Chapter 189

As Derek drove home, Evelyn turned to him. "Are you okay?" she asked curiously.

"Huh?" he replied, glancing at her.

"You've been distant—distracted—since you came back. It's like you're thinking about something. What's wrong?" she asked. He sighed.

"It's something Michael said," he replied. Evelyn frowned.

"What could Michael have said to worry you so much?" she asked, wondering if it concerned her.

Sensing her thoughts, Derek took her hand. "It's not about you," he assured her, but she remained uneasy.

"Then what is it?" she pressed, wanting answers since Michael was involved.

"Why don't I tell you when we get home?" Derek suggested. Evelyn nodded.

"Alright. Let's do that," she said, relaxing in her seat. She soon dozed off.

Driving in silence, Derek thought about the flash drive he'd found at Michael's. He wondered what it contained. What if it confirmed he had a sister? Should he find her? How would his parents react, especially his mother, who was sensitive about his adoption? He couldn't ignore it, could he? It would be wonderful to have a sibling. But would she want to see him? Or would she prefer to be left alone? He sighed deeply.

He'd never considered having family, and now, thanks to Michael, he felt he'd disappointed someone—especially since Michael said she was his younger sister. What kind of older brother forgets his baby sister? Regardless of any trauma, how could he have forgotten? He could only hope she was alive and well. It would hurt to know he'd lived comfortably while she hadn't.

Upon arriving home and parking, Evelyn woke. She smiled. "I can't believe I dozed off," she said. He smiled back.

"You've been stressed lately. Rest whenever you can," Derek said, getting out to open her door.

As he opened the door, Evelyn cupped his face. "I don't like these worry lines. That bastard Michael might be lying," she said, tracing the crease on his forehead.

Derek smiled involuntarily. "You don't even know what he said. What if he said you're the most beautiful woman in the world?"

Evelyn laughed. "That would be one of the few truths he'd utter," she said. When Derek chuckled, she smiled. "But that wouldn't make you frown like this. It would make you strut like a peacock," she said, and he laughed again.

"You're trying to cheer me up. Thank you. Let's go inside, and I'll tell you," Derek said. They went inside.

Evelyn looked around. "I don't think Maya's home," she said. Derek smiled.

"How would you know? She might be sleeping," he said. She glanced upstairs.

"I'm not sure. I'll check on her," Evelyn said. Derek nodded.

"I'll be in the bedroom," he said. They climbed the stairs. While Evelyn checked on Maya, Derek went to their bedroom.

Immediately, he retrieved the flash drive from his jacket, plugged it into his laptop, and sat on the bed, his heart racing. The information quickly appeared on the screen.

Evelyn entered. "I told you, Maya isn't here," she said. Seeing him engrossed in his laptop, she assumed it was work-related and began undressing, not wanting to disturb him. Catching his reflection in the mirror—his face buried in his hands—she drew closer, concerned. "What's wrong?" she asked.

Derek remained silent. He didn't know how to tell her he'd forgotten he had a younger sister, that he'd failed as a brother, and it took Michael to remind him.

"Whatever it is, everything will be fine," Evelyn said, hugging him.

Derek held her, contemplating what to do. He knew he had to tell his parents to avoid hurting them.

After a while, he pulled back. "Thank you," he murmured, pulling her down to sit beside him.

"What's wrong?" she asked softly.

Derek turned the laptop so she could see. Evelyn's brows furrowed at the report about him.

"Where did you get this?" she asked.

"Michael's place. He told me about it. He had someone investigate my biological family," he explained.

Evelyn's heart skipped a beat. "Why?" she asked, understanding her own reasons for wanting to investigate, but not Michael's.

After Derek explained his conversation with Michael, she looked back at the screen. She considered telling him she'd also planned to help him find his family.

"You're not happy about this?" she asked.

"How can I be happy knowing I have a sister I didn't remember?" he asked. She nodded thoughtfully.

"I guess it never occurred to you that you might have siblings," she said softly, taking his hand.

"You shouldn't blame yourself. You were a kid, and God knows what trauma you experienced. And honestly, I was going to look into it too," she said. Derek's brows furrowed. "You were? Why?"

"Several reasons. First, I'd like to know your birth name. You told me you didn't like being Derek Stone," she explained softly.

"I don't mind it now. As long as I have you, Samantha, and the other kids, I'm okay," he said. She smiled.

"I know. I'm just explaining, okay? Also, I think your biological parents deserve to be remembered. You were about Samantha's age when adopted. Can you imagine Samantha forgetting everything about us?" Derek frowned.

"I guess you have a point. I never thought of it that way," he admitted.

"You should remember them for your sake and theirs. And find your sister. As a parent, I wouldn't want my kids separated because I'm gone," Evelyn said softly. Derek sighed. "What if life's been tough on her?"

"Then she'll be happy you found her. And she might be doing well. However she's living now isn't your fault, so don't blame yourself"

"How can I not? I should have looked into it," Derek said. Evelyn shook her head. "Let's focus on moving forward," she said softly.

"I'll discuss this with my dad. I don't want to hurt their feelings," he said. Evelyn nodded.

"Sure. Let me know if you need help."

"I'd rather you not stress yourself"

"A phone call is hardly stressful, Derek. I know people who can get it done quickly," she said. He held her gaze.

"I'm glad you didn't do this without my knowledge," he said. She raised an eyebrow.

"Would you have been mad?" she asked. He shrugged.

"Maybe not me. I'll always understand. But my mom is very sensitive, and I don't want friction between you two. So stay out of this. You can give me contacts, and I'll make the calls," he said. She nodded.

"Alright. Sure. That works," she said. Derek kissed her palm.

"Now, Mr. Stone, we need to reschedule our interview"

"Discuss with my secretary, Ms. Quinn," he cut in, grinning and chuckling when she playfully bit his arm.

"Didn't you just say I shouldn't stress myself?" she asked. He grinned.

"We can have the interview here, right now," he offered. She leaned forward and kissed him. "We'll do it next week. Don't worry about anything, okay?"

He shook his head. "I'm going to worry about you. You haven't had lunch," he said. She giggled.

"Yeah. You can worry about that. Only worry about me," she said, and they laughed as he kissed her.

"Take a nap while I fix you lunch," he said, heading for the door.

As Derek closed the door, Evelyn sighed contentedly. She pulled his jacket close and snuggled against the pillow. Her phone rang. It was her father. "Dad"

"She's dead, Evelyn. Claire is dead."