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.

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. I was in love with you." Evelyn's breath caught

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

her throat as

want to be part of your life, Evie. If you'll have me." Liam's eyes were sincere, his

could go further, the doorbell rang again, cutting

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

familiar face, his expression one of

as I could," Derek said, reminding

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

Derek

"Hey,

Liam

down and scooped her

her close as he

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

"Daddy.

Derek, this is Liam, my

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

arm and shook

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

small smile. "I was happy to

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

"You don't You

have

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

Liam 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

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

straightened and looked at Derek. "I'm glad Evelyn and Samantha have you to take care of them," he said, and Derek

had you with them," he said, stepping aside with Samantha

she felt a mix of emotions as she opened the

"I'm sorry..."

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

we are cool, right?" She asked hopefully,

I'll let you know

sitting in the dining with Samantha happily chattering away as she sat on

them, she went into the kitchen to continue what she was

confession, Derek's unwavering support- it all swirled together in her mind, making her heart

smiled when Derek's k's arms wrapped around her from

She

off

that way?" He

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