Chapter 214

As they left the prison, the drive to Derek's parents' house was quiet. Evelyn occasionally glanced at Derek, noting the subtle tension in his jaw.

She reached out to place a reassuring hand on his thigh, and he gave her a small smile.

When they arrived, Samantha's laughter echoed through the house before they even stepped inside. Derek's mother opened the door, beaming at them. "Come in, come in. Samantha's been waiting for you both all day." In the living room, Samantha was perched on Derek's father's lap, giggling as he made silly faces. Her eyes lit up when she saw her parents, and she scrambled down, running toward them.

"Mommy! Daddy!" she squealed, her little legs carrying her as fast as they could.

Seeing Samantha, the remnant of Derek's bad mood evaporated, and he crouched down and scooped her up in one fluid motion, twirling her in the air. "There's my favorite girl!" he said, planting a kiss on her cheek. Samantha giggled, wrapping her arms around his neck. "I missed you, Daddy!"

"I missed you too, sweetheart," Derek said, holding her close

Evelyn raised an eyebrow, feigning offense. "Wait a minute. I

thought I was your favorite girl."

Samantha turned to her mother, her expression serious. "Mommy, you're not a girl. You're a mommy. Daddy's favorite girl is me.

You're his favorite wife."

Evelyn and Derek burst into laughter as Derek's parents joined in the laughter. Derek hugged Samantha tighter. "Well, you've got me there, baby."

Evelyn smiled and kissed Samantha's forehead. "Noted. We missed you so much, darling. Aunt Maya has missed you, too. And guess who else has missed you?" Evelyn asked, and Samantha grinned. "Grandparents Quinn?" She asked, and Evelyn laughed.

"Exactly. And guess what? Your Grandma Claire is waiting for you at home," Derek said, Samantha's eyes widened.

"Really? Is Grandma Claire at our house? Is Grandpa there too?" She asked, and Evelyn nodded.

"They sure are" Evelyn confirmed, smiling at her daughter's excitement.

ready to go home?" Derek asked, and

wait!" She said,

leave, dear.

father said, and they all

fix it," Samantha promised, kissing her palm and placing

"It feels much better, my little heart doctor," he said, and

Derek's mother's warm gaze followed

"I'm fine, thank

"I hope Derek

so much it's starting

"You're welcome," he quipped.

then turned to Samantha. "Why don't you head to your room for a bit, munchkin? The grown-ups need

but nodded. "Okay, Daddy." She skipped

hope she hasn't been stressing you out and has been on her best

to you. It's the grandparent's duty to spoil the

the door to Samantha's room clicked shut, Derek's parents turned to

you hear from the investigator?" his father asked,

his face serious. "I did. But

mother frowned. "What kind

his voice low, when he finally spoke. "Do you know a man

parents exchanged a look, their expressions shifting from confusion

father said slowly. "We weren't close, but he was a

shame how he

ask?" His

a deep breath. "Because

her hand flying to her mouth. "What? How is that

told him, his voice steady despite the emotional weight

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