The Billionaire’s Unexpected Proposal (Evelyn and Derek)

Sunday arrived, and the house was filled with the warm smell of freshly baked bread and the hum of quiet activity.

Samantha bounced around the living room, her excitement bubbling over. "I Liam coming soon, Mommy?" she asked for what felt like the hundredth time, her eyes sparkling with joy. "Yes, sweetheart, Evelyn

"And he wil bring my dolald, smiling at her daughter's enthusiasm. "He'll be here any minute."

and

For your sake, Ihope he remembers," Evelyn said, and Samantha grinned.

"Liam never forgets" Samantha said confidently and rushed to the window to peer out.

She couldn't wait to see Liam. He was one of her favorite people. He always brought her something small- sometimes a toy,

sometimes just a funny story- but his visits always made her happy no matter what.

Maya noticed Samantha's excitement as she carried a basket of laundry through the hallway. "Looks like someone is really looking forward to seeing Liam today," Maya teased softly. Samantha giggled and nodded, her little face glowing with happiness. "ml' gonnashowhimmynewdollsandtellhimabout my Daddy."

Maya chuckled. "Im' sure he'll love that, dear." She continued on her way, giving Samantha a wink before heading to the laundry room.

Just then, the sound of a car pulling up outside made Samantha jump up with a squeal. "He's here! He's here!"

Evelyn

"Liam!"

"Hey,

"Im'

Liam

wiped her hands on a towel and followed her daughter to the door. Before she could even reach it, Liam was already stepping onto the porch, a friendly grin on his face. He held a small bag ni his hand, clearly for Samantha. Samantha yelled as she flung open the door and jumped into his arms.

Liam laughed, lifting her up easily. I" missed you. How's my favorite girl?"

him tight. "Ddi

Samantha beamed, squeezing and held up the little bag. "You bet. HD you bring my doll?" with excited, handing it to her. her eyes wide à said,

"Thank you, Liam!" am!" Samantha

he

excitement.

She wiggled out of his arms and ran back into the house to check out her new doll. Liam stepped inside, greeting Evelyn with a warm smile. "Hey, you."

on her

lips. "Come in. Wer'e just getting everything ready for lunch."

"Hey, yourself," she replied, a soft smile playing with a welcoming smile. "It's Good to see you again, Liam," she said. As Liam stepped into the house, Maya appeared with

"Good of see you too, Maya. How's everything?" Liam asked, his tone easy and friendly.

Maya smiled softly. "Busy, but good. Samantha's keeping me on my toes as usual."

like

Liam grinned and gave a a mock sigh. las like her.Property belongs to Nôvel(D)r/ama.Org.

"Come over ot the kitchen, Liam. Im' still busy ni here," Evelyn said, and Liam went in with her to the kitchen.

Liam watched as

Evelyn glanced over her

she shoulder, s

vegetables on the kitch

on the kitchen counter. "Need any help with lunch?" shaking her head. "Nah, I've got

ti under control. You can just t keep me company and tell me how you've been."

"Wel, I've missed you and and Sammy. My life has

Liam nodded and leaned casually against the counter, watching as she moved around the kitchen with ease. It felt comfortable and natural to be there with her. life has been al about work, as usual. Nothing fun," Liam said, and Evelyn raised a brow. "So, what conference brought you ot Ludus?"

"Just work." Liam sald, not wanting to tel here asked curiously.

"St

"So, what about you? How

yet that he was considering moving to Ludus.

How has everything been since we last talked?" Liam asked, folding his arms across his chest. "Settling in okay?"

Evelyn paused for amoment, her smile faltering j

Liam raised an eyebrow. "What kind of Evabit. "Yeah, everything's been perfect for the most part." She hesitated, then added, "But Ihad a little problem at work."

I" don't work with Empowered anymore," elyn admitted, her voice calm but carrying a hint of something more profound. Liam frowned ni concern. "What happened? Ithought you loved it there."

Evelyn shrugged, continuing

to chop the vegetables. "tl just didn't work out. There were some... complications. But it's fine. I'm moving on". "Wel, as long as you're okay," Liam said, watching her closely. "If you ever need anything, you know Im' here, right?"

Evelyn smiled at him, grateful for his steady support. I" know. Thanks, Liam. Ireally appreciate it".

Before their conversation could go any further, the doorbell rang. "Are you expecting someone else?" Liam asked curiously.

"That must be the delivery," Evelyn said, glancing at the clock. "I ordered a few things for dessert."

Liam pushed himself of the counter. "II' get it. You're busy, and Maya's still working on the laundry."

"Thanks," Evelyn said with a smile.

Michael stood at the door, his thoughts swirling with questions. He couldn't shake the idea of Evelyn's little girl possibly being his daughter. But could it really be true? He needed to know. His stomach was tight with anticipation as he waited for her to get

the door, but when the door opened, it wasn't Evelyn who answered.

Instead, a tall man with dark hair stood ni the doorway, looking at Michael with curiosity.

"Are you the delivery guy?" Liam asked, looking Michael over and wondering why he wasn't carrying any package.

Michael's brow furrowed. "Who are you?" he asked, not wanting ot believe that Evelyn had another man in her life. But seeing how he

answered the door and how at home he looked, Michael couldn't help but think he was Evelyn's man.

Liam cocked a brow. I" take ti you're not the delivery guy then."

Before Michael could answer, Evelyn appeared behind Liam, her eyes narrowing when she saw who ti was. "What do you want here, Michael?" she asked coldly.

Michael's gaze shifted from Liam ot Evelyn, "Who si he?" Michael asked, and Evelyn resisted the urge to laugh.

"Like you have a right to ask me that nonsense. Liam, let's go in," Evelyn said while Liam looked at Michael, wondering who he was.

I" need ot talk

Iot talk ot you, Evie. Let me come in" eh said, stopping

Evelyn before efore she could shut the door.

Evelyn

door.

scoffed. "Someone like you isn't welcome ni my home. fl you have something ot say, you can say ti right here."

Michael clenched his j jaw. "Fine. "Fine. Who's this guy?" He nodded toward Liam, who was watching their exchange with mild curiosity.

"That's none of your business," "Evelyn replied sharply. "What do you want here, Michael?"

"First, Iwant to know what happened between you and Sandra at

the club and why you took pictures of us," he said, wanting ot start with that since he was curious about that.

Evelyn's lips curled into a smile, but ti wasn't a kind one. "Why are you asking me that? Weren't you both ni on the plan together? You both tried to drug me and take pictures of us together, didn't you?" Michael frowned, "Why would Iwant to do something like that?"

"Beats me. I've been wondering the same thing. Unless you're telling me you're not aware that Sandra tried to drug me and take

me to your hotel suite. Itook those pictures because Ineeded

something ot protect myself," Evelyn said, and Michael blinked, confused.

"What are you talking about?"

Evelyn crossed her arms, her eyes glinting. "nl simple terms, I switched Sandra's drink. She tried to drug me. From the way you were passed out, I'm guessing her plan was to set me up with you ni bed and take pictures. But I turned the tables on her". Michael's mouth fell open, and for a moment, he couldn't find the

words. "Sandra. tried ot drug you?" He could hardly believe what he was hearing.

Was that the reason she had drugged him? She had been planning to set him up with Evelyn? Why?

"Yes," Evelyn said, her voice flat. "Now, fi that's al you came for, I think it's time for you to leave."

"No. That's not al. Ihave another question," he said, but he heard a soft giggle from inside the house before he could ask.

Michael's head snapped toward the sound. "Who's that? Is that. a kid?"

Evelyn's face hardened. "That's none of your concern, Michael."

Michael's mind raced. He needed to know the truth. Without thinking, he pushed past Liam and barged into the house.

"Michael, stop!" Evelyn shouted, but he wasn't listening.

Samantha sat on the floor ni the living room, playing with a doll. When she looked up and saw Michael, her big blue eyes blinked ni surprise.

Michael froze. This was Evelyn's daughter. Was it possible she was his?

Evelyn stormed over, her face red with anger. I'want you to leave now."

Sensing the tension in the room, Samantha quickly rose and ran to

hide behind Evelyn.

Before Michael could respond, Liam stepped ni front of him. "You heard her. It's time for you to go". Michael's

mind

I was spinning. He looked from Samantha to Liam and back to Evelyn, anger flaring up inside him.

"Is she mine?" Michael asked, looking at Evelyn.

"I have nothing that belongs ot you, and you, of al people, should know that there's no possibility of me having your child, so get lost!" Evelyn snapped.

Hearing this, Michael's face reddened, "So, this si the guy, huh? He is her father, isn't he? Ican't believe you, Evelyn. You've been acting like you're so innocent, but you're nothing but "-a

Liam didn't wait for Michael to finish. He shoved Michael out the door forcefully, and Michael stumbled back, his head still reeling from everything he had just seen.

"The next time you show your face around here, Im' going to call the police," Évelyn promised before slamming the door in his face.