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.

what I'm about to say might come as a surprise to you. The thing is, Ilike you. I've always liked you, but I thought it

Liam? In love

throat

sooner, but I want to be part of your life, Evie.

go

get that," she said quickly, turning away before Liam could say more. Her heart pounded as she hurried

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

could," Derek said, reminding her that he had someone on Michael's tail.

more, Samantha's excited voice broke through the tension. "Daddy!" she cried, rushing toward

Derek

"Hey,

Liam

down and scooped her up,

close

widening slightly as he watched Samantha in another man's arms, calling

"Daddy.

Samantha's father. Derek, this is Liam, my friend. He was here when Michael showed up and

face still a little pale.

one arm

heard a lot about you, Liam. Thanks for

small smile. "I was happy to

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 rest up for my flight." "That's a shame," Derek said, and Evelyn stepped forward, concern etched on her

"You don't You

have

rush off. Stay for lunch, please," she said, not wanting him to leave just

when I get settled, I promise." Samantha

miss you too, Sammy. Be

Samantha have you to take care of them,"

he said, stepping aside with Samantha as Evelyn

guilt, knowing his confession hung between them. Her heart was heavy, and she felt a mix of emotions as

"I'm sorry..."

for lunch, but I'm feeling too embarrassed to face you right now. You

we are cool, right?" She asked hopefully, and he

I'll let you know when

in the dining with Samantha happily chattering away as

them, she went into the kitchen to continue what she

Derek's unwavering support- it all swirled together in

when Derek's k's arms wrapped around her

She

off

that way?" He

did he run "Evelyn said, a hint of amusement in her voice as she turned to face him. ecause you showed up at