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 her. "Thank

between them. "So,

"I was busy working on an article for most of it. And then

placing a reassuring hand on her

Rayna will be fine."

Evelyn asked, unable to keep the concern

but his phone was off. But I wouldn't

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

parents asked if they could come over on Sunday," he said as he sat down beside

Well, that's funny because

affair. Samantha gets to have all

you going somewhere?" Evelyn asked curiously when she caught him glancing at

about now," he replied with

Here? What are

standing up. Just as

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

moment they stepped out the door, her

the house were

what is this?" Evelyn

with surprise. "One's for you,

followed them outside, squealed in delight and ran toward the smaller car. "This is

said as the drivers of both cars stepped

the keys

with emotion. "I- Derek,

her into a tight embrace, his voice soft against

is too much for you, Eve. You deserve it. No

can use your car

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

when I'm older?"

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

smile faded slightly. "She's resting upstairs. She wasn't

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

will check on her."

"Will

way to Maya's room and knocked gently before entering. Maya was lying

asked, sitting on the edge

her voice strained. "They've been getting

deepened. "Have you taken

to lie down for a bit. I'll be fine," Maya reassured her, though her discomfort was evident. Evelyn hesitated,