The Billionaire's Unexpected Proposal by Samantha

Chapter 213 +5

The following day, Derek and Evelyn decided to see Sandra as planned before going to his parent's home to inform them about their findings and also pick up Samantha.

Derek tightened his grip on Evelyn's hand as they approached the gray concrete walls of the prison.

The air felt heavier here; the echoes of distant voices and the sharp clang of metal gates made Evelyn's heart race. It was her first time in a prison environment, and she couldn't help feeling uneasy.

That morning Derek had tried to convince her once again that she shouldn't visit Sandra, but she had insisted. Sandra had asked to see her, and no matter how complicated her feelings were, she needed to know why.

A guard led them through a series of security checks until they reached a small visitation room. A metal table stood at the center, flanked by two sets of chairs. Evelyn's eyes drifted to the scratched surface of the table, her thoughts swirling with uncertainty. The door on the opposite side creaked open, and Sandra entered.

Evelyn's breath caught as she took in the sight of her. Sandra was a shadow of her former self. Her once-vibrant complexion was now pale, her cheeks hollow. Her hair, tied back in a limp ponytail, lacked its usual luster. Dressed in a standard-issue prison uniform, she looked smaller, as though the weight of her actions had physically diminished her.

Sandra walked in, her eyes fixed on the ground. She seemed reluctant to meet their gaze, her hands nervously twisting together as she lowered herself into the chair opposite them. Her shoulders were hunched, and her eyes remained fixed on the table. Evelyn felt a pang of pity despite everything Sandra had done.

"How are you?" Evelyn's voice was soft, carrying an unexpected note of concern.

Sandra's head jerked up, her eyes wide with surprise. She hadn't expected Evelyn to ask that. "I'm... fine," she replied hesitantly, her voice barely above a whisper. "Thank you for coming." Derek leaned forward, his expression hard. "She shouldn't have come. I didn't want her to. But she insisted." His voice carried an edge of warning. "Don't make me regret bringing her here."

to Evelyn.

wanted to apologize.

but she said nothing,

they lay clasped on the table. "'ve had a lot of time to think she began, her voice trembling. "And I've realized how wrong I was. My anger at you, Evelyn- it wasn't justified. You didn't deserve what I did and tried to do to you." Her eyes brimmed with tears as she looked at Evelyn. "Even when

to

sudden change of heart? To tell her you've finally come to your senses? Because if that's all, she

before she could respond, Evelyn placed a calming hand on Derek's arm. He turned to her, his jaw clenched, but her gentle touch seemed to defuse some of his

for what her father had done to his parents and for what Sandra had almost done to

now?" Evelyn asked, her voice steady but laced with curiosity.

that I would do this if

"Do you know why your biological father

brows knitted together in confusion. "What do you

biological father, Victor Harding," Evelyn said, and Sandra's frown deepened, and

know about him? Did Mom tell you? Why are you

eyes locking with Sandra's.

color drained from Sandra's face. Her lips parted in shock, and her eyes darted to Derek, then back to Evelyn "What?" she breathed, her voice barely audible. Tears welled up in her eyes, spilling over as she shook her head in disbelief. "No... that can't be