The Billionaire's Unexpected Proposal by Samantha

Chapter 82

"What are you talking about Evelyn asked, folding her arms as she regarded Maya with a raised brow

Maya cleared her that, suddenly feeling a bit nervous under Evelyn's scrutinizing gaze. "Evelyn," she began, choosing her words carefully, "I mean. Samantha wasn't talking about a child. Rek is an adult." Evelyn blinked, her smile faltering "What do you mean an adul?“.

Maya hestated, casting a quick glance at Samantha, who was nodding vigorously. "He is a grown man."

For a mom

a moment, Evelyn didn't respond. her brain struggling to process the information. She felt a cold shiver race down her spine. "What?" she managed to say, her voice barely above a whisper.

Maya rushed on, sensing the tension building "I'm sorry I didn't tell you earlier, Evelyn. I thought you knew. I mean, I assumed when Samantha talked about Rek, you knew he was an adult. I didn't think he would come across as a child-

Evelyn's face paled visibly, her heart skipping several beats. "You let a stranger spend time with my daughter?" she asked, her voice rising in pitch, her gaze sharp as it focused on Maya. "A man we know nothing about?" She asked as she rose from her seat.

Samantha piped up. "But Mommy, Rek is not a stranger! He's my friend!" She looked from her mother to Maya, confusion clouding her young

Evelyn turned to Samantha, her expression harsh "Hush, Samantha. This is an adult conversation. Go to your room," she ordered as she picked up the remote controller and turned off the television. Samantha's face fell, and she rose from her seat, her steps slow and reluctant as she walked away. Maya waited until Samantha was out of earshot before she spoke again, her voice a touch defensive. "Evelyn, I didn't think

"Exactly, Maya! You didn't think!" Evelyn cut in sharply. "What if he's a kidnapper, a child trafficker or a pedophile targeting Samantha? Did you

Even consider that?"

Maya's o eyes widened, and she shook her head quickly. "No, I didn't think that at all. He seemed like a decent man, Evelyn. He was polite, and he genuinely seemed to care about Samantha's wellbeing" Evelyn let out a shon, disbelieving laugh. "And how do you know that, Maya? Because he seemed decent? You can't judge a person by a few polite words and a smile?

Maya's face flushed, and she looked down. "I'm sorry, Evelyn. 1 really am. I should have told you sooner. I just... I didn't see any harm in it. Mir Stone has been nothing but kind to Samu "Wait What?" She asked, her heart skipping a bear

"I said he's been nothi...."

Evelyn

actually Mr. Stone. The owner of Stone Palace

calming her, Maya noticed her

breath was coming faster, her mind racing as she tried to piece together the implications of what she'd just heard. "Mr. Stone... Rek?" she repeated, as if trying to make the name fit into the chaotic puzzle of her

like a physical blow, knocking the wind from her lungs. Her knees felt weak, and she had to grip the back

concern etched on her face. "Evelyn, are

despite all her efforts to keep Sarmantha away from Derek, he had

a

Evelyn's legs gave way, and she sank to the floor, her back against the door. Her breathing was erratic, her chest tight with

All those times

all the times Samantha had told her about Rek from the very first day they had arrived and

Chapter 82

words about fate and destiny. Was this what she had meant! That no matter how hard Evelyn tried to escape, Derek would always find his way one way or the other into her life?

ached at the thought of Samantha's innocent smile, her eyes lighting up when she talked about her friend Rek. How was Evelyn supposed to put an end to that friendship

to herself, her voice choked with emotion. She pressed

At least that way Samantha would get to spend time with her

one!

Mom already? What if he had seen them together or Samantha had

sound of the doorbell cut through the silent apartment and Evelyn took a deep breath before walking out of her bedroom to go answer the pizza

Maya said, holding out the

go ahead," Evelyn said as she glanced at Samantha's bedroom

I'm very sorry. I really don't know what

talk to Samantha, Evelyn

sobbing quietly looked

as though she could read Evelyn's mind and tell that she wanted to put an end to

me everything about Rek. How did you meet him? Did he talk to you first? What did he say to you? What have you said to him' Did.." Evelyn