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

said." Evelyn leaned back in the cab seat, staring blankly out the window, "I wish I

all your life. You have a daughter to look out for. You ran away six years ago, but I'm not going to let you run away again, do you

with the pressure of Rayna's words. She brushed them away quickly, trying to stay composed "What am

"How did Derek's mom know you were with him? Did she

her lip. "It's my fault. Sandra called Derek while I was with him, and I. I 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

of Evelyn's lips despite herself. "Tin

such a

La good idea."

you say to the snake?" Rayna's one lightened considerably, the earlier tension

feeling a little lighter as she heard Bayna's

on the snake,

Kayna's words. "Do you really think I should

wine on Sandra at the anniversary party to live up to the image she was creating of you.

at the mention of her parents. "I

be sure," 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 grace. If you don't tell him what happened, he will never know the

unshed tears

if you don't tell him," Rayna said gently. "He deserves 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 acted Evelyn let out a long, deep sigh. "When did you become so

I was just wondering the same

shoulders easing just a bit. "Alright, I tell

Sammy the next time you see him. The longer you wait, the more

the warmth of Rayna's words wrapping around her like a hug. "Thanks, Ray, I feel better now. And to make sure I don't back out. I'm sending my mom a text as soon as we hang up, inviting

anything about the anonymous relationship ad

seen it 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 ads, Evelyn said as she dug into her wallet for money and

"Great then, 'cause I

signing up for it," Rayn said, and

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

to see how this goes. Besides, I'm sure so many ladies would

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