The Billionaire's Unexpected Proposal by Samantha

Chapter 212

The silence in the room was broken when the chef came to announce that dinner had been served.

Although none of them had an appetite, they all moved to the dining room. Derek wanted Evelyn to eat because of her condition, and Eric also wanted Claire to eat so that she could take her medication.

As they all pretended to eat while pushing their food around their plates, Evelyn looked at Claire, "Was Sandra aware? I mean, does she know about her biological father?" Evelyn asked curiously. Claire nodded. "I told her about it when she was old enough to understand," Claire said softly.

Derek shook his head. "And yet she decided to become everything her father was- manipulative, ruthless, willing to go to any length for money. I guess the darkness in the bloodline couldn't be erased," Derek said bitterly, and Evelyn placed a calming hand on his arm. Maya, who had been silent for a while, cleared her throat, "So, your... I mean Victor. From what you said, does it mean that he wasn't arrested until you submitted evidence against him?" She asked, wanting to understand what happened after the accident. Claire nodded, "Yes."

"He got away with the murder? How?" Evelyn asked in disbelief.

"Victor was meticulous. He knew how to cover his tracks. He framed a rival- David Hunt, a businessman who had been a thorn in his side. He planted evidence to make it look like Hunt used Carter to tarnish his reputation and then had him murdered to silence him. The police bought it, and Hunt was convicted and sentenced to death."

Evelyn inhaled sharply. "He died?"

"Yes," Claire confirmed. "It took me three years to gather all I could on Victor. By then, it was too late for David Hunt," she said, looking down at her plate with shoulders slumped from guilt.

Derek stared at her in disbelief. "An innocent man was executed for a crime my parents' murderer committed," Derek muttered.

Without another word, he rose and walked away, unable to contain the storm of emotions threatening to consume him.

His footsteps echoed through the hallways as he climbed the stairs to his room, leaving an air of tension behind. Evelyn watched him go, her heart aching at the raw pain etched across his face. Without hesitation, she excused herself from the table and followed him.

"Maybe we should go home," Claire told Eric softly, but Maya shook her head.

"No. Why would you leave?" Maya asked with a frown as she looked up from the remnants of her untouched meal.

"Derek is upset..."

"Yes, but not at you. He's upset by the situation. You shouldn't leave because of that. He just needs time to pull himself together," Maya said, and Eric looked at her.

"What about you? Aren't you upset?" He asked, and she sighed.

"I feel sad, but for some reason, I don't feel as deeply connected to it. Maybe he feels that way because he remembers his time with them. But I don't. As sad as it is, they're like strangers to me," she admitted, "and being upset about it won't change much. Life has taught me to accept whatever it throws at me and move on."

"You're quite self-aware and wise" Claire observed softly.

"I don't think Derek and Evelyn will be returning to the table. Weve all been through a lot today. Let's give each other the space to process everything. Tomorrow's a new day."

Claire nodded, her voice quiet but resolute. "And maybe tomorrow, we can put the past behind us and look forward."

looked at her and gave a small smile.

and she hesitated for a moment

Can I

side of the door, and just as she was about to knock

"Come in."

to her, staring into the darkening sky. His hands were clenched into fists at his sides, and his posture was rigid. "You should have stayed back to eat. You didn't have to follow me,"

Evelyn said gently, stepping into the room and closing the

fine. I just need some time to process everything," he said calmly, not wanting her to see him so

feeling this way when he knew there was nothing else he could do about it. Victor had

This isn't something you can just brush off, Evelyn

you want me to do?"

she said, sliding her hands under his shirt so she could

something I could do, but I can't do anything. I didn't do anything then. I can't do anything now. I

is nothing I

by surviving that terrible incident.

You did more than enough by turning out right, D. You are doing enough now by standing by Maya. Your parents would be so proud of you. I'm not even your Mom, and I feel so damn proud every

but it doesn't make any

bed, and as he sank down, she stood in front of him and embraced him. "I know it's overwhelming, but your parents got justice, Derek.

leaned back into

have gone through with the plan to marry Sandra just

didn't. Don't dwell on what might have been. Focus on what's real, on what you've achieved. You found your sister. You uncovered the truth about your parent's

endured, she

doesn't

like Sandra."

feel sorry for

The silence stretched between them until Evelyn spoke, her voice breaking the stillness. "What are you thinking?" Derek hesitated before answering. "I'm wondering if I should be

you mean? Of course, you should be proud. He

voice heavy. "But if he hadn't taken Victor's case, none of this would

up slightly,

"And let Victor continue to ruin other families? Do you know how many people must've suffered because of him? Your father didn't just expose Victor for himself, he did it for every wife and child who lost their father and husband to that monster in those collapsed

"I never want to be a hero at the expense of my family,

all that matters

smiled gently. "I know that's what you believe, but I also know you. If faced with the same choice, you'd do

tugging at his lips. "Not at the

"That's

you're safe. I owe that to you, to