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!"

taking the glass from

looking between them. "So,

of Samantha. "I was busy working on an article for most of it. And then I tried to visit Rayna, but she

nodded, placing a reassuring hand on her arm. "Don't

Rayna will be fine."

Evelyn asked, unable to keep

I tried to reach out, but his phone was off. But I wouldn't worry about him either.

the anxiety still gnawed at her. She was about to say something more when

they could come over on Sunday," he said

slightly. "Really? Well, that's

family affair. Samantha gets to have all her grandparents dote on her at the same time," He said, and Samantha

Evelyn asked curiously when she caught him glancing at

right about now," he replied with a small

Here? What are you

with a cryptic grin, standing

grin widened. "Come on," he said, taking her

outside. The moment they stepped out

the

this?" Evelyn stammered,

watching her face light up with surprise. "One's for

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

said as the drivers of both cars stepped out of the cars and brought the keys to

babe," Derek said, handing the keys

her eyes brimming with emotion.

a tight embrace, his voice soft against

too much for you, Eve. You deserve

use your car

eyes shining. "We have to go

for when I'm older?" Samantha asked, and both Evelyn and Derek

older. For now, you'll have a driver, or Maya can drive you," Derek said,

smile faded slightly. "She's resting upstairs.

mentioned having cramps that morning. It must be serious if she's in need of rest. never agrees to take a break." Evelyn glanced back at

will check on her."

"Will

gently before entering. Maya was lying on her bed,

wrong?" Evelyn asked, sitting on

her voice strained. "They've

"Have you

need to lie down for a bit. I'll be fine," Maya reassured her, though her discomfort was evident. Evelyn hesitated, her brow furrowing. "You've never mentioned