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.

tried to

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

daughter to look out for. You ran away six years ago, but I'm not going to let you run away again,

Rayna's words. She brushed them away quickly, trying to stay composed "What am I supposed to do now?" she

a 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

up the phone. I think she told Derek's mom." Rayna burst into laughter, catching

call" Rayna managed

Evelyn's lips

such a

La good idea."

What did you say to the

the conversation, feeling a little lighter as she heard Bayna's delighted giggles

Evie You've already leclared war on the snake, and

words. "Do you really think I should tell Derek about Samantha now? I don't want to

already thinks the worst about you! Bring back that 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 you kept

beat at the mention of her parents. "I was thinking about that earlier, but now

Rayna replied softly, "I'm sure enough for both of us. Do not let Sandra keep you apart from your father. I get that he hart your feelings, and you're mad at him for not handling things as you would have preferred, but it's time you extended a line

eyes stinging with unshed tears "What if he doesn't believe

to know why you ended things like you did. And after your explain, then you can tell him how hurt you were by the way he

I was just wondering the same

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

you see him. The longer you wait, the more upset he'll be. A man who defends you against his mother is

mom a text as soon as we hang up, inviting her and Dad over for dinner this weekend, Evelyn said as the cab driver pulled

knew anything about the anonymous relationship ad that

yet, but if it's in the relationship column, then it's legit. Empowered always runs the background check on people before putting out such

"Great then, 'cause I

up for it," Rayn said, and Evelyn raised a

about how Ethan is your destiny yesterday? You're already

I'm not putting all my eggs in one basket. I just want to see how this goes. Besides, I'm sure so many ladies would reach out to him,

to go now. And thank you, Ray. I do not deserve you or our