The Billionaire's Unexpected Proposal by Samantha

Chapter 136

Evelyn's breath hitched as she turned from the door to see Samantha's little face pale and frightened. She wrapped her arms tightly around Evelyn's leg, her small body trembling. "I'm sorry about that, baby. Were you very startled?" Evelyn asked as she patted Samantha's hair.

who was that man?" Samantha asked, her voice barely a whisper. Evelyn knelt down, cupping her daughter's face gently.

"Mommy, that

that was just someone Mommy used to know. He's gone now," Evelyn said softly, brushing Samantha's hair away from her face. "You don't have to worry about him." "But he scared me," Samantha whimpered, clinging to her mother. baby. You're safe. No one will hurt you. I promise."

Evelyn pulled her into a a warm embrace. "It's okay,

at the

As Evelyn held her close, Mayan nodded, knowway, her eyes flicking between the two. "Sammy, come introduce me to your new baby, will you? Mommy needs to finish up in the kitchen," Maya called softly.

Evelyn hesitated for a a moment, then

Maya

had always been a comfort to Samantha. "Go show Maya your new doll while I finish up," she said, kissing Samantha's temple. Maya scooped Samantha up gently, whispering soothing words as she carried her toward the bedroom. Evelyn sighed, feeling the weight of the morning settling into her bones. She turned back toward the kitchen and found Liam standing there, his face filled with concern.

"Evie," Liam said, stepping closer. "Who is Michael? Is he Samantha's father?"

Evelyn shook her head quickly. "No, Michael's not her father. He's... he's my ex-fiancé."

Liam's brow furrowed, and he exhaled slowly, looking a little relieved. "I see. I just... I'm sorry if I overstepped."

shook her head, feeling a mix of emotions. "No, Liam, you didn't overstep. I'm sorry for the embarrassment. I didn't want you to get involved."

gave e her a soft smile. "You don't need to

Evelyn shook

Liam t need to apologize. I'm glad I was here. If he had done anything more, I wouldn't have let him." Evelyn smiled back, her heart swelling with gratitude. "Thank you.

I I should get back to the kitchen," she said, and Liam followed her back in.

they returned to the kitchen, Evelyn hesitated for a

Evelyn took a a breath, ready to say something, but before she thinking that this might be a good time to tell Liam about Derek. could, Liam spoke first.

"I wanted to tell you something," he said, his voice hesitant yet steady.

have s

something to tell you, too. But you can go first," Evelyn said with a small smile.

you. I've always liked you, but I thought it was just platonic love, you know? Like family. That's why I "But after you left Husla, I realized... it wasn't just that. I was in love with you." Evelyn's breath caught

chuckled nervously processed his words, her mind spinning. Liam? In love with her? Did that

her throat

should've said something sooner, but I want to be part of your life, Evie. If you'll have me." Liam's

her chest, and thankfully, before Liam could go further, the doorbell rang again, cutting through

Liam could say more. Her heart pounded as she

she opened the door, she was met with Derek's familiar face, his expression one of concern. "Is everything alright?

as I could," Derek said, reminding her that he had someone on Michael's tail. Evelyn sighed, her shoulders

voice broke through the tension. "Daddy!" she

Derek

"Hey,

Liam

scooped her

murmured, holding her close

widening slightly as he watched Samantha in

"Daddy.

Samantha's father. Derek, this is

little pale. "Nice to meet you," he said,

Samantha to one arm and shook Liam's

you, Liam. Thanks for looking out

managed a small smile. "I was happy to

at Evelyn, his eyes flicking between her and Liam, sensing the tension in the air but choosing to ignore it. "How long are you in town?" Derek asked, changing the subject smoothly. "I'd like to buy you a drink before you leave." Liam shifted awkwardly "I'm leaving tomorrow. Actually, I should probably get going so I can

"You don't You

have

said,

little awkward now, don't you think? I'll call you when I get settled, I promise." Samantha motioned for Derek to put her down, and when he did, she hugged Liam's leg, her eyes wide.

down to her level, giving her a soft smile. "I'll miss you too, Sammy. Be good for your mom, okay?" He said, patting her

at Derek. "I'm glad Evelyn and Samantha have you to take care

they had you with them," he said, stepping aside with Samantha as Evelyn escorted Liam to

confession hung between them. Her heart was heavy, and she felt a mix of emotions as she opened the door. Liam smiled at her, "Talk about wrong timing, huh?"

"I'm sorry..."

embarrassed to face you right now. You should be happy. As

right?" She

you know when I

found Derek sitting in the dining with Samantha happily chattering

she went into the kitchen to continue what she was

together in her

when Derek's k's arms

She

off

way?"

Why did he run "Evelyn said, a hint of amusement in her voice as she turned to face him.