The Billionaire's Unexpected Proposal by Samantha

Chapter 151

Evelyn's day had been long, and by the time she stepped out of the cab in front of her home, the weight of exhaustion settled deep in her bones.

She straightened her coat as she walked up the path, a quiet sigh escaping her lips. All she wanted was a calm evening with Samantha, maybe some tea, and to collapse on the couch for a while.

As she unlocked the door, the soft murmur of voices drifted toward her. One was unmistakably Samantha's bright chatter, and the other, to her surprise, was Derek's. She paused in the doorway, blinking as she took in the scene.

She turned around, and only then did she notice that she had missed his car, which was parked outside.

Derek was seated on the floor with Samantha, a school assignment spread out in front of them. He was helping her with a math problem, and his voice was patient as he explained something. Samantha's eyes sparkled as she nodded enthusiastically, clearly thrilled to have him there.

"Daddy, I got it!" Samantha beamed, scribbling an answer down on her worksheet.

Evelyn stood there, warmth spreading through her chest as she watched them. She hadn't expected to see Derek here tonight. She stepped inside quietly, but Samantha was quick to spot her.

"Mommy!" Samantha called out excitedly, jumping up to her feet.

"Daddy's helping me with my homework!"

Evelyn smiled, though still a little surprised. "I see that, sweetheart.

You're doing great." She looked up at Derek, her brow furrowing slightly. "When did you leave your office?"

Derek rose from the floor, stretching his arms as he regarded her with a soft smile. "A while ago. You look exhausted, baby. Come sit down for a bit." His voice was gentle and filled with concern.

Without thinking, Evelyn moved toward him and sank into the chair close to him, the tension in her shoulders easing. Derek wasted no time, going to stand behind her and placing his hands on her shoulders, massaging gently. Evelyn closed her eyes briefly, grateful for the moment of respite.

Samantha, who had been watching them with a wide grin, giggled.

"Daddy's giving Mommy a massage!" she announced gleefully.

Derek chuckled, leaning down to kiss the top of Evelyn's head.

"Baby, could you please get your mom a glass of water?"

"Sure!" Samantha bounced out of the room happily, leaving the two of them alone for a moment.

As soon as she was gone, Derek lowered his voice. "I was at Michael's place earlier. That was the reason I got off work early," He paused, his hands continuing to work the knots from her muscles. "I'm close to getting the final piece of evidence we need. I planted cameras and bugs. We just need this last bit of proof, and you'll be cleared."

Evelyns eyes flew open, her breath catching. "You went to Michael's house? You planted-" She stopped, her mind racing.

"Derek, are you sure that's a good idea?"

"I'm sure," he said confidently, his hands stilling as he met her gaze. "It's the last and most important piece of evidence we need to prove your innocence. Once we have it, there's no going back for them. You'll be free of this mess, and we can focus on us." Before she could respond, Samantha returned, proudly holding out a glass of water. "Here you go, Mommy!"

the glass from her. "Thank

looking between

swirling with what Derek had just told her. She still had questions but could hardly ask them in front of Samantha. "I was busy working on an article

reassuring hand

Rayna will be fine."

asked, unable

his head. "No, I haven't. I tried to reach out, but his phone was off. But I wouldn't worry about him

the anxiety still gnawed at her. She was about

asked if they could come over on Sunday," he said as

widened slightly. "Really? Well, that's funny because

family affair. Samantha gets to have all her grandparents dote on

you going somewhere?" Evelyn asked curiously when

a delivery right about now," he replied

Here? What are

said with a cryptic grin, standing up. Just as

widened. "Come on," he said, taking her hand. "You'll want to see

followed him outside. The moment they stepped out the door,

front of the house were two

Evelyn stammered,

her face light up with surprise. "One's for you, and the other

in delight and ran toward the smaller car. "This is mine? Daddy, really?" she

of both cars stepped out of the cars and

Derek said, handing the keys to Evelyn,

her eyes brimming with emotion. "I- Derek,

into a tight embrace,

much for you, Eve. You deserve

use your

pulled back, her eyes shining. "We have to go for

drive. Is it for when I'm older?" Samantha asked, and both Evelyn and Derek

will get a bigger car when you grow older. For now, you'll have a driver, or Maya can drive you," Derek said, and Evelyn's expression faltered. "Wait... Where's Maya? I haven't seen her since I got back,"

"She's resting

serious if she's in need of rest. never agrees to take a break." Evelyn glanced

will check on her."

"Will

quickly made her way to Maya's room and knocked gently before entering. Maya was lying on her bed, her

sitting

her voice strained. "They've

worry deepened. "Have you taken

a bit. I'll be fine," Maya reassured her, though