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...."

what?" Evelyn

Mr. Stone. The owner of Stone Palace Hotel," Maya explained, hoping

noticed her

what she'd just heard. "Mr. Stone... Rek?" she repeated, as if trying to make the name fit into the chaotic puzzle of

weak, and she had to grip the back of the chair to steady herself. Rek was Derek. Derek Stone. Her Derek, Samantha's

noticing Evelyn's pallor, stepped forward, concern etched on

thoughts and emotions. How was it possible that despite all her efforts to keep Sarmantha away from Derek, he had found her! Not only found her but had effortlessly become a part of her daughter's life from the moment

be alone," Evelyn managed to say, her voice strained and shaky. Without waiting for a response, the nimed

she sank to the floor, her back against the door. Her breathing was erratic, her chest

this whole time? All those times Samantha

the times Samantha had told her about Rek from the very first

Chapter 82

Evelyn tried to escape, Derek would always find his way one way or

Samantha's innocent smile, her eyes lighting up when she talked about her friend Rek. How was

her voice choked with emotion. She pressed a hand to her chest, trying to calm the wild beating of

friends? At least that way Samantha would get

one!

was Samantha's Mom already? What if he had seen them together or Samantha had told him about her

through the silent apartment and Evelyn took a deep breath before walking out of her bedroom

already." Maya said, holding out

go ahead," Evelyn said as she glanced at

I really don't know what

I need to talk to Samantha, Evelyn said, and headed for Samantha's

and sobbing quietly looked up when her mother walked

I want him to be my friend, she cried as though she could read Evelyn's mind and

he talk to you first? What did he say to you? What have you said to him' Did.." Evelyn caught herself when