The Billionaire's Unexpected Proposal by Samantha

Chapter 20

After the close of work, Evelyn returned to the hotel that evening, her mind swirling with the thoughts of the day's events. Despite her initial fear, the day hadn't been so bad.

Derek had been surprisingly professional and had barely paid her any attention, being too engrossed in his work.

She was grateful for that small mercy and hoped it would continue that way since she'd been able to observe him quietly, taking notes for her article without feeling the intense scrutiny she had expected. She was also glad that she had not run into Michael and she hoped that she wouldn't have to run into him until the arrangement was over especially since he worked on a different floor.

As she entered their suite, Samantha who had been playing quietly with her toys, went to welcome her happily.

"Welcome, Mommy," she greeted excitedly, throwing herself into her mother's embrace, however, Evelyn didn't give her the whole smile she usually did since she knew she was about to break her daughter's heart.

"How are you, baby?" Evelyn asked and she grinned.

"I'm fine," she said and went in to chatter about all she had done and all that had happened since Evelyn stepped out of the room in the morning.

Evelyn nodded as she listened to her and she waited until she had run out of her stories before taking a deep breath, readying herself for the conversation she was about to bring up. "Sweetheart, remember what we talked about yesterday? We have to move to another place now," she said gently, watching her daughter's face for a reaction.

Although she had told Samantha about the move, she knew Samantha well enough to know she would throw a bit of a tantrum when the time came to actually make the move.

Samantha's face fell. "Why? Can't we stay here a little longer? I really like it here, and I like the playground and Rek too," Samantha complained with a pout, her little shoulders slumping.

"I know you like it here, baby, but we have to move.

We need to go somewhere closer to the place where Mommy works. Don't you want to be able to see where mommy works from your room?" she asked and Samantha nodded, her eyes gleaming with tears. "Okay, Mommy," she said and Evelyn smiled at her.

secured an apartment, she couldn't any longer, not after Derek's unannounced

Samantha. She didn't want that. She thought as she waited for Maya to pack her stuff and join them. An hour later, they checked into another

had settled in, Evelyn glanced over at Samantha, who was sitting on the edge of the bed with her arms crossed, a pout on her face, clearly

but we had to move," Evelyn said gently and Samantha looked up at her with tears in

to tell Rek

him again someday," she said with forced cheer and Samanatha looked down at her hands. "How about we go to an amusement park this weekend? Will that cheer you?" Evelyn asked,

Can we really do that?" Samantha asked and

+5

that Derek wouldn't mess with her plans, "and if I'm too busy to make it, I will make sure Maya takes you," she added just to be on the safe side. "Okay, Mommy," Samantha said,

mummy get a hug?" Evelyn asked holding out her arms and Samantha embraced

darling," Evelyn said, kissing

phone rang. She glanced at the screen, worried that it might be Derek, and heaved a relieved sigh when she saw that it was

received the call immediately "Hello,

Evie. How are you and Sam?" her stepmother's voice came

settling into a new hotel, Evelyn replied, glancing over at Samantha, who was lying on the bed, playing with

brow when she

Shouldn't you be thinking of coming home?" Claire asked with

want him or anyone else springing a surprise visit on me and finding out about Sam until I'm ready to tell

food to you and Sam. Do you mind telling me where you are so I bring it over tomorrow?" Claire asked and Evelyn hesitated since she didn't

don't have

don't want it, at least allow