Billionaire’s

at he had

Derek sighed deeply, feeling frustrated that he had to keep playing along with Michael, and also feeling thankful that Evelyn was being his voice of

reasons at the moment.

“Thanks for looking out for me when you should be more focused on proving your innocence,” he said, and she shook her head.

“I’m not doing it for you. I’m doing it for myself,” Evelyn said, causing Derek’s thoughts to drift to Sandra and how he was now convinced that she was working with Michael.

He hesitated before speaking again. “There’s something else I think you should know, but I’m not sure if I should tell you,” he said and Evelyn raised a brow.

“What is it!”

“Mommy, I want…” Evelyn raised a hand to her lips to silence Samantha, who had just run into the bedroom, and she quickly muted the call.

“I’m on the phone darling. I’ll be right out,” she said, forcing a smile even though her heart was racing.

“Who was that?” Derek asked, since he had heard Samantha.

“I have some guests,” she lied, “What did you want to tell me?” Evelyn asked, hoping that Derek would focus on their conversation and forget about what he had heard.

“Michael convinced my parents to set me up with Sandra. They want me to marry her,” Derek confessed, his voice tinged with frustration.

Hearing this, Evelyn’s heart skipped a beat. She felt a pang of something she didn’t want to acknowledge as jealousy.

Was that the plan? Were they planning to get Sandra to marry Derek for his inheritance as they had planned to do to her? Evelyn mused.

“Eve!” Derek called when she didn’t say anything

“What are you going to do about it? Are you going to marry hert Evelyn asked in a low voice.

“No. We both know I’m not interested in marrying Sandra. I only agreed to it because that was the condition for you not to get fired. I was hoping that by exposing Michael quickly I would be able to avoid it, but now that I can’t expose him yet, I think it’s best I use her to find out what they are. really up to,” he said and Evelyn sighed softly,

“Well, if that’s The

with Sandra

case, you

should be careful. They’re both very cunning and good at pretending, she said, trying not to think about Derek being

“You don’t have to worry, Eve. I am never going to fall for Sandra. You’re the

“I’m nothing, Derek. The only thing between us is the interview and once the interview is done, we will go our separate ways,” she said firmly.

Derek’s clenched jaw. He was determined to prove her wrong. He wanted to tell her that she belonged with him and he wouldn’t let her go, but before he could say anything she hung up abruptly.

Evelyn was so damned stubborn, he mused, scowling at his phone, Just as he threw the phone on his bed, it rang again and he quickly picked it up hoping Evelyn was calling back.

He sighed when he saw that it was his mother calling and he received the call. “Hello, Mom, Derek answered, trying to sound more excited than he felt

Rebecca frowned when she heard the tiredness in his voice. “You sound exhausted, darling Did you overwork yourself?” Rebecca asked, her voice filled with concern.

“It was a long day, but I managed to get through it. How are you doing, Mom! How was your day?” Derek asked conversationally.

was good, darling. Actually better than good. I had lunch with Sandra today,” Rebecca said, sounding excited.

“Oh. I see, Derek said in a voice devoid of emotion.

wo will make a beautiful couple. Rebecca said with a pleased

“She’s such a lovely girl, Derek. Michael was absolutely right about her. I think you two smile and Derek raised an eyebrow.

When he saw his mother’s call, he had expected her to mention Sandra at some point, but hearing her sing praises of Sandra made him wary and even more exhausted than he already was..

“If you’re already singing her praises this way, then she must have really won you over. I’m looking forward to meeting her now,” he replied lightly and his mother laughed.

“Yes! That’s precisely why I called. Rebecca said happily and Derek groaned inwardly.

“Is it? Here I was thinking you called because you wanted to hear your son’s lovely voice?” he joked, and his mother laughed.

“I did call to hear your voice, but I also called to let you know that we have picked a date for your date. It’s going to be on Friday. I have instructed your secretary to make the necessary reservation,” she said and Derek sighed inwardly, knowing he had little say in the matter.

“Okay, Mom. I will be there,” he said and Rebecca smiled.

“I want you to make an effort with her. Derek. I don’t want you to marry her simply because I’m asking you to. I believe she is a nice girl and she will make you happy. Don’t just write her off. Please give her a chance. Get to know her and I’m sure you’ll fall in love with her.

“If she’s as nice as everyone says, I’m sure we will get along pretty well. You don’t have to worry,” Derek replied, keeping his tone neutral and his

mother smiled.

After asking after his father and making small talk, Derek hung up.

As he lay on his bed thinking about his conversation with Evelyn and his mother, one question popped into his head.

What was the exact

relationship between Michael and Sandra? Why would Sandra take Michael’s side over her sister’s side after their break up? Was ita natural step–sisters rivalry, or was there something else!

Picking up his phone, Derek called Ethan to request the number of one of his investigative detective friends. After he got it, he dialed the number and set up a meeting. Content protected by Nôv/el(D)rama.Org.

With Michael and Sandra, he knew he needed to be careful. He wasn’t sure yet what the plan was, but he planned to stay one step ahead of them. And to do that, he needed someone to keep a close watch on Michael’s movements.

He planned to find out what Michael was up to no matter the cost, and when he did, he wasn’t going to let him get away with his schemes.