The Billionaire's Unexpected Proposal by Samantha

Chapter 91

H

Evelyn's heart pounded in her chest as the cab sped toward the office. She clasped her trembling hands together as if it would help her hold herself together.

The confrontation with Derek's mother replayed in her mind, each scornful word ringing in her ears like a bell she couldn't silence.

Her stomach knotted as she remembered the fury in his mother's e

eyes, the venom in her words.

Why had she thought this was a good idea? The chill of doubt settled deep within her, mingling with the heat of regret.

Had she just made things worse! The question gnawed at her. Did she just complicate things further by throwing caution to the wind and acting so recklessly?

The last thing Evelyn wanted was to drive a wedge between Derek and his parents, and it seemed like she had done just that. She sighed deeply, trying to still the storm of emotions inside her Maybe she shouldn't have listened to Rayna Opening up like that was a terrible idea. But it was too late to undo it now.

She was started out of her thoughts when her phone buzzed from inside her bag. Quickly, she fished it out, her heart fluttering with a fleeting hope that maybe it was Derek calling to say that everything was fine and that he had resolved things with his mother. But her face fell when she saw Rayna's name flashing on the screen.

Evelyn answered with a soft sigh, trying to keep her voice steady

"Hey! Are you there yet? I hope you haven't chickened our Rayna's voice, always so full of energy, crackled through the line.

Evelyn bit her lip. "I don't know why I let you talk me into this, I shouldn't have."

Rayna cut her off concern lacing her tone. "Did something happen? What happened? Is he mad at you for keeping Samantha from him?"

Evelyn could picture Rayna on the other end of the line, probably pacing in that no-nonsense way she did when she was worried. Evelyn swallowed, closing her eyes as she relived the scene. "I didn't get to that part before his mother showed up. She was furious. She called me a a good-for-nothing slut. She said she would never let someone like me be involved with her son. Rayna, I was scared I don't think I'm ready for all of thi Evelyn's voice faltered.

There was a long pause on the other end of the line, then Rayna's voice hardened. "What did Derek do? Did he take your side, or did he just stand there and let his mom talk to you like that?" Rayna asked since Derek's reaction was more important to her.

If Derek had stood there and watched his Mom say all of that without defending Evelyn, then as far as she was concerned. Evelyn would have no more business with him.

to defend me.

Rayna said, the relief in her voice unmistakeable. "That's all that matters, Evie. Forget whatever his mother said and focus on what he said." Evelyn leaned back in the cab seat, staring blankly out the window, "I wish I could, but

firm. "You can't run from confrontations all your life. You have a daughter to look out for. You ran away six years ago, but I'm not going to let

Rayna's words. She brushed them away quickly, trying to stay composed "What

moment, then asked, "How did Derek's mom know you were with him? Did she just randomly show up, or do you think someone tipped her off? Rayna

picked up the phone. I think she told Derek's mom." Rayna burst into laughter, catching Evelyn off guard. "What's Guy" Evelyn asked, still feeling

you answered Sandra's call" Rayna managed through

the corner of Evelyn's lips despite herself. "Tin not

such a

La good idea."

I think it was perfect What did you say to the snake?" Rayna's one lightened

as she heard Bayna's delighted giggles on the

You've already leclared war on the snake, and I love at

"Do you really think I should tell Derek about Samantha

bitch in you that poured wine on Sandra at the anniversary party to live up to the image she was creating of you. Stop trying to be the peacekeeper. Derek won't thank you for it when he finds out

of her parents. "I was thinking about that earlier, but now I'm not

at him for not handling things as you would have preferred, but it's time you extended a line grace. If you don't tell him what happened, he will never know the truth, and the misunderstanding will dragon endlessly. Think about it: if your father had died while you were gone, wouldn't you have been heartbroken

eyes stinging with unshed tears "What if

after your explain, then

just

the tension in her shoulders easing just a bit. "Alright, I tell him. Maybe I'll invite my parents over

her voice. "And don't forget to tell Derek about Sammy the next time you see him. The longer you

out. I'm sending my mom a text as soon as we hang up, inviting her

knew anything about the anonymous relationship ad that was put up on the Empowered Instagram

but if it's in the relationship column, then it's legit. Empowered always runs the background check on people before putting out such ads, Evelyn said as she dug into her wallet for money

"Great then, 'cause I

for it," Rayn said,

you singing about how Ethan is your destiny yesterday? You're already moving on from your

I'm not putting all my eggs in one basket. I just want to see how this goes. Besides, I'm sure so

I got to go now. And thank you, Ray. I do not