Before going to his office, Derek drove toward his parents' home. His busy workday had prevented him from visiting his father and telling him about Samantha. He wanted to share the news before work started, anticipating another busy day.

While he longed to tell his mother, he knew he couldn't—not yet. She disliked Evelyn and might extend that animosity to Samantha. He couldn't risk that; he wouldn't forgive her if she did.

He remained anxious about the strained relationship with his mother. Unsure of her reaction, he knew he couldn't keep his daughter's existence from his father any longer.

Pulling into the driveway, the imposing mansion reminded him of his family's legacy. He parked, took a deep breath, and stepped out into the cool air, a gentle breeze rustling the oak leaves.

He approached the front door with determination. It opened before he could knock, revealing his mother in gardening clothes, the butler at her side. Her cold indifference stung. She briefly glanced at him, then turned away without a greeting. The tension was palpable, but Derek remained calm.

"Good morning, Mom," he greeted her pleasantly.

She ignored him, heading toward the garden. Derek watched her go, the silence heavy with unresolved issues. He dismissed it, focusing on his purpose. He'd let her be.

His mother, expecting him to follow or plead, turned when she didn't hear him. Her scowl revealed her annoyance at his indifference. It's all Evelyn's fault, she thought, that wretched gold digger.

Inside, the study door was slightly ajar. Derek knocked lightly before entering. His father, seated at his massive mahogany desk, looked up in surprise.

"Good morning, Dad. Do you have a moment?"

"Derek, this is unexpected," his father said, leaning back. "Is there a problem?"

Derek closed the door, a smile playing on his lips. "No problem, Dad. Actually, I have some good news." His father's eyes softened at Derek's eager expression. "Good news?" he asked, a smile forming. "Well, you look thrilled. What is it?"

A grin spread across Derek's face as he reached into his pocket. "First, I wanted to let you know I've made progress regarding our last conversation. I've hacked into Michael's SIM card, and people are monitoring his calls and texts."

His father nodded, impressed. "That's fast work, Derek. I didn't expect you to move so quickly."

Derek shrugged, still smiling. "I acted quickly because something new came up or rather, someone new. I discovered something." He paused dramatically, then showed his father a picture of Samantha on his phone.

"Someone new? What's that?" his father asked.

His father's brow furrowed in confusion as he studied the image. "Who is this pretty little girl?" he asked. Derek grinned. "That's Samantha. Your granddaughter."

His father's eyes widened in shock. "My granddaughter?" he repeated, incredulous. "Are you pulling my leg, Derek?"

Derek chuckled. "No, Dad. I'm serious. I found out about her two days ago. I've been swamped at work and didn't want to share the news over the phone." His father stared in disbelief before a wide smile broke out. "Samantha Evelyn's the mother, isn't she?"

Derek nodded. "Yes. She found out she was pregnant after leaving the country, so she stayed to have the baby. She couldn't tell me sooner because of her past with Michael, and she was even more hesitant given my relationship with him."

His father's smile faltered slightly. "Are you sure the child is yours?"

Derek nodded confidently. "I'm certain. Evelyn is even open to a paternity test if it'll make you feel better."

His father laughed. "A granddaughter!" he exclaimed. "You know, I've always wanted a daughter, and now I have a granddaughter. This is wonderful news, Derek!"

Derek couldn't resist boasting a little. "The best part? We have a strong bond, Dad. I've been interacting with Samantha long before knowing she was Evelyn's daughter. I met her at the hotel on their first day in the country, and we've been good friends since." His father chuckled.

"You seem really happy about being a father," his father said, and Derek laughed.

"I am, Dad. I'm even happier about being Samantha's father. She's brilliant and amazing," Derek said proudly.

His father beamed. "I'm not interested in details right now, Derek. I want to see this child and get to know her."

Derek laughed, nodding. "We'll arrange that. I'm sure she'd love to meet you. After meeting Evelyn's parents last night, she asked about my parents."

"I thought Michael said Evelyn's parents don't speak to her," his father asked. Derek shook his head.

"Her stepmother has been by her side. It was her father who cut her off, but they resolved things last night," Derek explained, then filled his father in on the details.

"You didn't tell them about hacking Michael's phone, did you?" his father asked. Derek shook his head.

"No. Evelyn and I agreed not to say anything. The fewer people who know, the better." His father nodded in approval.

Before they could continue, the study door creaked open, and Derek's mother entered. Both men turned, their expressions guarded. She looked between them suspiciously.

"What were you two discussing?" she asked sharply. "And why did you stop when I walked in? Were you talking about me?"

"Do you think a busy man like Derek would come here early in the morning to discuss you? We were discussing business," Derek's father replied smoothly.

She raised an eyebrow, unconvinced. She moved closer to the desk and saw Derek's phone. Before she could pick it up, Derek snatched it back, rising.

"I need to get back to the office, Dad. I'll let you know when I arrange the investor meeting," Derek said, pocketing his phone.

His father chuckled at his veiled reference to Samantha. "Please make it soon. I'm looking forward to this business relationship."

As Derek headed for the door, his mother called out, "Are you leaving without saying goodbye to me?"

Derek turned, his expression unreadable. "I thought we weren't on speaking terms. You ignored me earlier, so I don't see any reason to say anything now."

Her voice was laced with bitterness. "You've lost all love and respect for me because of Evelyn, haven't you?"

Derek's jaw clenched. "I'm sure Michael and Sandra are giving you all the love and respect you want, considering you no longer listen to me. So why don't you keep getting it from them and leave me alone?"

He nodded respectfully to his father. "I'll be in touch, Dad."

His father nodded warmly. "I look forward to it, son."

Derek left, ignoring his mother's muttering. He had more important things to focus on—introducing his father to his granddaughter.

"Are you really going to let him disrespect me like that?" his mother demanded angrily.

"Disrespect? I saw no disrespect. If there had been, I would have addressed it. Derek's not a child, and it's pointless to treat him like one. Besides, I like seeing him this way. That's the kind of man I want him to be," his father said firmly, chuckling as his wife glared before storming out.

He had a granddaughter, he mused with a chuckle, pouring himself a celebratory drink. Samantha Stone. Not bad at all.