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.

before meeting her eyes again. "Evie, I know that 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 was just platonic

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

throat

to be part of your life, Evie. If

before Liam could go further, the doorbell

said quickly, turning away before Liam could say more. Her heart pounded

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

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

broke through the tension. "Daddy!" she cried, rushing toward Derek

Derek

"Hey,

Liam

down and scooped her up, hugging

holding her close as he stepped

doorway, his eyes widening slightly as he watched Samantha in another man's

"Daddy.

Derek, Samantha's father. Derek, this is Liam,

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

shifted Samantha to one arm and

lot about you, Liam. Thanks for looking out for Evelyn and

smile. "I was happy 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,

"You don't You

have

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

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. "I'll miss

Sammy. Be

Samantha have you to

with them," he said, stepping aside with

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

"I'm sorry..."

lunch, but I'm feeling too embarrassed to face you right

we are cool, right?" She asked

let you know when I arrive," he

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

into the kitchen to continue

support- it all swirled together in her mind, making her heart beat a

Derek's k's arms wrapped around

She

off

way?"

in her voice as she turned to face him. ecause you showed up at such a