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.

down at his hands for a moment 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 love, you know? Like family. That's why I "But after you left Husla, I realized... it wasn't just that.

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

throat as

know it's sudden, and maybe I should've said something sooner, but I want to be part of your

before Liam could go further, the doorbell rang again, cutting through

could say more. Her heart pounded as she hurried to the door, her

was met with Derek's familiar face, his expression one of concern. "Is

behind her, his 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,

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

Derek

"Hey,

Liam

scooped her up, hugging

'he murmured, holding her close as he stepped

in the kitchen doorway, his eyes widening slightly as he watched Samantha

"Daddy.

stomach twisted with discomfort as she cleared her throat. "Liam, this is Derek, Samantha's father. Derek, this

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

to one arm and

lot about you, Liam. Thanks for looking out for

small smile. "I was happy

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

"You don't You

have

said, not wanting him to leave

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, I promise." Samantha motioned for Derek

"I'll miss you too, Sammy. Be good for your mom, okay?"

Derek. "I'm glad Evelyn and Samantha have you

stepping aside

heart was heavy, and she felt a mix of emotions as she opened the door. Liam smiled at her, "Talk about

"I'm sorry..."

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

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

know when I

in the dining with Samantha happily chattering away

kitchen to continue what she

it all swirled together

arms wrapped around her

She

off

way?"

a nice guy. Why did he run "Evelyn said, a hint of amusement in her voice as she turned