Although Derek had spent over two hours with Samantha, she was still clinging to him. Her face was bright with joy as she showed him the items in her room and told him their stories. "Daddy," Samantha called, her eyes gleaming with mischief.

"Yes, Samantha!" Derek replied, looking at her with love.

No matter how many times he'd heard her call him that in the last couple of hours, his heart still fluttered each time.

"Daddddy?" she drawled.

"Yes, Sammannny?" Derek asked, imitating her drawl. She giggled.

"Daddddddy?"

Derek chuckled. "Alright, I give up. What is it, Sam?" She giggled and shook her head.

"I just love to call you Daddy. You're no longer just Rek. You're Daddy," Samantha said, and Derek chuckled.

"And you're my baby," Derek said, and Samantha grinned.

"Then when I say Daddy, you should say baby," she said, and Derek nodded.

"Okay, babbbby," Derek drawled, and Samantha giggled happily.

"Dadddddy!"

"Yes, Habbbbby!"

Evelyn, who was compiling pictures and videos of Samantha from infancy to the present onto a flash drive, listened to their conversation and laughter. She laughed softly, her heart swelling with happiness.

She was relieved to have told Derek the truth. His understanding reaction both surprised and pleased her. She no longer had to suppress her feelings for him.

She looked up from her laptop when Derek knocked on her open bedroom door, carrying Samantha. "I have to go now," he said. Evelyn glanced at her screen, ensuring all the pictures were saved before removing the flash drive and standing.

"You're leaving?" Samantha asked, frowning. Derek chuckled.

"I have to go for a little while, but I'll be back soon, okay?" Derek replied, smiling warmly.

Samantha nodded slightly. "Okay, Daddy. Promise you'll come back?"

"Promise," Derek said, kissing her forehead gently. "I'll see you later," he promised before setting Samantha down. He turned to Evelyn. "I need to speak with Maya for a moment," he said seriously.

Evelyn nodded. "I'll get her," she said. As Derek walked towards the living room, Evelyn went to Maya's bedroom. A minute later, Maya joined Derek, looking curious. Derek motioned for her to sit. "Maya," Derek began, "I want to thank you for everything you've done for Samantha. Evelyn's told me how great you've been with her, and I really appreciate it."

Maya's eyes widened, her heart pounding nervously. "Thank you, Mr. Derek. I've always tried to take good care of her." Derek nodded. "I've noticed. I used to think you were Samantha's mother because of how attentive you were. I realized you weren't this past weekend."

Derek paused. "But now that I know Samantha is my daughter, I want to make sure we're all on the same page."

Maya looked confused. "What do you mean?"

"I need to be clear," Derek said firmly. "As much as I'm grateful you let me get close to my daughter unknowingly, I'd like to ask that you not allow any strangers near Samantha. We can't take any risks, especially considering I could have easily been someone dangerous, and you wouldn't have known."

Maya's eyes softened. "I understand. I'll make sure no one gets close to her without your or Evelyn's permission."

Derek smiled reassuringly. "Thank you, Maya. I appreciate your understanding. And to show my appreciation, I'd like to offer you a salary raise. You've been more than just a nanny; you've been a crucial part of Samantha's life."

Maya's eyes filled with gratitude. "That's very generous of you, Mr. Derek. Thank you."

Derek nodded. "You're welcome. You're doing a wonderful job."

They finished their conversation, and Derek returned to Evelyn's room. He embraced her and kissed her.

"I'll call you later," Derek promised, his voice tender. "And before the end of the week, I'll have you moved from this place."

Evelyn smiled. "Don't I have a say in what my home should look like?"

"You definitely do. I'll have some of the pictures sent to you. And if you have time, you can look at them in person," he assured her.

"I would like to do that," she said, and he smiled.

Evelyn walked him to the door. "Drive safely," she said, embracing him and slipping the flash drive into his pocket.

Derek kissed her one last time before leaving. As he drove, a feeling of completeness and euphoria washed over him. He had Evelyn's affection and a daughter, Samantha. He had a family.

He hadn't realized how much he wanted a family until he stood in Evelyn's living room with Evelyn and Samantha. He wanted to share the news and celebrate. He called Ethan.

"Ethan, you won't believe the news," Derek said excitedly. "Can we meet? I have something wonderful to share, and I want to celebrate."

"Well, I have something wonderful to share, too. You won't believe the number of ladies who have applied to be my wife," Ethan said, chuckling.

Derek chuckled. "I guess your crazy plan is going to work after all. Where should I meet you?"

"Let's meet at the lounge," Ethan suggested. They agreed on a time and hung up.