The Billionaire’s Unexpected Proposal (Evelyn and Derek)

103

Derek walked into the hotel with a spring in his step, the high from the day's events still coursing through him. He pushed through the doors of the lounge, scanning the room before spotting Michael seated at the bar, swirling a glass of dark liquor in his hand.

Michael looked up, and his eyes narrowed when he saw that Derek seemed to be in an excellent mood. He couldn't help but wonder what could have happened to put him in such a good mood, considering what had happened with Sandra and his mother.

"What's up, Mike?" Derek asked as he slid into the seat next to Michael.

"I should be asking you. You look so excited," Michael noted, taking a slow sip from his glass. The suspicion in his voice was hard to miss.

Derek chuckled, "What can I say? Life's good today," he replied, waving the bartender over with a carefree hand. "The usual, please."

Derek was too happy to be upset or irritated by Michael's schemes. He could go back to being wary tomorrow, but for today, he just wanted to bask in his euphoria.

Michael cocked his head to the side, scrutinizing his friend. "Really?"

"Yeah. And I'm happy to see you," Derek said easily, and Michael chuckled.

Michael's frown deepened, the cautious expression never leaving his face. "Well, I'm glad you're happy. I thought you'd be upset considering everything that's been going on," he said, and Derek raised a brow. "Why should I be upset?" He asked as the bartender set down his glass in front of him.

Michael raised a brow, still suspicious. "Well, I'd have thought Evelyn losing her job because of you might bother you. I know you care about her. And you know, the whole... situation with my mom and Sandra." Derek laughed lightly, leaning back in his chair, "Oh, that. Well, I guess it was bound to happen. I try not to stress over things that I can't control. Everything happens for a reason, after all," Derek said dismissively as he took a long, satisfying sip of his Negroni.

Michael nodded in agreement, glad that Derek wasn't making a big deal out of it. "So, did Evelyn tell you anything else?" Michael asked, and Derek raised a brow.

"Anything? Like what?" Derek's voice was casual, but his eyes gleamed with amusement as he took another sip.

Michael hesitated for a moment before lowering his voice. "Well, she told Sandra that she was going to make sure things don't work out between you two and that she would go as far as telling you that Sandra and I are lovers," Michael said, watching Derek carefully for a reaction.

He wanted to know if Evelyn had recorded the conversation with Sandra or said anything to Derek yet.

Derek couldn't help but chuckle. "The Evelyn I know isn't the type to make idle threats or show her cards too soon. She's smarter than that," Derek said, and Michael stiffened, not expecting Derek's nonchalant response.

Michael shifted uncomfortably, his grip tightening around his glass. "The Evelyn you know?" He asked, not liking the sound of that.

"Yes. Aside from whatever personal relationship existed between the both of you, she's a very smart and calculated lady. I'm just saying it as it is. By the way, what was that you mentioned earlier on the phone about Evelyn saying she wants me?" Derek asked, trying not to grin as he said that.

"She told Sandra that she wants you and she was going to get you no matter what. She even told Sandra that she chose to come to interview you so she could seduce you and that neither Sandra nor I could stop her," Michael said, and Derek chuckled.

"That also doesn't sound like something Evelyn would say," Derek said, and Michael's frown deepened. He was irritated now.

"What do you mean by that? Do you think I'm making this up?" He asked in confusion.

Derek let out a soft laugh, enjoying the way Michael's unease grew with every word. "I don't know. Are you?" Derek leaned back, crossing his arms over his chest, his expression unreadable. "I'm not making this up. Evelyn told Sandra..."

"I'm just saying it doesn't sound like Evelyn. Maybe Sandra's twisting the truth a little. Were you there? Did you hear any of this yourself? Or is it mere hearsay from Sandra?" Derek asked, and Michael frowned.

"Why are you asking me that?" He asked, unable to understand why Derek sounded like he was making fun of him.

"You haven't answered my question," Derek insisted.

Michael's lips pressed into a thin line. "No, but..."

"Then it's all secondhand, isn't it?" Derek interrupted,

"Did you ever wonder why I asked Evelyn to work with me for a month before granting her the interview?

Didn't you think it was an unconventional arrangement?" Derek asked since he knew that Michael was bound to hear from his Mom sooner or later that he was in love with Evelyn. Michael blinked, caught off guard. "What are you talking about?

"I wanted her close, and not just for business reasons. I asked her to do that because I'm really into her. I fell in love with her at first sight. That was the same reason I shared personal stuff with her and took her on that trip. I wanted to get to know her. I wanted her close enough so I could seduce her."

Michael's expression twisted into a scowl. "You're in love with her? How can you say that to me after everything she did to me?"

"That was before I found out about your history with her. I had to let go of her because you're like my little brother, and I care about you," Derek said, slapping Michael's back fondly, "Do you see now why I don't believe the story you just claimed you heard from Sandra? Evelyn didn't come to seduce me. If she wanted to, she would have gotten me without trying, and she knows it," Derek said, wanting to plant a seed of doubt in Michael's heart toward Sandra.

"Maybe she was taking her time. Maybe she wants you now because..."

Derek shook his head, grinning. "I'm over her. I no longer care about her. It is Sandra I'm interested in now."

Michael's eyes lit up at the sound of Sandra's name, his suspicion easing. "Sandra, huh? Well, that's more like it. I knew you had good taste. Well, I just thought I should warn you."

"So, you should ask Sandra to forget about her sister and focus on me now," Derek teased, watching as Michael's tension melted away.

Michael laughed, clearly relieved, "I trust you. I know you won't have anything to do with Evelyn. We are family, after all, and what affects one affects all," Michael said, and Derek nodded.Copyright Nôv/el/Dra/ma.Org.

"Yeah. What affects one affects all," he said, chuckling as he took a sip, savoring the bittersweet taste, knowing the seed of doubt he'd just planted in Michael's mind would fester over time.

The conversation shifted easily to lighter topics - sports, politics, and work. For a moment, everything felt normal. But Derek knew better than to trust the peace. There was always something brewing beneath the surface with Michael, but tonight, Derek wasn't going to worry about it.

After a while, Derek yawned, stretching his arms. "I'm exhausted, man. I'm going to head up."

Michael nodded, standing to leave as well. "Yeah, I'll see you tomorrow."

As Michael made his way out of the Hotel, Michael bumped into a young woman entering the hotel. Both of their phones tumbled to the ground in the confusion.

She immediately knelt, grabbed a phone, and handed the other to Michael.

"I'm so sorry! I wasn't paying attention," she said breathlessly, offering a quick smile.

"No worries""" Michael muttered, pocketing the phone without a second glance. He nodded at the woman before turning to head out, completely unaware that the phone in his pocket wasn't his.

As Michael disappeared into the night, the woman hurried away with a glint of determination in her eyes, and Michael's phone was tucked safely in her hand.

She had what she needed. Now, it was just a matter of time.

She was determined to clone his SIM card before he realized he had the wrong phone.