The Billionaire’s Unexpected Proposal (Evelyn and Derek)

Derek held Evelyn's gaze for a moment as he contemplated telling her about his suspicions.

Although it was shameful to admit to her that it was a member of his family who had caused him all that trouble, Derek knew she deserved in know.

The same way he wanted to know why she didn't tell him about Michael and the reason she called off her wedding six years ago.

"Before I tell you anything. I need to know why you didn't tell me about your relationship with Michael...

"My past relationship with Michael. I have no relationship with him now she corrected not wanting to be associated with him like that.

Derek nodded. "Yes. Your past relationship with him. Why didn't you tell me about it!"

Tim sorry I didn't tell you about it. I know I should have. I thought Michael would tell you..."

"I'm not talking about Micheal, Eve. Why didn't you tell me! I would have very much preferred to hear it from you than find out about it the way I

did," he said and she nodded

"I promise that I had no idea who you were when we met six years ago.....”

"I know you didn't. You would have to be a witch to have arranged our meeting so perfectly. Derek said

Derek said and she nodded, relieved that he believed

her.

"And when I was sent to interview you, I knew you were Michael's cousin, and when I realized you didn't know about me and Michael I couldn't tell. you because I didn't how you'd react. I feared you'd call off the interview and it meant so much to me at the time, she admitted and Derek nodded. hearing the sincerity in her voice.

He had figured out that much himself since it made sense, but he had wanted to hear it from her.

"If you don't mind me asking, what exactly happened six years ago? Although I saw Michael and how hurt he was, I also saw you that day. I can tell. there's a story behind your actions so, what's the story?" Derek asked, hoping she would tell him this time.

Evelyn shook her head. "I don't want to talk about it," she said and then narrowed her eyes

"You're asking me about this because you're suspecting Michael, aren't you? she asked and Derek raised a brow as he looked at b

"Why are asking

me that? Am I supposed to suspect him?" he asked, wanting to hear her opinion and reasons,

Evelyn shrugged. "I wouldn't put it past him. I believe he did it. I just don't have the evidence to prove it," she said and Derek sighed.

"Actually, I found something under my desk-a listening device. Derek said and Evelyn looked at him shocked.

"You mean your office was bugged!" she asked and he nodded, she shook her head.

That explains it. Now it all makes perfect sense," she said and Derek nodded.

"Yes. I won't let it slide though. I'm definitely going to expose him."

"Don't At least not yet," Evelyn said and Derek narrowed his eyes.

"Why? Is there a particular reason why you don't want me to?" he asked and she nodded.

"Yes. I believe Michael and Sandra are up to something and it is best to not let them know you're on to them until you find out what they're up to she said and Derek looked at her surprised. "Sandra your sister?" he asked and she nodded.

You t

think she's working with Michael he asked wondering what they must be planning if true.

"I don't think they're working together. I know it," she said and Derek sat up, wanting to know what was happening.

, Eve?" he asked and she shook her head

What exactly is going on, I

"I don't know exactly what. All I know is, you need to be careful, very careful. If they can go as far as bugging your office, who knows what else they are going to do?" she asked and he nodded even though his mind was a whirlwind of thoughts.

It made a lot of sense that Michael was working with Sandra, seeing how his mother was trying to get him to marry her.

His hands clenched into fists on his thigh, "So we play along and act as if we're oblivious?" he asked and she nodded.

"I can do that but I won't let it slide if they pull a stunt like this and try to harm you again, Derek said, making up his mind to play along with SandraConTEent bel0ngs to Nôv(e)lD/rama(.)Org .

A bit of silence settled between them, both of them thinking about the situation of things and what Michael and Sandra could be planning.

After the silence had stretched for a while, Evelyn looked at him, "What if you didn't find the bug in your office! Would you be here if you didn't have any tangible proof of my innocence?"

"If I didn't believe you were innocent I wouldn't have searched for something to prove your innocence in the first place," he said and she sighed.

"I messed up. I know I did. Eve. And I'm deeply sorry for it. Can you please give me another chance!" he said and after a while, she shook her head

"I forgive you, but I don't know what you mean by another chance," she said and Derek raised his brow.

"Don't worry about that. For now, let's talk about how to go forward with the interview," he said, deciding not to ask her for another chance to win

her heart

He couldn't actively chase her yet because of his a

agreement with his mother and he didn't want to tell her about it either.

Evelyn shook her head. "I don't think you should do it anymore considering all this mess."

"I have to. As a matter of fact, I think that is more reason why I should proceed with it First, because we had an agreement and I need to honor it as you have honored it thus far. Secondly, because now that everything is out, there is no reason for me to keep hiding, and I want you to help me put out something positive about my adoption to correct the lies they spread, and lastly your promotion is attached to it. After the trouble this has caused you, you should get your promotion." Derek said and Evelyn sighed.

"I guess you have a point.."

"But you won't have to come to my office anymore. Let's just fix a date for the interview," Derek said and Evelyn nodded, glad to hear that

"Thank you. Eve. I want you to know that I'm sorry for everything. Not just for doubting you, but for the way I've handled things that day especially after that night," Derek said, holding her gaze. Evelyn's heart ached at his words as the memories of that Saturday night came to mind but she quickly pushed the emotions aside.

"It's okay. All that is past now," Evelyn said and stood up, brushing off her clothes as if to shake away the tension. "I should get back now. It's getting late," she said and Derek rose as well

TII drop you off, Derek said but Evelyn quickly shook her head.

ves. Derek nodded.

"It's okay. I'll walk. I need the air," she said, and seeing the determined look in her eyes,

you insist. Thank you for meeting with me," he said and Evelyn offered a small smile.

"It's nothing. I hope you don't show up at my place again this way," Evelyn said and turned to leave.

"Eve," Derek called, stopping her.

Evelyn turned back to look at him, "Yeah?"

For a moment Derek considered telling her about his parents' desire for him to date Sandra, but he shook his head. "Never mind."

Evelyn gave him a nod before walking away. As she walked back to her house, Evelyn's mind was occupied by various thoughts of how she was going to keep Samantha a secret from Derek, seeing as he knew her house.

He could show up any day like he did today and see Samantha. Though she was worried about what Michael and Sandra were planning, she was more worried about Derek finding out about Samantha and her paternity.

She needed to do something, but she didn't know what, Moving wasn't an option since this wasn't a hotel that she could change easily.