The Billionaire's Unexpected Proposal by Samantha

After hanging up her call with Derek, Evelyn felt a flood of relief and anticipation as she rushed to open the door.

The moment Rayna walked in and shut the door behind her, Evelyn threw her arms around her in a warm, tight

hug. "Thanks for coming," she said, her voice full of gratitude.

Rayna tilted her head back, raising an eyebrow with a playful smile. "What's with all the excitement, Evie? We

just saw each other yesterday. Why are you acting like we haven't seen in years?"

Evelyn let out an embarrassed laugh, brushing a stray hair behind her ear. "Well, I've been anxious all morning,

and | barely slept last night. I'm just happy to see you. Your presence would keepdistracted," she said, and

Rayna raised a brow.. Raynas playful smile softened into a look of concern. "Distracted from what, exactly?

What's going on? Is it something with Sandra? Did she attempt something?" she asked, her voice growing

serious.

Evelyn took a deep breath, glancing around. "Yes, actually. But cin, let's sit down; this isn't something we

can discuss while standing by the door," she said, leading Rayna into the cozy living room.

As they settled onto the couch, Rayna looked around, frowning slightly. "The house is so quiet. Where is

everyone? Is Derek out with Sam?"

Evelyn shook her head, gesturing toward the staircase. "Sam is upstairs keeping busy with her drawing. Maya

stepped out for a bit."

Rayna opened her handbag, pulled out a packet of cookies, and handed it to Evelyn. "This is for Sam."

Evelyn smiled, shaking her head. "You spoil her too much with these sweet treats. | swear she has had more

sugar since she met you than she has all her life."

Rayna laughed, a twinkle in her eyes. "What else can you expect from an aunt who bakes? Now, enough with the

small talk. Tellwhat's happening. What's really going on, Evelyn?"

Taking another steadying breath, Evelyn began. "So, after our shopping trip yesterday, | chto see my

parents in the house with Derek. He invited them and his parents..."

"Weren't you all supposed to meet on Sunday? Don't tellDerek proposed last night," Rayna said, narrowing

her eyes as her gaze fell on Evelyn's finger.

"No. Of course not. I'm sure he wouldn't do that without you in the picture," Evelyn said, and Rayna nodded with

approval.

"I just wanted to be sure you know it, and he knows it too. If he had proposed, | would have seized the ring, and

he would have done it all again in front of me," Rayna said with a grin, and Evelyn laughed, feeling thankful for

Rayna's good sense of humor, which she infused into everything. "So, as | was saying, Derek invited both our

parents over..."

Rayna rolled her eyes, pretending to yawn. "Can you cut to the chase, Evie?"

Evelyn took a shaky breath before finally blurting it out. "Sandra has plans... to kill Michael andtonight."

Rayna's expression shifted instantly, her mouth hanging open in shock. "What? Sandra? Tonight? Are you

serious?" She asked, shock freezing her in place.

Evelyn nodded. She poured out every detail of the plan, the danger Sandra posed, Derek's efforts to thwart her,

and how they had decided to involve Michael in their plans. When she was done, Rayna just sat there silently,

shaking her head in disbelief and anger as she processed every detail.

"This is both sad and annoying," Rayna muttered, anger flickering in her eyes. "I'm sad for your stepmom. That

beautiful woman doesn't deserve an evil daughter like Sandra. How could Sandra even think of doing this to you?

You are her sister, for crying out loud! And now you have to hide for weeks?"

Evelyn nodded slowly. "Yeah. Just until Derek's mother's birthday. | hope you will visitoften, though, she

added with a small, hopeful smile.

Rayna reached out and squeezed Evelyn's hand. "Of course | will.

You should know you don't even need to ask," Rayna said firmly. "I can do your grocery shopping, run errands...

whatever you needto do, just say the word." Evelyn's lips curved into a small, grateful smile. "Thank you,

Ray.

But that won't be necessary. | will be getting domestic staff to help out around the house by Monday, so that

should make things easier."

A comfortable silence fell between them as they absorbed the situation's weight. After a moment, Evelyn looked

at Rayna with a soft expression. "Enough about my troubles. How are you? And... how's the situation with Ethan

today?"

Rayna's face fell slightly, her expression turning resigned. "Well, I've been thinking about it since last night, and

I've decided to let go of that mess. No doubt, | made a mistake by reacting the way | did that night at the club.

But | know my worth, Evie. | don't think | want to be with a man who holds grudges that way or judgesand

treatsso harshly for a single moment's mistake. It doesn't matter what | think we shared or thought we could

have. It's not worth it if he's such a petty person. | wanta nice gentleman who treatswith respect and

kindness no matter how upset he is.

Evelyn nodded, a look of understanding in her eyes. "I thought about that too. | didn't want to say anything

before, but | think you're making the right choice. You don't deserve to be treated this way. You deserve someone

who values you."

Rayna gave a small, determined nod. "Exactly. I've deleted his number, our chats, even his emails. I'm done.

Maybe | will consider a dating site after stime, but only when I'm ready. | don't want to coff as

desperate anymore than | have already," Rayna said, and Evelyn smiled as she reached out, covering Rayna's

hand with hers and a gentle warmth in her eyes. "You're an incredible person, Ray. You deserve only the best,

and | know you will find it."

Rayna smiled, squeezing Evelyn's hand back. "Thanks, Evie. | really hope so."

A flicker of laughter brightened Rayna's eyes. "Now, enough with all the unpleasant talk. Let's focus on

distracting you and making you laugh."