The Billionaire's Unexpected Proposal by Samantha

Evelyn sat at her desk, engrossed in her work, her fingers tapping lightly on her keyboard as she worked on the questions she was compiling for her interview with Derek. The phone on her desk buzzed softly, and she glanced down at the screen. A smile spread across her face when she saw Derek's name flashing.

Without hesitation, she picked up the phone. "Hey, D!" she greeted warmly, leaning back in her chair, her eyes twinkling with excitement.

"Hey, baby! How's your day going?" Derek's familiar voice came through the line, and she could hear the hint of a smile in his tone.

"Going smoothly so far" Evelyn replied, glancing briefly at the clock on her computer screen. "What about you?"

Derek chuckled softly. "Busy, as usual, but everything's on track. I wanted to check in and see if the movers have arrived at your place yet. Have you heard from Maya?" Evelyn's eyes brightened at the mention of the movers. "Not yet."

They had agreed to make the move that day while she was at work, keeping an eye on Sandra, and they were certain Michael was also in his office.

Maya was to coordinate the movers and take them to the new house, and after the close of school, she'd go get Samantha and take her to their new home. Evelyn would also go there after the close of work. "I assume they'll get there soon. The last time I spoke with them, they were on their way," Derek confirmed. "Also, I need to

to warn you - Sandra is planning to steal your phone to get rid of that video we have. You might want to be careful."

Evelyn let out a short, amused laugh. "Oh, she can try, but I'm not going to make it easy for her."

"I trust you not to. So, when are we inviting Rayna and Ethan over?" Derek asked, and Evelyn grinned.

"Wednesday would be good. What do you think? Or should we make it Friday?" Evelyn asked, thinking about how much time it would take to unpack.

"It depends on you. But don't forget that your parents will want to come over by the weekend, and my Dad will too," he said, and she smiled.

"Let's have them over by Wednesday then," Evelyn said, and before Derek could respond, his office door opened and his mother walked in.

mom just walked in," he said in

Talk

her how dinner had gone the previous night. "Talk to you later."

stiff, her face pale and uncertain. For a long

greeted quietly, nodding at her, "I heard from Dad. Did you

his for a moment before she nodded. "I did," she whispered. "I've seen everything, Derek. I don't know how to face

standing up from his desk. "It's not your fault. Michael and Sandra had everyone fooled."

for that." She swallowed hard, her eyes finally meeting his. "I came to apologize, Derek. I've been so blind... I didn't listen to you and tried to force my decisions on you. I see now how

was.'

across from her. "I love you, Mom. The only thing that matters to me is

lap. "I was so cruel to Evelyn... I judged

you mean it?

it," she insisted, her voice trembling with sincerity. "I'm truly sorry for everything. I've not been able to stop thinking about the incident in your suite. I said those harsh words to her and I made her lose her job. I feel so ashamed now." "Yes, I agree that you should be embarrassed. Your

is forgiving and sweet. I'm sure she

no doubt. Anyone that raised Samantha

DNA test," he said, and she shook her

too strong to ignore. I just didn't want to believe it at the time. I even... I even had a DNA test done..." she trailed off when Derek's eyes widened in surprise.

"I just

his chair, processing her

you already, I

hope you're okay with

just... I listened to Michael too much. This has taught me always to hear both sides of the story, no matter who tells it first." Derek studied her for a moment, then sighed. "I will arrange for you to meet Evelyn. Maybe you and Dad can come over to the house. We can all sit down and talk things through." But she quickly shook her head. "No, I want to meet her privately. I need to apologize and make amends before I

"Alright,