The Billionaire's Unexpected Proposal by Samantha

Chapter 121

As the clock ticked closer to 7 PM, Evelyn felt the weight of the impending evening settling heavily in her chest.

Her mind raced, unable to settle on any single thought for more than a few seconds. She kept wondering what kind of trap she was about to walk into.

It didn't help that her stomach churned with anxiety, the kind that crept up on her as soon as she allowed herself a quiet moment. She glanced at her reflection in her bedroom mirror. The fitted black jumpsuit she had chosen clung to her curves, making her feel confident on the outside, even as her insides were a whirlwind of nerves. Rayna was supposed to pick her up, and they would head to the club together. But the uncertainty of what lay ahead still gnawed at her. Despite Derek's assurance that she'd be safe, she had been overthinking everything. He'd even promised wait outside the club in in case things went south. The thought of him parked nearby, ready to intervene, did bring a small measure of comfort.

But it didn't erase e the knot of fear tightening in her gut.

But

What was Sandra and Michael up to? And why now?

At exactly 6:30 PM, the doorbell rang. The sharp sound startled her, and she instinctively reached for her purse, quickly gathering herself as she moved toward the door. Evelyn braced herself, expecting to see Rayna's cheerful face, but when she opened the door, she blinked in surprise.

There,

"You

with his hands tucked i

I in his

pockets, was Derek. His familiar grin stretched across his face. "Hey, gorgeous," he greeted.

Standing casually with " she said, her tone Shit from anxious to pleasantly surprised as she opened the door wider to let him in.

dn't say you were coming," she

"I didn't want to spoil the surprise," he replied with a teasing wink, stepping inside with an easy confidence. over!

He closed the door behind I

him, his eyes sweeping

"You

into a soft smile, and a blush warmed her cheeks under his gaze. "Thanks," she murmured, the comfort of his presence already helping to ease some of her jitters. Derek stepped closer, placing his hands firmly on her shoulders. "Anxious?"

breath. "Very anxious,

another word, he

firm against hers. The kiss was slow, intentional, and filled with an emotion that seemed to melt away the anxiety clawing at her. r hands coming

heart racing for an entirely different reason. "What was that for?" she asked, her voice breathy with a hint of amusement. When he finally pulled I away, Evelyn

said, his lips still close to hers, "was to make your stomach flutter for something other than

She chuckled,

and almost relieved.

the sound

accomplished," she teased back, feeling a little more at

can't believe you're dressed this way for Sandra when you've never dressed this way for me," he said, and Evelyn laughed softly. "It's not my

circumstances. I don't care

date some e

Let's do

Derek

I

with a nou nod.

warmly before asking,

of her daughter's bedroom. "She's working on

nodded and took her hand, guiding her toward the living room, where they both sat down on the couch. The soft cushions seemed

tone becoming more serious. "It's part of the Diamond Edge Hotel

already knowing this, but she appreciated that Derek had done his homework. "Yeah, I know. We used to hang out there a lot in the past," she said, her fingers absentmindedly tracing the

leaned forward, his elbows resting on his knees as he continued. "Michael booked one of the suites there a little

at that.

He

his expression was taut with thought. "I'm not sure yet. But I think whatever Sandra's planning involves that suite. If I had to guess, they're probably trying to set you up with Michael somehow, but I can't figure out why Michael would do that. It doesn't make

maybe this is all Sandra's idea, and Michael doesn't

possible," Derek admitted, leaning back slightly. "But why do you think so?" He asked

he wouldn't reserve a