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.

come as a surprise to you. The thing is, Ilike you. I've always liked you, but I thought it was just platonic love, you know? Like family. That's

chuckled nervously processed his words, her mind spinning. Liam? In love with her? Did that mean Margaret had been right about it

her throat as

to be part of your

before Liam could go further, the

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

met with Derek's familiar face, his expression one of concern. "Is everything alright? What are you doing here?" she asked, surprised to see

gaze quickly assessing the situation. "I was told Michael came by, and I came as soon as I could," Derek said, reminding her that he had someone on Michael's tail. Evelyn sighed, her shoulders sagging. "Yeah, he was

could say more, Samantha's excited voice broke through the tension. "Daddy!"

Derek

"Hey,

Liam

down and scooped her

'he murmured, holding her close

in the kitchen doorway, his eyes widening slightly as he

"Daddy.

father. Derek, this is Liam, my friend. He was here when Michael showed up and helped me get

gave a tight nod, his face still a little pale. "Nice to meet you,"

Samantha to one arm and shook

for looking out for Evelyn and Samantha all

small smile. "I was happy to

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

"You don't You

have

she said, not wanting

this time. It's... a 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.

to her level, giving her a soft smile. "I'll miss you too, Sammy. Be good for your

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

stepping aside with

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

"I'm sorry..."

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

She asked hopefully, and he

let you know when

Liam left, Evelyn returned to living room and found Derek sitting in the dining with Samantha happily chattering away as she

the kitchen to

together in her mind, making her heart beat

k's arms wrapped around her

She

off

that way?"

in her voice