Chapter 24
Michael's jaw was clenched in anger as he watched Evelyn's retreating figure and his eyes were dull with confusion at the same time.
He couldn't help but wonder what had happened to Evelyn six years ago and why she changed so drastically from the sweet girl she used to be
What was she up to? Hemused as he turned on his heel and headed for Derek's office, his anger barely contained as his mind raced with questions. Why was Evelyn still involved with the company and with Derek? What was Dereck thinking? Why did she sound like she had personal business with Derck!
Derek looked up from his desk when Michael barged into his office without knocking
"Did something happen! Why do you look that way? Derek asked, his expression calm and unbothered.
"I should be asking you if something happened. Why did I just see that lady here again? I thought you said you wouldn't do the interview. So, why did she come back here?" Michael asked heatedly. Derek's expression remained neutral, but there was a hint of amusement in his eyes as he couldn't help being amused by Michael's irritation when he was the one being asked to be interviewed.
"Is that why your hackles are up? I'm considering granting her the interview, he said and Michael's eyes widened in disbelief,
"You're doing what? Why are you suddenly considering having your face out there after all this time? Why Empowered Magazine? Why not the People's Times? You know how close I am to the Quinns yet you turned them down when they asked, so why now? Why her?" Michael asked Infuriated
Derek raised a brow. "Since when d
when do I answer to you?" Derek asked, his tone cool and authoritative,
Michael hesitated, realizing he might have overstepped. "Look, Rek, all I'm saying is, if anyone deserves a chance to interview you, it should be the People's Times. They have a wider reach, a better reputation, and also they're good people, Michael said and Derek's eyes flashed with irritation
"I think you are forgeuing that this is about me and not you. It's my choice who I choose to work with, Michael, not yours. questioning my decisions or choices. I have chosen to do this with Empowered Magazine, and that's the end of it. Derek said in a tone of finality.
I don't need you
Michael's face tightened with frustration, but he knew better than to push further. Derek was stubborn and whenever he made up his mind on something, his decisions were final, and challenging him would only lead to more conflict.
He sighed and nodded. "Fine," Michael said, his voice strained. T'm sorry 1 overstepped. I was only looking out for you because I trust the People's Dailies more," Michael said and Derek nodded
understand. But I'm curious about something. Do you know the lady from Empowered personally?" He asked, recalling Michael's interest in her the last time and wondering why Michael seemed so agitated at the prospect of him letting Evelyn interview him
Michael opened his mouth to tell Derek who she was, with hopes that he might change his mind, but he hesitated when he remembered Evelyn asking him to tell Derek who she was
He had no idea what she had planned, but he wasn't going to play into her plan. He needed to talk with Sandra first.
Thankfully before he could come up with something, Derek's phone rang "I will be on my way out, Michael said and walked out without bothering to answer the question.
Michael stood outside Derek's office, looking at the door, his mind a whirlwind of anger and confusion before continuing out.
As he got into the elevator, he couldn't help but wonder what Evelyn must have said or done to get Derek to agree to do the interview. With a sigh. he pulled out his phone and dialed Sandra's number. "Hey boo, what's up" Sandra asked immediately when she received the call
"Are you out of the office! Can we meet now?" Michael asked as he strode out of the elevator and beaded for his car.
"What's wrong? Did something happen?" she asked with a frown, sensing that he wasn't asking to see her because he kissed her but for something else Something serious
"I ran into Evelyn again, Michael said and Sandra raised a brow.
"At Stone Corp! Or where!" She asked curiously.
"This isn't something we should discuss over the phone. Meet me at my place. I'm headed home now," Michael said and Sandra nodded
"Fine. I'll be there in thing minutes, Sandra said before hanging up
Michael sighed as he got into his car, and as he drove home, his mind churned with anger at being dismissed not only by the bitch Evelyn but also by his fool of a cousin, Derek
He was going to have to teach the two a lesson, he thought as he drove off
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Only after he had driven for some time did he remember that he had forgotten to talk to Derek about the anniversary party- the reason he been on his way to the office in the first place before running into Evelyn.
As though reading his thoughts, his phone rang at the moment and he scowled when he saw it was Derek before he received the call.
"Yeah?"
"I understand that you're close to the Quinns, and you're disappointed I'm letting another magazine do the exclusive, so how about I grant your favor instead! Would that appease you?" Derek asked, since he didn't want Michael to feel too bad.
"What favor!" Michael asked grudgingly.
"The anniversary party. I will honor their invitation and make an appearance there for your sake. That should be good enough for you, right?" He asked, and although Michael still wasn't pleased about his decision to grant Evelyn the interview, he agreed that this was better than nothing
"Yes, it is. Thanks, Rek, Michael said, deciding to settle for this until he figured out what was going on between Derek and Evelyn, and found a way
make Derek change his mind about granting her the interview.