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.

that when she ended things with the poor young man herself?" Erie asked

that? Claire asked and Sandra

exactly. But she hinted at it when she 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

her about

mind," she said, looking at Ene to gauge his emotions. Claire's looked at her with

as he set it down.

see no reason

distance,

acting like

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

she acted like

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

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

done nothing wrong. And Evelyn can do whatever she wants. She can stay at

tension at the table was thigh as a curtain, and Sandra reveled in it.

be. You did nothing wrong dear. Eric

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

a smile crept across her face

text message from

11:26 AM

Chapter 34

something. If you can, come spend the night so you can listen to it

knowing that he was referring to a

there in thirty minutes.

oh. I forgot all about my plans for tonight. I'm going for a sleepover 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 to leave now," she

"I'm sorry

"Alright, dear. Be careful."