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.

him with curiosity. "What did you want to talk

then cleared his throat. "Yesterday, I stopped by the police station and spoke briefly with Michael," he began. His father nodded, gesturing for him to continue. "Michael told

unexpected," Derek added.

he say to you?" His mother asked, sensing it

of my adoption and tried to find dirt on my biological family,"

even my nephew?" She asked, unable to believe the

Michael had revealed about him having a younger sister and how he had confirmed it after seeing the details on the flash

their expressions unreadable as they

calm yet firm. "Are you sure this is

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 find her,"

taken aback. "You think

his hand. "Why wouldn't we? If she's your family, she's ours too. Did you think I'd try to stop you

think I'm not content with having you or that

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

your sister doesn't take

And you should know that we would have tried to find her ourselves had we been

agreement. "We'll

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

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 asked,

take care of it. I only wanted your permission to go

for

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

Samantha hopped into the car, chatting excitedly

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

resting her hand on his arm

have to take the leap.

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

why you should listen to me. I'm speaking now from my wealth

head. "You're right,

you call the people you mentioned? Have them

you didn't want me

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

I'm happy to help," Evelyn replied, her voice

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

grandmother lying in the bed with a bandage on her

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

had a little accident, sweetheart, but I'm fine now. I missed you so

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 much better." Evelyn

"And I'm ready to go home," she said, giving

until I'm sure you're completely okay," Eric said

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

softened, "I'm not taking

as her gaze met Maya's. "It's good

warm.

stepping