The Billionaire's Unexpected Proposal by Samantha

Chapter 34

As Sandra freshened up and got ready to join her parents for dinner after work, she couldn't help but reflect on her meeting with Evelyn.

Seeing Evelyn again had stirred a nus of emotions-old memories, resentment, and the thrill of manipulation.

She was determined to uncover whatever secrets Evelyn was hiding and push her back into whatever hole she had crawled out of after all these

As she entered the dining room, she was greeted by the warm, familiar scent of her mother's cooking. "What's for dinner?" she asked as she approached the kitchen.

Claire emerged from the kitchen, wiping her hands on a dish towel. "I didn't hear you come in. Dinner is ready. Help me set the table," she ordered, and as Sandra and her mom finished. Eric joined them. "You're right on time, honey? Claire said with a smile.

"That's because the delicious aroma of your cooking drew me out," he said, and Claire laughed softly as they all settled at the dining table.

While Claire served the meal-roast chicken, mashed potatoes, and a medley of vegetables-Sandra and Eric discussed work.

As they began to eat, Sandra decided it was time to bring up her visit to Stone Corp.

1 visited Evie at Stone Corp i

today, Sandra began, watching Eric's reaction closely.

Eric paused, his fork midway to his mouth. Claire's eyes widened slightly in surprise. "Oh? You did? How is she?" Claire asked, her tone curious.

Sandra smiled, savoring the moment. "She seemed fine although she wasn't very receptive. She was sort of cold."

"Gold? Why? Did something about between you two!" Claire asked since she had been wondering that this whole time.

It was one thing for Evelyn to have left the house and cur communication with her parents, but Sandra was her best friend. She couldn't imagine how Evelyn could have done that considering how close they had been.

Thave no idea. I suppose she's upset I remained friends with Michael Sandra said with a shrug and a sad pout.

ended things

you that? Claire

asked me if I was still friends with him. You know, I told her I found out she worked there from Michael." Sandra explained but Eric said nothing, his jaw set in a

I told her about the

party and invited her over. I hope you don't mind," she said, looking at Ene to gauge his emotions. Claire's looked at her with a raised

fork clattering against his plate as he set it down. "You shouldn't have bothered inviting her. She's

I see no reason she should be

distance,

acting like

him a reproachful look "Enc, don't talk like that. She's

was the last time she acted like

with his reaction, Sandra decided to push further. "I also heard from a friend at Empowered that Evelyn returned to take over the role of editor-in-chief at Empowered. I asked her when she plans to

you? If you're not going to help the situation, don't make it any worse than it is with your senseless words," She scolded, wondering how Sandra could be so tactless as to keep talking like that when she knew the state of things between Evelyn

Evelyn can do whatever she wants. She can stay at Empowered forever, for

it. "I'm sorry. I didn't mean to worsen

nothing wrong dear.

attention to their meal and are in silence until Sandra's phone beeped, breaking

and a smile crept across her

text

11:26 AM

Chapter 34

think we've got something. If you can, come spend

was referring

minutes. She texted back

at a friend's place. I'll head to the office from there tomorrow," she said as she pushed away from the table. ry I can't do the dishes tonight, Mom. I have

"I'm sorry

"Alright, dear. Be careful."