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 was just platonic love, you know? Like family. That's why I "But after you left

words, her mind spinning. Liam? In love with her? Did that mean Margaret had been right about

throat

and maybe I should've said something sooner, but I want to be part of your life, Evie. If you'll have me." Liam's eyes were sincere, his voice

could go further, the doorbell rang again, cutting through

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

his expression one of concern. "Is everything alright? What are you doing here?"

as I could," Derek said, reminding her that he had someone on Michael's tail. Evelyn sighed, her shoulders sagging. "Yeah, he was here. He didn't do

broke through the tension. "Daddy!"

Derek

"Hey,

Liam

and scooped her up, hugging her

holding her close as he stepped

eyes widening slightly as he watched Samantha in another

"Daddy.

discomfort as she cleared her throat. "Liam, this is Derek, Samantha's father. Derek, this is Liam, my friend.

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

to one arm and shook

Thanks for looking out for Evelyn and Samantha all these

managed a small smile. "I was happy

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."

"You don't You

have

rush off. Stay for lunch, please," she said,

shook his head, laughing lightly. "I think I'll pass this time. It's... a little awkward now, don't you think? I'll call you when I get settled,

a soft smile. "I'll miss you too, Sammy. Be good for

Samantha have you to take care of them," he said, and

them," he said, stepping aside with Samantha as Evelyn escorted

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?" He asked, and Evelyn forced a

"I'm sorry..."

lunch, but I'm feeling too embarrassed to face you right now. You should be happy. As long

cool, right?" She asked

let you know when I

to living room and found Derek sitting in the dining with Samantha happily chattering away as she sat on

kitchen to

all swirled together in her mind, making her

smiled when Derek's k's arms wrapped

She

off

way?"

a hint of amusement in her