The Billionaire's Unexpected Proposal by Samantha

Chapter 61

Evelyn sat at her desk in the spacious office of Empowered Magazine, her fingers hovering over the keyboard as she tried to focus on the article she was editing.

Although her promotion was not official since she was yet to interview Derek which was the criterion for it, she was working as the acting editor-in-chief. Even though she had only just resumed, she had a mountain of work to get through, with deadlines around the corner and articles demanding her

attention

Despite her best efforts to focus on work, her mind kept drifting back to Derek and she found herself staring at her phone often, half-expecting a call or text from him.

She knew she had no reason to expect him to call since they had nothing important to discuss. Yet she couldn't stop herself from hoping

No matter how hard she tried to push thoughts of him out of her mind, and bury herself in her work, it was no use. He lingered in her thoughts, a distraction she just couldn't seem to shake.

Get it together, Evelyn, she silently scolded herself, shaking her head as if that would help clear her mind. You have work to do.

She forced her attention back to the article on her screen, determined to focus. She was still trying to concentrate when her phone rang, startling her.

Seeing Susan's name on the screen, she quickly composed herself and answered.

"Hi, Susan," Evelyn said, her tone professional, though her mind was still a bit scattered.

"Evelyn, how's it going?" Susan's voice was brisk, as always, but there was a hint of warmth that put Evelyn at ease.

"Good, just working through some edits." Evelyn replied, sitting up straighter as though Susan could see her.

"That's what I like to hear, Susan said, a smile evident in her tone. "Listen, I wanted to talk to you about that interview with Derek Stone. Have you reached out to him? Or did he talk to you about it? You're still doing it, right?"

Evelyn felt her stomach tighten at the mention of Derek's name. "Yes. We talked about it."

"Great! Have you set a date yer?"

"Not yet," she admitted. "I discussed it with his secretary and she mentioned that this week would be very busy for him, so I was thinking next week might be better."

"Next week, huh?" Susan sounded thoughtful. "Well, I suppose that's fine, but make sure to lock it down soon. We don't want anything to come up again and have him change his mind. I'm sure you know how important this is, especially after the trouble

"I understand. I'll make sure to get a firm date from him" Evelyn said, thinking that would be a good reason to reach out to him.

"Great" Suson said, her tone brightening. "I know you'll handle it. Just keep me posted"

"I will," Evelyn promised.

and Evelyn set her phone down on the desk, staring at

thought filled her

face him again, especially not after

and picked up her phone, scrolling through her contacts until she reached Derek's name. Her finger hovered

still debating whether to call him or call his secretary instead so she could communicate with him on her behalf when her thoughts were

when she saw Rayna's name flashing. First Margaret, now Rayna. It

do I owe this pleasure Evelyn asked warmly as

friendship, of course. How are you doing? I hope I'm not interrupting work?" Kayna's voice was as cheerful as ever,

Chapter 61

to

anything. How

bored. I need some time off. If I had a man, this is the time I'd want to take off with him to some exotic corner of the world and just relax and have sex

you mean relax and have sex?" Evelyn asked with

to have sex. Go see a movie, make

the picture. Thanks,"

in the picture you got," Rayna said and they both

you just sign up on a dating site or something?"

a matter of fact, I'm traumatized

-Was it that bad?

happened?" She asked and

tell you about it after I get

should meet up. How about I

heart skipped a beat. She didn't want Rayna to know about Samantha yet. She just wasn't ready to explain that

being friends with Sandra for her sake. If Rayna knew about Samantha, there was every possibility that she might innocently tell Sandra about it and then just like that

I'm yet to set up my place. It is a mess, and I wouldn't want you to

I took the day off.

about we meet somewhere else then?" Evelyn suggested, feeling relieved to steer the conversation away from her

huh? How about a club? We could use a night out!" Rayna's voice was full of excitement, but Evelyn didn't share in

excitement

in the morning- there was also Samantha to consider.

a weeknight?" Evelyn tried to sound casual, but she could already

not like we will be there till Dawn. All we have to do is put on sexy clothes and hang out there for an hour or two. We are never going to meet any men if we don't go out, Eviel Don't do it for yourself. Do it for your lonely old friend," Rayna said and Evelyn couldn't help but chuckle at her friend's

do it

tone playful but firm.

Evelyn promised, knowing full well that

pleased. "Will Sandra be joining us? She sort of felt left out