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.

father looked at him with curiosity. "What did

police station and spoke briefly with Michael," he began. His father nodded, gesturing for

unexpected," Derek added.

say to you?" His mother asked,

tried to find dirt on my

my nephew?" She asked, unable to believe the

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

their expressions unreadable as they listened

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

he brought someone to Derek, claiming her to be his sister. It is us who will

makes sense. Well, if you have a sister, we should find her," his mother

blinked, taken aback. "You think

If she's your family,

to think I'm not content

tightened. "You will always be my son,

doesn't take away from our

would have tried to find her ourselves

father nodded in agreement. "We'll

out, there'll be no shortage of people trying to take advantage just to

a breath he hadn't realized he was

for that. Do you think you can handle it yourself, or do you want us to handle it?" His mother

I only wanted your permission to go ahead," he

such a good son, Derek. Thank you for respecting our feelings," she said, touching

moment later, they returned to the living room to join Maya, and they met Evelyn and a cleaned-up Samantha there, too. Evelyn's questioning gaze met Derek's, and when he

into the car, chatting excitedly about her adventures

as they drove away.

smiled, resting her hand on his

just have to take the leap. People

take the leap for six years," he said dryly, and she laughed as she hit

listen to me. I'm speaking now from my wealth of

head. "You're right,

call the people you mentioned? Have them look into this

want me

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

happy to help," Evelyn replied, her voice warm

arrived at the hospital, Samantha's cheerful chatter filled the hallways until they

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

to your head?" Samantha asked, her voice small and tears gathering in her eyes

her hand outstretched. "I had a little accident, sweetheart, but I'm fine now. I

the bed, her small hand cupping Claire's cheek. "I'll kiss your boo-boo and make it all better." Claire laughed softly as Samantha pressed a kiss to her forehead. "Thank you, darling. That already feels

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

happening. Not until I'm sure you're completely okay,"

argued lightly, though

softened, "I'm

Claire said with a soft smile as her gaze met Maya's. "It's good to see you again," she

warm.

smile, stepping