand tightened. "You will always be my son, Derek. Nothing will

sister doesn't take away from

it. And you should know that we would have tried to

agreement. "We'll

If word gets out, there'll be no shortage of people

breath he hadn't realized he was holding. "I understand. Thank you - for

don't have to thank us for that. Do you think you can handle it yourself, or do you want us

I only wanted your permission to go ahead," he said, and

for respecting our feelings," she

Samantha there, too. Evelyn's questioning gaze met Derek's, and when he gave her a reassuring

leave, Samantha hopped into the car, chatting excitedly about her

glanced at Evelyn as they drove away. "That went better than I thought

her hand on

have to take the leap. People

refused to take the leap for six years," he said dryly, and she

listen to me. I'm speaking

shaking his head.

mentioned?

want me

a valid point. I'd rather no one knows I'm

to help," Evelyn replied, her

they arrived at the hospital, Samantha's cheerful chatter

her wide eyes fixed on her grandmother lying in the bed with a bandage on

head?" Samantha asked, her voice small and tears gathering

little accident, sweetheart, but I'm fine now. I

it all better." Claire laughed softly as Samantha pressed a kiss to her forehead.

feel better, too," Claire admitted. "And I'm ready to go home," she said,

you're completely okay," Eric said firmly, crossing

over nothing," Claire argued lightly, though her smile didn't

"I'm not taking any

met Maya's. "It's good to see you again," she said, her

warm.

stepping closer to the